Remember my July 25th post? The day has come!
Read it here.
Saturday, December 25, 2010
Monday, December 20, 2010
Monday, December 13, 2010
We're Not Friends
I have an unusual relationship with my boss. Both my bosses actually. And when I say unusual, it's unusual for me because I've never had this kind of relationship with a boss before. It might not be that unusual for other people.
We were friends long before she was ever my boss. We worked in the same department in different areas and it never occurred to us that she'd ever be my boss. When it did happen, it was hard. I kind of thought it would be really easy. It was anything but that. She's an extremely hard person to work for. She expects everything but gives nothing. I had very little training. She was always gone. I always felt like a candle in the wind. When she did give training, it was tedious and uninformative. I usually had more questions that answers. The thing is, I knew about some of these traits before I worked for her, but because I was her friend, I thought it might be different with me. You know how friends lookout for their friends? Well, I was wrong about that. She doesn't do that. Like I said, candle in the wind. The saving grace in the beginning was she was only my supervisor and my boss was actually someone I did trust. So when things got unbearable, I had someone to go to. However, this eventually changed and she became a manager. A real mistake in my opinion. And other people feel the same way. She isn't manager material. But I digress. Back to our friendship. It became hard to be her friend and work for her, too. The way she treated/managed me was horrible. Honestly, it was. You don't just leave people in a new job to fend for themselves. And it was a technical position and I had no idea about how things worked. That's where training would have helped. So I ended up having a lot of resentment about it all. But she was clueless. She really was. Sometimes people act clueless, but they really know what's going on. She really was so wrapped up in herself that she never noticed what a struggle it was for me to figure things out and that she was at the root of the problem. She's one of those people who if you said something about it, she'd look at you all crazy because she was totally oblivious to any wrong doing on her part. She's still like that. She absolutely never takes responsibility for anything. If you tell her how you feel.....it's "I'm sorry you feel that way" with the implication the way you're feeling is beyond her control and it's your problem....you've chosen to feel that way.....has nothing to do with her. She's blind to the fact something has to happen to cause the feeling. Whatever event occurred manages to get squashed and your feelings become the focus...taking the focus off the event and making you look over emotional or too sensitive. It's really frustrating, as you can imagine. So I pulled away from her quite a bit. I only saw her at work and avoided any personal activity. She noticed this but didn't understand it. She made comments to me a few times that she missed our friendship. Kind of trying to ask me what the problem was. But I always managed to get away from talking about it with her. Like I said, she wouldn't understand my side of it. And I still have to work for her, so it's unproductive to have conversations with her about something she will never comprehend and would likely lead to an argument.
There are times when things get a little easier, but this isn't often. She is who she is and she'll never change. I know this. And as I get older I understand more. I've come to understand the way things are and just accept them. I was always waiting for things to change and, of course, they didn't and they never would. Waiting and hoping for something that will never be is disheartening. Your soul wants to shine brightly but the hope for something that won't happen is like a black spot on your soul that won't let the light through. When you let go of it, the black spot will be gone.
We're not friends. And my soul shines brighter now.
We were friends long before she was ever my boss. We worked in the same department in different areas and it never occurred to us that she'd ever be my boss. When it did happen, it was hard. I kind of thought it would be really easy. It was anything but that. She's an extremely hard person to work for. She expects everything but gives nothing. I had very little training. She was always gone. I always felt like a candle in the wind. When she did give training, it was tedious and uninformative. I usually had more questions that answers. The thing is, I knew about some of these traits before I worked for her, but because I was her friend, I thought it might be different with me. You know how friends lookout for their friends? Well, I was wrong about that. She doesn't do that. Like I said, candle in the wind. The saving grace in the beginning was she was only my supervisor and my boss was actually someone I did trust. So when things got unbearable, I had someone to go to. However, this eventually changed and she became a manager. A real mistake in my opinion. And other people feel the same way. She isn't manager material. But I digress. Back to our friendship. It became hard to be her friend and work for her, too. The way she treated/managed me was horrible. Honestly, it was. You don't just leave people in a new job to fend for themselves. And it was a technical position and I had no idea about how things worked. That's where training would have helped. So I ended up having a lot of resentment about it all. But she was clueless. She really was. Sometimes people act clueless, but they really know what's going on. She really was so wrapped up in herself that she never noticed what a struggle it was for me to figure things out and that she was at the root of the problem. She's one of those people who if you said something about it, she'd look at you all crazy because she was totally oblivious to any wrong doing on her part. She's still like that. She absolutely never takes responsibility for anything. If you tell her how you feel.....it's "I'm sorry you feel that way" with the implication the way you're feeling is beyond her control and it's your problem....you've chosen to feel that way.....has nothing to do with her. She's blind to the fact something has to happen to cause the feeling. Whatever event occurred manages to get squashed and your feelings become the focus...taking the focus off the event and making you look over emotional or too sensitive. It's really frustrating, as you can imagine. So I pulled away from her quite a bit. I only saw her at work and avoided any personal activity. She noticed this but didn't understand it. She made comments to me a few times that she missed our friendship. Kind of trying to ask me what the problem was. But I always managed to get away from talking about it with her. Like I said, she wouldn't understand my side of it. And I still have to work for her, so it's unproductive to have conversations with her about something she will never comprehend and would likely lead to an argument.
There are times when things get a little easier, but this isn't often. She is who she is and she'll never change. I know this. And as I get older I understand more. I've come to understand the way things are and just accept them. I was always waiting for things to change and, of course, they didn't and they never would. Waiting and hoping for something that will never be is disheartening. Your soul wants to shine brightly but the hope for something that won't happen is like a black spot on your soul that won't let the light through. When you let go of it, the black spot will be gone.
We're not friends. And my soul shines brighter now.
Sunday, December 12, 2010
Day 12: Twelve Days Of Holiday Recipes
Hope you have enjoyed my Twelve Days Of Holiday Recipes! Ending with something pretty yummy and really easy!!
Caramel-Apple Galette
1/2 (15-ounce) refrigerated pie dough
3 medium Granny Smith apples (about 1 pound), peeled, cored, and cut into 1/4-inch-thick wedges (about 4 cups)
1/3 cup granulated sugar
1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon water
1 large egg white, lightly beaten
1 tablespoon turbinado or regular sugar
1/3 cup caramel topping
Preheat oven to 425°.
Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper; coat paper with cooking spray. Roll dough into a 13-inch circle on prepared parchment.
Combine apples and next 6 ingredients in a large bowl; toss well. Place apple mixture in center of dough, leaving a 3- inch border (apples will be piled high on dough). Fold edges of dough toward center, pressing gently to seal (dough will only partially cover apple mixture). Combine water and egg white; brush over edges of dough, and sprinkle galette with turbinado sugar.
Bake at 425° for 25 minutes or until golden brown (filling may leak slightly during cooking). Drizzle with caramel topping, and serve warm.
Caramel-Apple Galette
1/2 (15-ounce) refrigerated pie dough
3 medium Granny Smith apples (about 1 pound), peeled, cored, and cut into 1/4-inch-thick wedges (about 4 cups)
1/3 cup granulated sugar
1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon water
1 large egg white, lightly beaten
1 tablespoon turbinado or regular sugar
1/3 cup caramel topping
Preheat oven to 425°.
Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper; coat paper with cooking spray. Roll dough into a 13-inch circle on prepared parchment.
Combine apples and next 6 ingredients in a large bowl; toss well. Place apple mixture in center of dough, leaving a 3- inch border (apples will be piled high on dough). Fold edges of dough toward center, pressing gently to seal (dough will only partially cover apple mixture). Combine water and egg white; brush over edges of dough, and sprinkle galette with turbinado sugar.
Bake at 425° for 25 minutes or until golden brown (filling may leak slightly during cooking). Drizzle with caramel topping, and serve warm.
Saturday, December 11, 2010
Day 11: Twelve Days Of Holiday Recipes
Chicken Potpies with Ham
2 tablespoons butter
1 carrot, halved lengthwise and thinly sliced
1 medium onion, chopped
1 fennel bulb, cored and chopped
1/2 teaspoon fennel seed, crushed
1/4 cup all-purpose flour, plus more for work surface
1 cup whole milk
1 (14.5 ounce) can reduced-sodium chicken broth
1 rotisserie chicken (meat shredded - 4 cups)
8 ounce ham steak cubed
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
Coarse salt and ground pepper
9-inch-round store-bought pie dough
Preheat oven to 425 degrees, with rack in the middle. In a large saucepan, heat butter over medium. Add carrot, onion, fennel, and fennel seed. Cook until carrot is crisp-tender, 8 to 10 minutes. Add flour; cook, stirring, 1 minute. Gradually add milk and broth, stirring until smooth. Cook, stirring occasionally, until mixture comes to a simmer and thickens, 5 to 8 minutes.
Remove from heat; stir in chicken, ham, and lemon juice; season with salt and pepper. Divide filling among eight 8-ounce ramekins or ovenproof bowls; set aside.
On a floured surface, roll out dough to a 15-inch round. With a 3 1/2-inch floured biscuit cutter, cut out eight rounds; place one on each ramekin. Transfer ramekins to a rimmed baking sheet; bake until filling is bubbling and crusts are golden, 20 to 25 minutes. Let cool 5 minutes before serving.
To store: Prepare through step 3; let cool to room temperature. Cover with plastic wrap, then aluminum foil; store in freezer, up to 3 months.
To reheat: Preheat oven to 425 degrees. Uncover ramekins; bake on a rimmed baking sheet until bubbling and golden, 30 to 35 minutes. Let cool 5 minutes before serving. Serves 8 people.
2 tablespoons butter
1 carrot, halved lengthwise and thinly sliced
1 medium onion, chopped
1 fennel bulb, cored and chopped
1/2 teaspoon fennel seed, crushed
1/4 cup all-purpose flour, plus more for work surface
1 cup whole milk
1 (14.5 ounce) can reduced-sodium chicken broth
1 rotisserie chicken (meat shredded - 4 cups)
8 ounce ham steak cubed
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
Coarse salt and ground pepper
9-inch-round store-bought pie dough
Preheat oven to 425 degrees, with rack in the middle. In a large saucepan, heat butter over medium. Add carrot, onion, fennel, and fennel seed. Cook until carrot is crisp-tender, 8 to 10 minutes. Add flour; cook, stirring, 1 minute. Gradually add milk and broth, stirring until smooth. Cook, stirring occasionally, until mixture comes to a simmer and thickens, 5 to 8 minutes.
Remove from heat; stir in chicken, ham, and lemon juice; season with salt and pepper. Divide filling among eight 8-ounce ramekins or ovenproof bowls; set aside.
On a floured surface, roll out dough to a 15-inch round. With a 3 1/2-inch floured biscuit cutter, cut out eight rounds; place one on each ramekin. Transfer ramekins to a rimmed baking sheet; bake until filling is bubbling and crusts are golden, 20 to 25 minutes. Let cool 5 minutes before serving.
To store: Prepare through step 3; let cool to room temperature. Cover with plastic wrap, then aluminum foil; store in freezer, up to 3 months.
To reheat: Preheat oven to 425 degrees. Uncover ramekins; bake on a rimmed baking sheet until bubbling and golden, 30 to 35 minutes. Let cool 5 minutes before serving. Serves 8 people.
Friday, December 10, 2010
Day 10: Twelve Days Of Holiday Recipes
Lightened up without sacrificing flavor!
Spinach-Artichoke Dip
14 ounce can artichoke hearts in water, rinsed, drained, & coarsely chopped
4 ounce reduced-fat bar cream cheese
1/4 cup plus 1 tablespoon grated Parmesan
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
1 small garlic clove, chopped
1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper
2 scallions, sliced
10 ounce frozen chopped spinach, thawed and squeezed dry
Place half the artichokes in a food processor; add cream cheese, 1/4 cup Parmesan, lemon juice, garlic, cayenne, and 3 tablespoons water. Process until smooth.
Add scallions, remaining artichokes, and spinach; pulse briefly. Transfer mixture to a serving bowl. (To store, refrigerate, up to 2 days.) Top with 1 tablespoon Parmesan. Serve dip with vegetables.
Spinach-Artichoke Dip
14 ounce can artichoke hearts in water, rinsed, drained, & coarsely chopped
4 ounce reduced-fat bar cream cheese
1/4 cup plus 1 tablespoon grated Parmesan
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
1 small garlic clove, chopped
1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper
2 scallions, sliced
10 ounce frozen chopped spinach, thawed and squeezed dry
Place half the artichokes in a food processor; add cream cheese, 1/4 cup Parmesan, lemon juice, garlic, cayenne, and 3 tablespoons water. Process until smooth.
Add scallions, remaining artichokes, and spinach; pulse briefly. Transfer mixture to a serving bowl. (To store, refrigerate, up to 2 days.) Top with 1 tablespoon Parmesan. Serve dip with vegetables.
Thursday, December 09, 2010
Day 9: Twelve Days Of Holiday Recipes
S'Mores
1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
2 tablespoons granulated white sugar
6 tablespoons (3 ounces) unsalted butter, melted
Topping:
1 cup semisweet or milk chocolate chips or chunks
2 cups miniature marshmallows or homemade marshmallows cut into bite sized pieces
Preheat oven to 350 degrees and place the oven rack in the center of the oven. Line the bottom and sides of an 8 x 8 inch square baking pan with aluminum foil.
Stir together the graham cracker crumbs and the sugar. Add the melted butter and stir until all the crumbs are moistened. Press this mixture firmly onto the bottom of the prepared pan and bake in preheated oven about 10 minutes, or just until the crust begins to turn golden brown. Remove from oven and evenly sprinkle with the chocolate chips and marshmallows. Return to oven and bake for another 10 minutes, or until the marshmallows are soft, lightly golden, and starting to meld together. Remove from oven and place on a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, lift the squares from the pan by holding the edges of the foil. With a long sharp knife, cut into squares. Can be stored at room temperature for several days.
Makes about 16 - 2 inch squares.
Recipe from joyofbaking.com
1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
2 tablespoons granulated white sugar
6 tablespoons (3 ounces) unsalted butter, melted
Topping:
1 cup semisweet or milk chocolate chips or chunks
2 cups miniature marshmallows or homemade marshmallows cut into bite sized pieces
Preheat oven to 350 degrees and place the oven rack in the center of the oven. Line the bottom and sides of an 8 x 8 inch square baking pan with aluminum foil.
Stir together the graham cracker crumbs and the sugar. Add the melted butter and stir until all the crumbs are moistened. Press this mixture firmly onto the bottom of the prepared pan and bake in preheated oven about 10 minutes, or just until the crust begins to turn golden brown. Remove from oven and evenly sprinkle with the chocolate chips and marshmallows. Return to oven and bake for another 10 minutes, or until the marshmallows are soft, lightly golden, and starting to meld together. Remove from oven and place on a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, lift the squares from the pan by holding the edges of the foil. With a long sharp knife, cut into squares. Can be stored at room temperature for several days.
Makes about 16 - 2 inch squares.
Recipe from joyofbaking.com
Wednesday, December 08, 2010
Day 8: Twelve Days Of Holiday Recipes
Nothing like a bowl of hot chili to warm your bones. And it's good for you!
False Alarm Vegetable Chili
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 medium onion, chopped
1 green bell pepper, seeded and cut into 1/2-inch pieces
1 red bell pepper, seeded and cut into 1/2-inch pieces
1 large carrot, chopped medium
1 jalapeno pepper, seeded and minced, or 1/4 cup drained canned chopped green chiles
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 pound dried lentils, rinsed
1/3 cup tomato paste
1 (15-ounce) red kidney beans, drained and rinsed
1 (15-ounce) pinto beans, drained and rinsed
1 stewed (28-ounce) tomatoes
1/3 cup chili powder
4 teaspoons ground cumin
1/4 teaspoon crushed red-pepper flakes
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
In a large soup pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onion, green and red peppers, carrot, jalapeno pepper, and garlic. Cook until the vegetables soften, about 5 minutes. Stir in 7 cups water, lentils, tomato paste, kidney beans, and pinto beans. Stir to blend, adding stewed tomatoes, chili powder, cumin, and crushed red-pepper flakes. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover and simmer until lentils are tender, about 45 minutes. If the chili starts to dry out, add hot water as needed. Season with salt and pepper.
False Alarm Vegetable Chili
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 medium onion, chopped
1 green bell pepper, seeded and cut into 1/2-inch pieces
1 red bell pepper, seeded and cut into 1/2-inch pieces
1 large carrot, chopped medium
1 jalapeno pepper, seeded and minced, or 1/4 cup drained canned chopped green chiles
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 pound dried lentils, rinsed
1/3 cup tomato paste
1 (15-ounce) red kidney beans, drained and rinsed
1 (15-ounce) pinto beans, drained and rinsed
1 stewed (28-ounce) tomatoes
1/3 cup chili powder
4 teaspoons ground cumin
1/4 teaspoon crushed red-pepper flakes
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
In a large soup pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onion, green and red peppers, carrot, jalapeno pepper, and garlic. Cook until the vegetables soften, about 5 minutes. Stir in 7 cups water, lentils, tomato paste, kidney beans, and pinto beans. Stir to blend, adding stewed tomatoes, chili powder, cumin, and crushed red-pepper flakes. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover and simmer until lentils are tender, about 45 minutes. If the chili starts to dry out, add hot water as needed. Season with salt and pepper.
Tuesday, December 07, 2010
Day 7: Twelve Days Of Holiday Recipes
The fortune could be your holiday greeting to whoever you give them to!
Fortune Cookies
2 large egg whites
1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon pure almond extract
3 tablespoons vegetable oil
8 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 1/2 teaspoons cornstarch
1/4 teaspoon salt
8 tablespoons granulated sugar
3 teaspoons water
Preparation:
1. Write fortunes on pieces of paper that are 3 1/2 inches long and 1/2 inch wide. Preheat oven to 300 degrees Fahrenheit. Grease 2 9-X-13 inch baking sheets.
2. In a medium bowl, lightly beat the egg white, vanilla extract, almond extract and vegetable oil until frothy, but not stiff.
3. Sift the flour, cornstarch, salt and sugar into a separate bowl. Stir the water into the flour mixture.
4. Add the flour into the egg white mixture and stir until you have a smooth batter. The batter should not be runny, but should drop easily off a wooden spoon.
Note: if you want to dye the fortune cookies, add the food coloring at this point, stirring it into the batter. For example, I used 1/2 teaspoon green food coloring to make green fortune cookies.
5. Place level tablespoons of batter onto the cookie sheet, spacing them at least 3 inches apart. Gently tilt the baking sheet back and forth and from side to side so that each tablespoon of batter forms into a circle 4 inches in diameter.
6. Bake until the outer 1/2-inch of each cookie turns golden brown and they are easy to remove from the baking sheet with a spatula (14 - 15 minutes).
7. Working quickly, remove the cookie with a spatula and flip it over in your hand. Place a fortune in the middle of a cookie. To form the fortune cookie shape, fold the cookie in half, then gently pull the edges downward over the rim of a glass, wooden spoon or the edge of a muffin tin. Place the finished cookie in the cup of the muffin tin so that it keeps its shape. Continue with the rest of the cookies.
Fortune Cookies
2 large egg whites
1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon pure almond extract
3 tablespoons vegetable oil
8 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 1/2 teaspoons cornstarch
1/4 teaspoon salt
8 tablespoons granulated sugar
3 teaspoons water
Preparation:
1. Write fortunes on pieces of paper that are 3 1/2 inches long and 1/2 inch wide. Preheat oven to 300 degrees Fahrenheit. Grease 2 9-X-13 inch baking sheets.
2. In a medium bowl, lightly beat the egg white, vanilla extract, almond extract and vegetable oil until frothy, but not stiff.
3. Sift the flour, cornstarch, salt and sugar into a separate bowl. Stir the water into the flour mixture.
4. Add the flour into the egg white mixture and stir until you have a smooth batter. The batter should not be runny, but should drop easily off a wooden spoon.
Note: if you want to dye the fortune cookies, add the food coloring at this point, stirring it into the batter. For example, I used 1/2 teaspoon green food coloring to make green fortune cookies.
5. Place level tablespoons of batter onto the cookie sheet, spacing them at least 3 inches apart. Gently tilt the baking sheet back and forth and from side to side so that each tablespoon of batter forms into a circle 4 inches in diameter.
6. Bake until the outer 1/2-inch of each cookie turns golden brown and they are easy to remove from the baking sheet with a spatula (14 - 15 minutes).
7. Working quickly, remove the cookie with a spatula and flip it over in your hand. Place a fortune in the middle of a cookie. To form the fortune cookie shape, fold the cookie in half, then gently pull the edges downward over the rim of a glass, wooden spoon or the edge of a muffin tin. Place the finished cookie in the cup of the muffin tin so that it keeps its shape. Continue with the rest of the cookies.
Monday, December 06, 2010
Day 6: Twelve Days Of Holiday Recipes
Cranberry Orange Marmalade
Try something new ~ you might like it! There is nothing more frustrating than people who do not try new things because they are positive they will not like it. Don't be one of those people.
Make the most of abundant seasonal oranges and cranberries with this bright preserve. Serve with biscuits or toast for breakfast, or pair it with crackers, assorted cheeses, and nuts for a cheese platter. The sweet-sour marmalade pleasantly partners with cheese, such as gorgonzola.
4 cups
3 1/2 pounds navel oranges (about 6 medium)
1 1/2 cups water
3 cups sugar, divided
1 (12-ounce) package fresh cranberries
Carefully remove rind from 3 oranges using a vegetable peeler, making sure not to get any of the white pithy part of the rind. Slice rind into thin strips. Peel all oranges; cut into sections. Combine rind strips, sections, 1 1/2 cups water, and 1 cup sugar in a medium saucepan; bring mixture to a boil. Reduce heat, and simmer for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Add remaining 2 cups sugar and cranberries to pan. Simmer 1 hour and 30 minutes or until thick, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat, and cool completely. Cover and chill.
Recipe from CookingLight.com
Try something new ~ you might like it! There is nothing more frustrating than people who do not try new things because they are positive they will not like it. Don't be one of those people.
Make the most of abundant seasonal oranges and cranberries with this bright preserve. Serve with biscuits or toast for breakfast, or pair it with crackers, assorted cheeses, and nuts for a cheese platter. The sweet-sour marmalade pleasantly partners with cheese, such as gorgonzola.
4 cups
3 1/2 pounds navel oranges (about 6 medium)
1 1/2 cups water
3 cups sugar, divided
1 (12-ounce) package fresh cranberries
Carefully remove rind from 3 oranges using a vegetable peeler, making sure not to get any of the white pithy part of the rind. Slice rind into thin strips. Peel all oranges; cut into sections. Combine rind strips, sections, 1 1/2 cups water, and 1 cup sugar in a medium saucepan; bring mixture to a boil. Reduce heat, and simmer for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Add remaining 2 cups sugar and cranberries to pan. Simmer 1 hour and 30 minutes or until thick, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat, and cool completely. Cover and chill.
Recipe from CookingLight.com
Sunday, December 05, 2010
Day 5: Twelve Days Of Holiday Recipes
Pumpkin Doughnut Muffins
Makes 12
1 1/4 sticks unsalted butter, room temp, plus more for pan
3 cups all-purpose flour (spooned and leveled), plus more for pan
2 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1/4 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon coarse salt
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon ground allspice
1/3 cup buttermilk
1 1/4 cups pure pumpkin puree
3/4 cup light-brown sugar
2 large eggs
For the Sugar Coating:
3/4 cup granulated sugar
2 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1/2 stick unsalted butter, melted
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
Butter and flour 12 standard muffin cups.
In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, nutmeg, and allspice. In a small bowl, whisk together buttermilk and pumpkin puree. In a large bowl, using an electric mixer, beat butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs, one at a time, scraping down bowl as needed. With mixer on low, add flour mixture in three additions, alternating with two additions pumpkin mixture and beat to combine.
Spoon 1/3 cup batter into each muffin cup and bake until a toothpick inserted in center of a muffin comes out clean, 30 minutes. Meanwhile, in a medium bowl, combine granulated sugar and cinnamon. Let muffins cool 10 minutes in pan on a wire rack. Working with one at a time, remove muffins from pan, brush all over with butter, then toss to coat in sugar mixture. Let muffins cool completely on a wire rack.
Makes 12
1 1/4 sticks unsalted butter, room temp, plus more for pan
3 cups all-purpose flour (spooned and leveled), plus more for pan
2 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1/4 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon coarse salt
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon ground allspice
1/3 cup buttermilk
1 1/4 cups pure pumpkin puree
3/4 cup light-brown sugar
2 large eggs
For the Sugar Coating:
3/4 cup granulated sugar
2 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1/2 stick unsalted butter, melted
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
Butter and flour 12 standard muffin cups.
In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, nutmeg, and allspice. In a small bowl, whisk together buttermilk and pumpkin puree. In a large bowl, using an electric mixer, beat butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs, one at a time, scraping down bowl as needed. With mixer on low, add flour mixture in three additions, alternating with two additions pumpkin mixture and beat to combine.
Spoon 1/3 cup batter into each muffin cup and bake until a toothpick inserted in center of a muffin comes out clean, 30 minutes. Meanwhile, in a medium bowl, combine granulated sugar and cinnamon. Let muffins cool 10 minutes in pan on a wire rack. Working with one at a time, remove muffins from pan, brush all over with butter, then toss to coat in sugar mixture. Let muffins cool completely on a wire rack.
Saturday, December 04, 2010
Day 4: Twelve Days Of Holiday Recipes
Apple Pie Cocktail
1/2 oz Southern Comfort
1/2 oz Cinnamon Goldschlager
I cup apple cider (not apple juice)
Cinnamon sticks
Gently warm apple cider in a sauce pan. Add Goldschlager and Southern Comfort. Serve in a mug and garnish with cinnamon sticks.
Optional: Add a scoop of vanilla ice cream to make it al-a-mode!
1/2 oz Southern Comfort
1/2 oz Cinnamon Goldschlager
I cup apple cider (not apple juice)
Cinnamon sticks
Gently warm apple cider in a sauce pan. Add Goldschlager and Southern Comfort. Serve in a mug and garnish with cinnamon sticks.
Optional: Add a scoop of vanilla ice cream to make it al-a-mode!
Friday, December 03, 2010
Day 3: Twelve Days Of Holiday Recipes
Barcelona Hot Chocolate
The combination of hot chocolate and espresso is enjoyed in Spain and throughout Europe. This version shows off the chocolate with a hint of orange and isn't as sweet as traditional American-style cocoa drinks.
4 servings
2/3 cup boiling water
2 ounces good-quality dark or bittersweet (60 to 70 percent cocoa) chocolate, finely chopped
1 1/3 cups 1% low-fat milk
1 cup brewed espresso or strong coffee
1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1/4 cup packed brown sugar
1 2-inch piece orange rind strip
1/4 cup frozen fat-free whipped topping, thawed
Cocoa powder (optional)
Combine 2/3 cup boiling water and chopped chocolate in a medium saucepan, stirring until chocolate melts. Add milk and next 4 ingredients (through rind); cook over medium-low heat, stirring with a whisk. Heat 5 minutes or until tiny bubbles form around edge of pan, stirring frequently (do not boil). Discard rind. Pour 1 cup mixture into each of 4 mugs. Spoon 1 tablespoon whipped topping over each serving. Dust with cocoa powder if desired.
Recipe from CookingLight.com
The combination of hot chocolate and espresso is enjoyed in Spain and throughout Europe. This version shows off the chocolate with a hint of orange and isn't as sweet as traditional American-style cocoa drinks.
4 servings
2/3 cup boiling water
2 ounces good-quality dark or bittersweet (60 to 70 percent cocoa) chocolate, finely chopped
1 1/3 cups 1% low-fat milk
1 cup brewed espresso or strong coffee
1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1/4 cup packed brown sugar
1 2-inch piece orange rind strip
1/4 cup frozen fat-free whipped topping, thawed
Cocoa powder (optional)
Combine 2/3 cup boiling water and chopped chocolate in a medium saucepan, stirring until chocolate melts. Add milk and next 4 ingredients (through rind); cook over medium-low heat, stirring with a whisk. Heat 5 minutes or until tiny bubbles form around edge of pan, stirring frequently (do not boil). Discard rind. Pour 1 cup mixture into each of 4 mugs. Spoon 1 tablespoon whipped topping over each serving. Dust with cocoa powder if desired.
Recipe from CookingLight.com
Thursday, December 02, 2010
Day 2: Twelve Days Of Holiday Recipes
Chocolate Scotcheroos
1 cup Karo® Light Corn Syrup
1 cup sugar
1 cup creamy peanut butter
6 cups crispy rice cereal
1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
1 cup butterscotch chips
Cook corn syrup and sugar together in a large pan over medium heat, stirring to dissolve sugar. Bring mixture to a boil. Remove from heat. Stir in peanut butter; mix well. Add cereal; stir until evenly coated.
Pour into greased 13x9-inch pan and pat into place.
Melt chocolate and butterscotch chips together in saucepan over low heat, stirring constantly. Spread over cereal.
Cool at least 45 minutes, or until firm. Cut into bars.
1 cup Karo® Light Corn Syrup
1 cup sugar
1 cup creamy peanut butter
6 cups crispy rice cereal
1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
1 cup butterscotch chips
Cook corn syrup and sugar together in a large pan over medium heat, stirring to dissolve sugar. Bring mixture to a boil. Remove from heat. Stir in peanut butter; mix well. Add cereal; stir until evenly coated.
Pour into greased 13x9-inch pan and pat into place.
Melt chocolate and butterscotch chips together in saucepan over low heat, stirring constantly. Spread over cereal.
Cool at least 45 minutes, or until firm. Cut into bars.
Wednesday, December 01, 2010
Day 1: Twelve Days Of Holiday Recipes
Starting my Twelve Days Of Holiday Recipes! Hope you try some of them :)
Sparkling Cranberries
For the simple syrup, raw cane sugar or real brown sugar lends a nice molasses flavor to the cranberries, but regular granulated sugar (or a blend of brown/white) will work.
2 cups cranberries, picked over
2 cups water
2 cups sugar (see head notes)
More sugar for coating: I do a mix of medium-grained organic sugar for the first coating, and then a second toss with regular granulated white sugar. You don't want a huge grain for that first toss, just something larger than standard sugar, smaller than most turbinado sugars. You can sort of see the different grain sizes in the third photo in the main write-up.
Place the cranberries in a medium glass bowl and set aside.
Make a simple syrup by bringing the water and sugar just to a simmer in a medium saucepan. Let the syrup cool for a couple minutes and then pour it over the cranberries. If the syrup is too hot the cranberries will burst, so be careful. Cover and refrigerate overnight.
The next day, drain the cranberries and toss them with larger grained sugar until they are well coated. I only use a scoop of sugar at a time, and small batches of cranberries, so the sugar doesn't get too damp. Place the coated cranberries on a baking sheet to dry for a few hours.
Do a second toss with the regular granulated sugar, this typically takes care of any sticky spots on the cranberries. Let dry another hour.
Makes 2 cups of sparkling cranberries.
Recipe from 101 Cookbooks.com
Sparkling Cranberries
For the simple syrup, raw cane sugar or real brown sugar lends a nice molasses flavor to the cranberries, but regular granulated sugar (or a blend of brown/white) will work.
2 cups cranberries, picked over
2 cups water
2 cups sugar (see head notes)
More sugar for coating: I do a mix of medium-grained organic sugar for the first coating, and then a second toss with regular granulated white sugar. You don't want a huge grain for that first toss, just something larger than standard sugar, smaller than most turbinado sugars. You can sort of see the different grain sizes in the third photo in the main write-up.
Place the cranberries in a medium glass bowl and set aside.
Make a simple syrup by bringing the water and sugar just to a simmer in a medium saucepan. Let the syrup cool for a couple minutes and then pour it over the cranberries. If the syrup is too hot the cranberries will burst, so be careful. Cover and refrigerate overnight.
The next day, drain the cranberries and toss them with larger grained sugar until they are well coated. I only use a scoop of sugar at a time, and small batches of cranberries, so the sugar doesn't get too damp. Place the coated cranberries on a baking sheet to dry for a few hours.
Do a second toss with the regular granulated sugar, this typically takes care of any sticky spots on the cranberries. Let dry another hour.
Makes 2 cups of sparkling cranberries.
Recipe from 101 Cookbooks.com
Saturday, November 27, 2010
Holiday Time Is Here
This live version is of 2000 Miles is possibly my most favorite holiday music video. I hope it gets you in the holiday spirit!
Thursday, November 25, 2010
Thankful
Some things I'm thankful for that are often taken for granted.
In random order:
Indoor plumbing
My tooth Paste/tooth brush
Health insurance
My hearing
Shampoo
4 good tires
My oven
My computer
US Military
My refrigerator
Google
My beloved car, Buffy
Clean running water
My bed
My hot water heater
Living in the United States
My sight
My washer & Dryer
Food on the table
My health
My stove
Toilet paper
My Cricut
Electricity
Shoes/clothes
My job
MY HOUSE
What are you thankful for?
In random order:
Indoor plumbing
My tooth Paste/tooth brush
Health insurance
My hearing
Shampoo
4 good tires
My oven
My computer
US Military
My refrigerator
My beloved car, Buffy
Clean running water
My bed
My hot water heater
Living in the United States
My sight
My washer & Dryer
Food on the table
My health
My stove
Toilet paper
My Cricut
Electricity
Shoes/clothes
My job
MY HOUSE
What are you thankful for?
Wednesday, November 24, 2010
Saturday, November 13, 2010
Friday, November 12, 2010
Back to my camera
Over the last month or so, 4 people have asked me about my photos....actually, my lack of photos. It's weird how no one has said a word for months and then 4 people say something in such a short span of time. I don't have a big following at all - maybe 10 people, so having 4 of them say something is a pretty big percentage. My answer was, I just have not had any inspiration. I'm cautious to say I've lost interest because I don't think that's what it is. I think it's just a lack of inspiration. There was a time when I would login to my Flickr account twice a day and look at my contacts photos and browse the groups and there was tons of inspiration there. But I hardly login to Flickr anymore. When I first joined it was a "small" community. You saw all the same people posting photos and it was almost like you knew them and people looked forward to seeing what each other would post next. But now there are soooo many people on Flickr and that small community feeling is gone. It used to be like little fish in a pond with other fish and now it's like being a tiny fish in an ocean of fish you don't know. This isn't to say I'm not interested in Flickr anymore or that I don't want my account, it's just not the source of inspiration it once was. And that source of inspiration hasn't been replaced. That's pretty much the story behind the lack of photos.
SO....having said all that, I'm going to try to get back to my camera. I'm going to try to find inspiration. I'm going to try :)
Here's my starting point. My inspiration is beautiful group of trees at work that has started to change color. Enjoy the burst of color while it's here.
SO....having said all that, I'm going to try to get back to my camera. I'm going to try to find inspiration. I'm going to try :)
Here's my starting point. My inspiration is beautiful group of trees at work that has started to change color. Enjoy the burst of color while it's here.
Thursday, October 28, 2010
Wednesday, October 20, 2010
Update!
Today my cheeseburger project was turned in. I'm not at work so a guy I work with turned it in for me. He's been hiding it behind books on a shelf in his cube since last Friday. He emailed me this:
While I was there voting, a meeting got out and the acting VC and your boss came by and the VC said she was blown away by your entry. Every response I've overheard (about 5) has been extremely positive. Everyone seems to love it. It is the most creative and best looking one of the six. So if people vote honestly (and not for their friends) I suspect you'll win by a large margin.
How exciting is that!? Made my day!!!
While I was there voting, a meeting got out and the acting VC and your boss came by and the VC said she was blown away by your entry. Every response I've overheard (about 5) has been extremely positive. Everyone seems to love it. It is the most creative and best looking one of the six. So if people vote honestly (and not for their friends) I suspect you'll win by a large margin.
How exciting is that!? Made my day!!!
Tuesday, October 19, 2010
19 Years Ago...
Nineteen years ago today I married Greg. I actually find it hard to explain how lucky I am to have found him. It's a mixture of so many things that makes what we have special. When people say it gets better with time, they're right. Each year things do get even better. I've told him 1000's of times that he's the only one for me...I can't imagine my life without him. I wouldn't want to live without him. We're like peas and carrots, as Forrest would say. I aways wondered when I was younger if the dark cloud that seemed to follow me around would go away and I'd find someone to love and grow old with. Thank goodness the skies cleared and he came into my life.
Happy 19th Anniversary to my honey.
First Time Ever I Saw Your Face
The first time ever I saw your face
I thought the sun rose in your eyes
And the moon and stars were the gifts you gave
To the dark and the endless skies, my love,
To the dark and the endless skies.
The first time ever I kissed your mouth
And felt the earth move in my hand
Like the trembling heart of a captive bird
That was there at my command, my love
That was there at my command.
And the first time ever I lay with you
I felt your heart so close to mine
And I knew our joy would fill the earth
And last till the end of time my love
It would last till the end of time my love
The first time ever I saw your face, your face,
your face, your face
Happy 19th Anniversary to my honey.
First Time Ever I Saw Your Face
The first time ever I saw your face
I thought the sun rose in your eyes
And the moon and stars were the gifts you gave
To the dark and the endless skies, my love,
To the dark and the endless skies.
The first time ever I kissed your mouth
And felt the earth move in my hand
Like the trembling heart of a captive bird
That was there at my command, my love
That was there at my command.
And the first time ever I lay with you
I felt your heart so close to mine
And I knew our joy would fill the earth
And last till the end of time my love
It would last till the end of time my love
The first time ever I saw your face, your face,
your face, your face
Wednesday, October 13, 2010
Pumpkin! Cheeseburger?
Yes, it's an In-N-Out double double. With fries.
I cut the faux pumpkin in half and painted it brown bun color. I cut onions out of a plastic lid. Painted a foam disk brown (shown wet below). The cheese is a skinny piece of yellow foam. Thankfully I didn't have to paint that. The lettuce is a piece of crinkled paper and the tomatoes are foam painted red with a narrow strip of paper wrapped around it.
Greg and I had to do yummy "research" at In-N-Out so I got everything perfect. The people at In-N-Out were nice enough to give us a bag an unused fry try :) Maybe I'll give this to them after the contest at work!
I made the fries out of foam that I cut into thick strips and then painted with 2 colors of yellow to try to achieve a real fry color. I put a piece of brown paper in the cup to make it look like it has cola in it. Sorry, I didn't get a photo of the top of the cup.
Everything is glued together and then glued to the try. Nothing moves. All the fries are glued together as well as the burger parts. The bag and everything else is stuck to the tray. I had to do that to make sure nothing fell off during transport. Plus, people might try to pick something up and not put it back the right way. I like it all just the way I put it down and don't want anything moved....right down to the paper the straw came in :)
I really like the way the fries turned out, but I have to say, I loved making the receipt!
What you think? I only spent $12 bucks on the whole thing. The red tray was the most expense thing....$4 bucks.
I'll let you know what happens! Wish me luck!!
I cut the faux pumpkin in half and painted it brown bun color. I cut onions out of a plastic lid. Painted a foam disk brown (shown wet below). The cheese is a skinny piece of yellow foam. Thankfully I didn't have to paint that. The lettuce is a piece of crinkled paper and the tomatoes are foam painted red with a narrow strip of paper wrapped around it.
Greg and I had to do yummy "research" at In-N-Out so I got everything perfect. The people at In-N-Out were nice enough to give us a bag an unused fry try :) Maybe I'll give this to them after the contest at work!
I made the fries out of foam that I cut into thick strips and then painted with 2 colors of yellow to try to achieve a real fry color. I put a piece of brown paper in the cup to make it look like it has cola in it. Sorry, I didn't get a photo of the top of the cup.
Everything is glued together and then glued to the try. Nothing moves. All the fries are glued together as well as the burger parts. The bag and everything else is stuck to the tray. I had to do that to make sure nothing fell off during transport. Plus, people might try to pick something up and not put it back the right way. I like it all just the way I put it down and don't want anything moved....right down to the paper the straw came in :)
I really like the way the fries turned out, but I have to say, I loved making the receipt!
What you think? I only spent $12 bucks on the whole thing. The red tray was the most expense thing....$4 bucks.
I'll let you know what happens! Wish me luck!!
Thursday, September 30, 2010
I know this is going to sound crazy, but I want to go to Istanbul.
I'm sure most, if not all, of you are currently sitting with a furrowed brow after reading that. Why in the world, literally, would I want to go to Istanbul!?
Well, Martha Stewart did an entire show on her trip there and I was intrigued. It's not a place I'd have thought of going to. Ever. I might have made a joke about going there, but never serious. After watching her show, I can see it looks like a pretty interesting place and I bet it would be a vacation to fondly remember. Especially if you stay at the Four Seasons that's there.
Oh.My.Goodness.
This hotel looks amazing. It was a 19th-century palace that was big enough to convert into a hotel. And it still looks like a 19th-century palace. It has 170 guest rooms, which isn't very many for a hotel. I'm not sure how many rooms it had when it was a palace, but I'd guess in the 200 range since there is another palace there and has about that many. And, you should see the pool. Wow, so pretty. And the indoor pool! Beautiful! Looking at the pictures online, I can tell it's pretty high class.
There are dozens of attractions to see. For some reason I imagine it would be a bit like Estonia. Outdoor markets, mosques, palaces, museums, all kinds of shopping....it all sounds very interesting.
Maybe I will get to go someday :)
Four Seasons Istanbul
I'm sure most, if not all, of you are currently sitting with a furrowed brow after reading that. Why in the world, literally, would I want to go to Istanbul!?
Well, Martha Stewart did an entire show on her trip there and I was intrigued. It's not a place I'd have thought of going to. Ever. I might have made a joke about going there, but never serious. After watching her show, I can see it looks like a pretty interesting place and I bet it would be a vacation to fondly remember. Especially if you stay at the Four Seasons that's there.
Oh.My.Goodness.
This hotel looks amazing. It was a 19th-century palace that was big enough to convert into a hotel. And it still looks like a 19th-century palace. It has 170 guest rooms, which isn't very many for a hotel. I'm not sure how many rooms it had when it was a palace, but I'd guess in the 200 range since there is another palace there and has about that many. And, you should see the pool. Wow, so pretty. And the indoor pool! Beautiful! Looking at the pictures online, I can tell it's pretty high class.
There are dozens of attractions to see. For some reason I imagine it would be a bit like Estonia. Outdoor markets, mosques, palaces, museums, all kinds of shopping....it all sounds very interesting.
Maybe I will get to go someday :)
Four Seasons Istanbul
Thursday, September 16, 2010
Been having a rough week even tho I had Monday off. It's just been "one of those weeks". Plus, last week I had my review and I went into it with the intention of just letting my boss give me her comments and have it be over. However, it didn't go that way. I read through her written comments and they were complementary and there wasn't anything negative, but it lacked appreciation. Sort of a canned remark kind of review. I just know I work hard to get everything done and I think I do a pretty good job. It wasn't coming through on the review. Was just had a...."she works here and blends in with everyone else" feel to it. Now, if I were like that, then fine. But I don't think I am. So I told her. It didn't exactly go over well, but it didn't go over badly either. I mean, I basically told her the review of me sucked....and since she wrote it, it was kind of telling her she sucked at writing it. BUT....I think some of the things I said about how I felt struck a cord with her. She did *seem* to get where I was coming from. This is hard to do with her because she rarely admits wrong doing or mistakes. Granted she didn't say she was wrong or anything like that, but I did get the feeling she understood my point and didn't try to sidestep much of what I said. In the end I walked away feeling maybe she will express more appreciation towards me. It would be nice. We'll see. The picture is of me about 5 minutes ago :)
Friday, August 27, 2010
Conversation with Greg
We were in the car talking about our Tempur-Pedic pillows. This is how it went.
Me: My neck hurts. I think I slept on your pillow last night.
Him: Uh....why would that make a difference?
Me: My pillow is more broken in than yours. My head must be heavier than yours because my pillow is softer in the middle. Must be because my brain is bigger and more full of information than yours (*grinning*).
Him: Or....your head is full of rocks...
I burst out laughing. Outstanding comeback :)
Me: My neck hurts. I think I slept on your pillow last night.
Him: Uh....why would that make a difference?
Me: My pillow is more broken in than yours. My head must be heavier than yours because my pillow is softer in the middle. Must be because my brain is bigger and more full of information than yours (*grinning*).
Him: Or....your head is full of rocks...
I burst out laughing. Outstanding comeback :)
Thursday, August 26, 2010
What’s your creative style?
I took the quiz and this is mine:
Creativity enriches you
Creativity is separate from the real world for you. But it’s a magical world in which you like to immerse yourself. When you’re involved in it, you get the wonderful sensation that there are no limits, that anything is possible. What you are really looking for is harmony — you want to feel you are a part of what you create. Planting flowers, writing poetry, embroidery or putting together a photo album, these are all suited to your sort of quiet creativity. You want to fall in love with what you create. You also think of creativity as a part of you in which you can take refuge and feel protected. As the psychoanalyst D Anzieu explained, creativity acts as an ‘encouraging parent — loving, enriching and supportive’. You would love to use your creativity to retreat into a world that is kind and reassuring. For you, being creative means having the chance to become one with what you create, bathe in the glory of it and allow yourself to be taken over by it. This is why you seem more suited to the sort of creativity that calls for gentleness, subtlety, harmony and patience.
Find out what yours is here.
Creativity enriches you
Creativity is separate from the real world for you. But it’s a magical world in which you like to immerse yourself. When you’re involved in it, you get the wonderful sensation that there are no limits, that anything is possible. What you are really looking for is harmony — you want to feel you are a part of what you create. Planting flowers, writing poetry, embroidery or putting together a photo album, these are all suited to your sort of quiet creativity. You want to fall in love with what you create. You also think of creativity as a part of you in which you can take refuge and feel protected. As the psychoanalyst D Anzieu explained, creativity acts as an ‘encouraging parent — loving, enriching and supportive’. You would love to use your creativity to retreat into a world that is kind and reassuring. For you, being creative means having the chance to become one with what you create, bathe in the glory of it and allow yourself to be taken over by it. This is why you seem more suited to the sort of creativity that calls for gentleness, subtlety, harmony and patience.
Find out what yours is here.
Monday, August 23, 2010
Embellish Magazine's Quirky-Cutesy-Clean Style Challenge
Here's my card for Embellish Magazine's Quirky-Cutesy-Clean Style sponsored by Lawn Fawn. The challenge was to use sea foam, peach, kraft and cream colors plus incorporate a quirky, cutesy, clean design. This "Squeak" stamp set by WeR Memory Keepers really stood out to me in my stash of stamps for this challenge. I just think that squirrel is so cute! Plus, one of the stamps in the set is an acorn. Do you see where I used it? It might be hard to see in the photo, but I used VersaMark ink (water mark ink) to stamp an acorn background pattern! Goodness....so darn cute! Hope you like it :)
Shoes
I've never been of the opinion that a $400 pair of shoes is better than a $40 pair of shoes. Shoes are just...shoes, right? I do know that there are realllly bad shoes, so this opinion excludes the obvious cheap shoes that kill your feet and make you hobble for days after having worn them. I'm talking about the $40 - $60 price range. Good shoes. I mean, what could be so much different between them and the $400 pair other than the brand name?
Well.
I have seen the light...so to speak.
I held a pair of $500 patient leather Gucci pumps and I've never touched a pair of shoes that....soft. The leather was slick and so very smooth. I've touched many pairs of patient leather pumps before and they were all slick and smooth.....but this Gucci pair was different. I don't even know how to explain it. And they were stunning.
Here is a picture of them. The pair I saw were blue, but it's the same shoe.
Looking at the picture, they might seem kinda ordinary. Especially since they are gray. Not too thrilling. I think for you to fully understand, you need to touch a pair like I did. If someone else wrote this and I was reading it, I'm not sure I'd be convinced of a huge difference. But there is.
Having said all this, I'm not investing in a $500 pair of pumps. Not even a $200 pair of pumps. For one thing, I don't wear pumps anymore. I wear jeans and flip flops to work and we don't go to dinner parties so they would collect dust in my closet. But I bet Gucci makes leather flip flops.... ❀
(Greg is cringing right now!)
Well.
I have seen the light...so to speak.
I held a pair of $500 patient leather Gucci pumps and I've never touched a pair of shoes that....soft. The leather was slick and so very smooth. I've touched many pairs of patient leather pumps before and they were all slick and smooth.....but this Gucci pair was different. I don't even know how to explain it. And they were stunning.
Here is a picture of them. The pair I saw were blue, but it's the same shoe.
Looking at the picture, they might seem kinda ordinary. Especially since they are gray. Not too thrilling. I think for you to fully understand, you need to touch a pair like I did. If someone else wrote this and I was reading it, I'm not sure I'd be convinced of a huge difference. But there is.
Having said all this, I'm not investing in a $500 pair of pumps. Not even a $200 pair of pumps. For one thing, I don't wear pumps anymore. I wear jeans and flip flops to work and we don't go to dinner parties so they would collect dust in my closet. But I bet Gucci makes leather flip flops.... ❀
(Greg is cringing right now!)
Friday, August 20, 2010
Etsy Inspired Challenge #101 {Lover Dover's Handmade Goodness}
Here's my card for the Etsy Inspired Challenge featuring the Lover Dover's Etsy site as the inspiration. The challenge is to use this Etsy site as inspiration when creating a card/project. This site is full of colorful and imaginative aprons! My inspiration piece is this Snow White apron. I cut the Bon Appetit tag from my DCWV kitchen paper stack ~ love this paper! And it was perfect to use for this challenge :) Hope you like it :)
Friday, August 13, 2010
Baby Card
This card isn't for a challenge. My nephew and his wife are new parents to a baby boy so this is the congrats card I made for them. The fold is on the left sleeve so it opens like a regular card. It wasn't until after I was done with it that I realized it would have been a lot easier if I made the fold along the top....not sure what I was thinking. The tiny square buttons are just ones I had in my button jar....pretty good fortune finding 2 tiny white buttons!
Wednesday, August 11, 2010
Etsy Inspired Challenge #100 ~ EIC #100 {Cathy Walters}
Here's my card for the Etsy Inspired Challenge featuring Cathy Walters's Etsy site as the inspiration. The challenge is to use this Etsy site as inspiration when creating a card/project. Cathy designs pendants that are "very now". I can imagine she gets a lot of business since her pendants are so cute and inspiring. My inspiration piece is this anniversary pendant. Pretty unique anniversary idea and would be a great conversation piece! My card isn't an anniversary card but this stamp just seemed to be the right one to use for this challenge/inspiration piece. Hope you like it :)
Monday, August 09, 2010
Embellish Magazine's Color Challenge
Here's my card for Embellish Magazine's Embellish Birds Color Challenge featuring The Angel Company from Christina Franco. The challenge was to use brown, pink & green plus feature a bird(s) in the design. Before I started making cards I would have never used these 3 colors together. They just don't seem like colors that would work....but they totally do! I could actually see a really pretty bedroom in these colors. Something that could work for a man and a woman and not feel either too feminine or too masculine. Don't you think? Anyway, I was happy to come up with a card using these colors. Hope you like it!
Friday, August 06, 2010
EtsyInspired #99 {Becky Kazana}
Here's my card for the Etsy Inspired Challenge featuring Becky Kazana's Etsy site as the inspiration. The challenge is to use this Etsy site as inspiration when creating a card/project. Becky has a lot of cute wedding items at her site but my inspiration piece is this elephant birthday card. I instantly thought of my stamp with the elephant and mouse - pretty cute! Hope you like it :)
Friday, July 30, 2010
EtsyInspired #98 {EmenGeeDesigns}
Here's my card for the Etsy Inspired Challenge featuring EmenGee Design's Etsy site as the inspiration. The challenge is to use this Etsy site as inspiration when creating a card/project. My inspiration piece is this pink & black silk screen printed clasp purse. It reminds me of the vintage Barbie logo :) Hope you like it!
Tuesday, July 27, 2010
online conversation at work...continued
This is a follow-up to this conversation.
---
[13:47:31] Me: OMG....
[13:47:37] Lance: ??
[13:48:06] Lance: you have me in suspense here
[13:48:10] Me: remember we had that conversation about get rich quick stuff? read this. http://www.nydailynews.com/lifestyle/2010/07/27/2010-07-27_what_a_deal_photographer_ansel_adams_work_uncovered_at_a_yard_sale.html
[13:48:17] Lance: lol I saw that too!
[13:50:14] Me: kinda funny how we were just talking about that kind of stuff
[13:50:20] Lance: yeah
[13:51:14] Lance: thing is, if I had been at that garage sale, theres no way I would have even recognized them as being valuable
[13:51:45] Me: well, this is kinda what I was thinking, too :(
[13:52:34] Lance: see, this is why my way is better.... if you rob a bank, theres no specific knowledge required... you know that the little green pieces of paper are what youre after
[13:53:08] Me: the only problem with your way is the big hairy man you share a cell with will want you to be his bitch
[13:54:18] Lance: yeah, i know. thats why i show up here every day instead
[13:55:29] Me: well, if you've had it some day with work and run off and do the deed, I promise I'll email you in the slammer.
[13:55:41] Lance: hehe good to know
[13:56:09] Me: I'm a good friend :)
[13:56:37] Lance: well, a good friend would help me *escape* from prison ;)
[13:57:07] Me: ok, I will send you a twinkie with a file in it
[13:57:19] Lance: sweet
[13:57:21] Lance: :)
---
[13:47:31] Me: OMG....
[13:47:37] Lance: ??
[13:48:06] Lance: you have me in suspense here
[13:48:10] Me: remember we had that conversation about get rich quick stuff? read this. http://www.nydailynews.com/lifestyle/2010/07/27/2010-07-27_what_a_deal_photographer_ansel_adams_work_uncovered_at_a_yard_sale.html
[13:48:17] Lance: lol I saw that too!
[13:50:14] Me: kinda funny how we were just talking about that kind of stuff
[13:50:20] Lance: yeah
[13:51:14] Lance: thing is, if I had been at that garage sale, theres no way I would have even recognized them as being valuable
[13:51:45] Me: well, this is kinda what I was thinking, too :(
[13:52:34] Lance: see, this is why my way is better.... if you rob a bank, theres no specific knowledge required... you know that the little green pieces of paper are what youre after
[13:53:08] Me: the only problem with your way is the big hairy man you share a cell with will want you to be his bitch
[13:54:18] Lance: yeah, i know. thats why i show up here every day instead
[13:55:29] Me: well, if you've had it some day with work and run off and do the deed, I promise I'll email you in the slammer.
[13:55:41] Lance: hehe good to know
[13:56:09] Me: I'm a good friend :)
[13:56:37] Lance: well, a good friend would help me *escape* from prison ;)
[13:57:07] Me: ok, I will send you a twinkie with a file in it
[13:57:19] Lance: sweet
[13:57:21] Lance: :)
Sunday, July 25, 2010
Christmas In July
Yup, exactly 6 months from now O Holy Night and Silent Night will be streaming endlessly all around the world. Colorful paper and ribbons will be torn from packages and roast turkey and cheer will be on the menu. Glittering lights will seem brighter than any other day they have been lit. Church bells will chime louder and seem more meaningful. Families will drive miles to see each other because....well, because it's the most wonderful time of the year. There will likely be a chill in the air and chimneys will be puffing. We'll don festive scarves and caps with rosy cheeks and twinkling eyes. There might even be a few reindeer and snowman sweaters. Candy canes and gum drops will fill crystal bowls and pecan pies will delight. As you take your seat on the sofa to watch The Christmas Story marathon, you'll think to yourself, "Where did the year go? It's Christmas Day already?"
I will agree, evergreen trees and holly do come quickly and leave us just as swiftly.
I will agree, evergreen trees and holly do come quickly and leave us just as swiftly.
Friday, July 23, 2010
EtsyInspired #97--Mermaid's Tear Jewelry
Here's my card for the Etsy Inspired Challenge featuring Mermaid's Tear Jewelry Etsy site as the inspiration. The challenge is to use this Etsy site as inspiration when creating a card/project. My inspiration piece is this sea glass pendant. Her pendants and earrings are made from sea glass ranging in color from white, blue, green, pink and brown. I think they are just beautiful. You should check them out. The inspiration piece I picked is brown sea glass so I stamped the sea horse in brown but also used inspiration from her blue pieces for the background. It was the perfect paper since it looks like bubbles :) Hope you like it!
Thursday, July 22, 2010
Embellish Ric Rac Color Challenge
Here's my card for Embellish Magazine's Embellish Ric Rac Color Challenge. What do you think of that metallic turquoise ric rac? I saw it at the fabric store and had to get it for this challenge. I think the picture turned out good, but I think the card is actually much cuter in person. The flowers were cut from kraft, turquoise and orange on Cricut. It's the perfect layered flower to show off the colors. The giggle stamp is from Fiskars...so cute! The hardest part was gluing down the brown ric rac. It had to be done in 3 stages with heavy duty paper clamps. Hope you like it!
online conversation at work
I know it might seem lame that the most popular method of communication at work is done online. The guy I'm "talking" to below is only 30 feet from where I sit. But you know, we're lazy computer people.
Anyway, thought this might make you chuckle.
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[12:00:06] Lance: our jobs would be so much nicer if only it werent for those stupid users and their silly problems
[12:01:43] Me: too bad I need that pesky paycheck or I could just be home all day napping like a civilized person.
[12:02:10] Lance: yeah, tell me about it
[12:03:03] Me: do you ever daydream that you will be in your parents or grandparents garage and find a painting and take it to the antiques road show and have them tell you it's worth 1 million?
[12:03:25] Me: I have these worthless daydreams all the time
[12:04:17] Lance: hmmmm... my 'get rich quick' daydreams usually run more towards robbing a bank or something... I guess thats the difference between men and women
[12:05:10] Me: yeah, check the garage before you run off with your pistol to the bank
Anyway, thought this might make you chuckle.
---
[12:00:06] Lance: our jobs would be so much nicer if only it werent for those stupid users and their silly problems
[12:01:43] Me: too bad I need that pesky paycheck or I could just be home all day napping like a civilized person.
[12:02:10] Lance: yeah, tell me about it
[12:03:03] Me: do you ever daydream that you will be in your parents or grandparents garage and find a painting and take it to the antiques road show and have them tell you it's worth 1 million?
[12:03:25] Me: I have these worthless daydreams all the time
[12:04:17] Lance: hmmmm... my 'get rich quick' daydreams usually run more towards robbing a bank or something... I guess thats the difference between men and women
[12:05:10] Me: yeah, check the garage before you run off with your pistol to the bank
Tuesday, July 20, 2010
10 Things
In an attempt to be more positive, I'm listing 10 things I like about my job. I've only thought of 2 so far so we'll see how long it takes me to come up with 10.
1. I really like that I have no dress code. I can pretty much wear whatever I want...within reason.
2. I love working from home on Friday's and telecommuting when I need to. Love.
3. Humm. Uh...
Laughs! I got stuck at this point for 20 minutes.
3. I'm happy with my Mac. It's beautiful. It's fast.
4. No time clock, not chained to my desk....can come and go without telling anyone.
5. I do have a few good people I can rely on when things get crazy.
6. I'm good at what I do. Really good, actually. I'd want me helping me if I needed help.
7. I don't have to talk to people face to face. Pretty much 95% my job is done via email.
8. For the most part, it's a good work environment. Has all the stuff to do what I have to do.
9. Humm.
Dang....only 2 to go and I'm stuck again!
9. I like that I'm Monday-Friday for 8 hours. Once I'm outta here, I'm not on call or any of that crap.
10. I guess I'm overlooking the most important thing. The fact that I even have a job. I love my job for supporting me!
1. I really like that I have no dress code. I can pretty much wear whatever I want...within reason.
2. I love working from home on Friday's and telecommuting when I need to. Love.
3. Humm. Uh...
Laughs! I got stuck at this point for 20 minutes.
3. I'm happy with my Mac. It's beautiful. It's fast.
4. No time clock, not chained to my desk....can come and go without telling anyone.
5. I do have a few good people I can rely on when things get crazy.
6. I'm good at what I do. Really good, actually. I'd want me helping me if I needed help.
7. I don't have to talk to people face to face. Pretty much 95% my job is done via email.
8. For the most part, it's a good work environment. Has all the stuff to do what I have to do.
9. Humm.
Dang....only 2 to go and I'm stuck again!
9. I like that I'm Monday-Friday for 8 hours. Once I'm outta here, I'm not on call or any of that crap.
10. I guess I'm overlooking the most important thing. The fact that I even have a job. I love my job for supporting me!
Thursday, July 15, 2010
What Color Am I?
I came across the and realized I had already done this once. I am still amazed that it is the perfect description of me.
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What Color Are You?
WHITES are motivated by PEACE, seek independence and require kindness. They resist confrontation at all costs. (Feeling good is more important than being good.) They are typically quiet by nature, they process things very deeply and objectively, and they are by far the best listeners of all the colors. They respect people who are kind, but recoil from perceived hostility or verbal battle.WHITES need their quiet independence and refuse to be controlled by others. WHITES want to do things their own way, in their own time. They ask little of others, and resent others demanding much of them. WHITES are much stronger than people think because they dont reveal their feelings. WHITES are kind, non-discriminate, patient and can be indecisive, timid, and silently stubborn. When you deal with a WHITE, be kind, accept and support their individuality, and look for nonverbal clues to their feelings.
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--
What Color Are You?
WHITES are motivated by PEACE, seek independence and require kindness. They resist confrontation at all costs. (Feeling good is more important than being good.) They are typically quiet by nature, they process things very deeply and objectively, and they are by far the best listeners of all the colors. They respect people who are kind, but recoil from perceived hostility or verbal battle.WHITES need their quiet independence and refuse to be controlled by others. WHITES want to do things their own way, in their own time. They ask little of others, and resent others demanding much of them. WHITES are much stronger than people think because they dont reveal their feelings. WHITES are kind, non-discriminate, patient and can be indecisive, timid, and silently stubborn. When you deal with a WHITE, be kind, accept and support their individuality, and look for nonverbal clues to their feelings.
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Saturday, July 10, 2010
Embellish Invitations Color Challenge
Here's my card for Embellish Magazine's Embellish Invitations Color Challenge. I used one of my all time favorite stamps ~ Marti, the martini girl. Isn't she just the cutest thing? I love any opportunity to use her. The challenge is to create some kind of invitation using green, deep red and kraft/gold. So here is my party invitation! Hope you like it!
Wednesday, July 07, 2010
Yes, another one of these Q&A things. It's all I got.
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What fragrance provokes the most profound memory in you?
There are a few. One is this bad mens cologne. I'm not even sure what it's called, but it's bad. I almost vomit when I smell it. Yeah, not a good memory linked to this at all.
The other is this smell of candles at Christmas. Again, not sure of the exact scent, but my Mom had candles and that smell just makes me think of happy holiday times long ago.
What is your comfort food?
Pot roast. The way my Mom used to make it.
Of the six senses (ESP included) which is the strongest for you?
I'd have to say sight. Except all my senses are pretty strong. But seeing things happen is the strongest for me.
What is your daily daydream?
Just be happy. Be peaceful. Be among good kind people.
If you found a hundred bucks on the sidewalk, what would you do with it?
I'd tuck it away and wait for something I really want and buy it.
What is your existential bliss?
Humm. Napping? Yeah, I think it's a good nap.
What are you hopeful for?
A peaceful clean planet.
What is your greatest vice?
Chai and craft supplies.
What is your greatest virtue?
I think I am a kind person. Or at least I try to be.
What do you want from life?
For Greg and I to live a long happy life together.
Does Heaven Exist?
I don't know. The logical side of me says no but another part of me thinks there is a chance. I guess I'll find out in the end just like everyone else.
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What fragrance provokes the most profound memory in you?
There are a few. One is this bad mens cologne. I'm not even sure what it's called, but it's bad. I almost vomit when I smell it. Yeah, not a good memory linked to this at all.
The other is this smell of candles at Christmas. Again, not sure of the exact scent, but my Mom had candles and that smell just makes me think of happy holiday times long ago.
What is your comfort food?
Pot roast. The way my Mom used to make it.
Of the six senses (ESP included) which is the strongest for you?
I'd have to say sight. Except all my senses are pretty strong. But seeing things happen is the strongest for me.
What is your daily daydream?
Just be happy. Be peaceful. Be among good kind people.
If you found a hundred bucks on the sidewalk, what would you do with it?
I'd tuck it away and wait for something I really want and buy it.
What is your existential bliss?
Humm. Napping? Yeah, I think it's a good nap.
What are you hopeful for?
A peaceful clean planet.
What is your greatest vice?
Chai and craft supplies.
What is your greatest virtue?
I think I am a kind person. Or at least I try to be.
What do you want from life?
For Greg and I to live a long happy life together.
Does Heaven Exist?
I don't know. The logical side of me says no but another part of me thinks there is a chance. I guess I'll find out in the end just like everyone else.
Saturday, July 03, 2010
Tuesday, June 29, 2010
Almonds
I'm not even going to attempt to explain what made me think of this because it's...well it isn't important. I just thought of these almonds I had as a kid. The neighborhood kids would be invited to swim at one of the houses on our block from time to time during the summer. The woman who invited us was....interesting. This was back in the mid 70's and I was too young to understand it back then, but looking back, I think she was a health food nut. She might have even been a vegetarian. Her house always smelled kind of weird. Not bad, but not a smell I knew. Her house was decorated with ethnic prints and sculptures....unusual to me since I'd never been exposed to any of that. She dressed in ethnic prints, too. Long flowy Muu Muus with chunky turquoise necklaces and multiple cuff bracelets. Just everything about her was different. Very nice lady tho. So anyway, we'd get to go swimming and she'd almost always come out to the deck with this small bowl of almonds that were in some kind of marinade. All the kids, including me, devoured them. They were so good. But the bowl they were in was tiny and there might have only been 10 or 15 almonds, so that meant we'd get maybe 2 almonds each. This sucked! You know, you when you swim you can get pretty hungry and 2 almonds barely registered. But nonetheless, it was what she gave us as a little treat and we were happy to get them since she was in no way required to feed us anything. I've always remembered those almonds. I'm pretty sure they were in oil and had a garlic and herbs but other than that, I have no idea how to replicate the recipe. She has a daughter who is older than me by maybe 5 years and I've actually seen her myspace page. I hardly knew her tho. I'm pretty sure she'd remember me, but isn't it kinda weird to email someone and say "hey, you wouldn't happen to know how to make those killer almonds, would you?" Seems like it would be a little strange...
Sunday, June 27, 2010
My Life As A Musical
I've done this for about 5 years. I answer questions with songs titles from my iTunes list.
Are you female or male:
Big Girls Don't Cry (Fergie)
Describe yourself:
Poker Face (Lady Gaga)
How do some people feel about you:
You've Made Me So Very Happy (Blood Sweat & Tears)
How do you feel about yourself:
Meant To Live (Switchfoot)
Describe your ex girlfriend/boyfriend:
Don't Know Why (Norah Jones)
Describe your current girlfriend/boyfriend:
Falling In Love At a Coffee Shop (Landon Pigg)
Describe where you want to be:
Away From The Sun (3 Doors Down)
Describe what you want to be:
Brick House (The Commodores)
Describe how you live:
Glitter In The Air (Pink)
Describe how you love:
I Don't Love You Much Do I (Guy Clark)
Share a few words of wisdom:
Let Your Love Flow (Bellamy Brothers)
Join in and share your answers in the comments :)
Are you female or male:
Big Girls Don't Cry (Fergie)
Describe yourself:
Poker Face (Lady Gaga)
How do some people feel about you:
You've Made Me So Very Happy (Blood Sweat & Tears)
How do you feel about yourself:
Meant To Live (Switchfoot)
Describe your ex girlfriend/boyfriend:
Don't Know Why (Norah Jones)
Describe your current girlfriend/boyfriend:
Falling In Love At a Coffee Shop (Landon Pigg)
Describe where you want to be:
Away From The Sun (3 Doors Down)
Describe what you want to be:
Brick House (The Commodores)
Describe how you live:
Glitter In The Air (Pink)
Describe how you love:
I Don't Love You Much Do I (Guy Clark)
Share a few words of wisdom:
Let Your Love Flow (Bellamy Brothers)
Join in and share your answers in the comments :)
Friday, June 25, 2010
don't get compromised
You all know, or at least I think you know, one of the things I do at work is deal with spam. It's an uphill battle. We get better at blocking it and detecting it, but the spammers also get better at what they do. The biggest problem is when spammers send notices from addresses that look legitimate and ask for account information. People fall for it over and over and over. Usually it's something like "send us this information or your account will be turned off". The user sends the information the second they think they will loose their precious email account. Then the madness happens.
Let's be clear - never......NEVER send anything personal in email. And when I say personal, I mean account information of any kind. NO legitimate email provider will ever ask you to send them your personal account information via email. Never. If you get something like that....even if it looks totally legitimate....it's not. If you get something and you're not sure, always run it past your systems administrator, or whoever the IT people are. Have them advise you if it is legitimate or not. Chances are it isn't. If you have to renew something or pay for something and you get an email notice about it, legitimate vendors will give you a link to a website to do the renewal. This is a whole other can of worms, but you should know if it's a legitimate website if you use their services. If you want to read more about secure websites, check out this site. I promise it's legit :)
Next, never ever store your password or any other personal information in files on your computer. You're just asking for trouble if you do this. Especially PC users. If your computer gets hit with spyware, they're going to find this information and you'll be up a serious creek.
Install anti-virus software on your computer. Go to the big electronic store and find the biggest computer geek that works there. Trust me, they're easy to spot. Ask them what to buy. And then buy it. And then actually install it.
And just a note about computer geeks. It might sound like I'm being.....ummm....unkind when I talk about them. Well, it's nothing like that. I'm married to a computer geek! Some people have even said I'm a computer geek...but they don't know what they're talking about. Anyway, geeks have beautiful incredible brains and should be admired for them. It's just a fact that a lot of computer geeks usually have a certain...look about them....you all know what I'm talking about. Don't act like you don't know. I say usually because this isn't always the case. Some geeks don't look the part, but generally if you talk to them for more than a minute, you start to get a sense of it. I work with geeks....tons of them. To look at some of them in passing, you might not know. But like I said, after you start talking to them, it's going to become obvious.
Alright, that's my spheele. Go forth and email securely and admire the geeks in your life.
Let's be clear - never......NEVER send anything personal in email. And when I say personal, I mean account information of any kind. NO legitimate email provider will ever ask you to send them your personal account information via email. Never. If you get something like that....even if it looks totally legitimate....it's not. If you get something and you're not sure, always run it past your systems administrator, or whoever the IT people are. Have them advise you if it is legitimate or not. Chances are it isn't. If you have to renew something or pay for something and you get an email notice about it, legitimate vendors will give you a link to a website to do the renewal. This is a whole other can of worms, but you should know if it's a legitimate website if you use their services. If you want to read more about secure websites, check out this site. I promise it's legit :)
Next, never ever store your password or any other personal information in files on your computer. You're just asking for trouble if you do this. Especially PC users. If your computer gets hit with spyware, they're going to find this information and you'll be up a serious creek.
Install anti-virus software on your computer. Go to the big electronic store and find the biggest computer geek that works there. Trust me, they're easy to spot. Ask them what to buy. And then buy it. And then actually install it.
And just a note about computer geeks. It might sound like I'm being.....ummm....unkind when I talk about them. Well, it's nothing like that. I'm married to a computer geek! Some people have even said I'm a computer geek...but they don't know what they're talking about. Anyway, geeks have beautiful incredible brains and should be admired for them. It's just a fact that a lot of computer geeks usually have a certain...look about them....you all know what I'm talking about. Don't act like you don't know. I say usually because this isn't always the case. Some geeks don't look the part, but generally if you talk to them for more than a minute, you start to get a sense of it. I work with geeks....tons of them. To look at some of them in passing, you might not know. But like I said, after you start talking to them, it's going to become obvious.
Alright, that's my spheele. Go forth and email securely and admire the geeks in your life.
Monday, June 21, 2010
Readers’ Choice Color Inspiration #4
Here's my card for Kristina Werner's Readers’ Choice Color Inspiration Challenge. I used this card as inspiration for the layout. The owl stamp is from Studio G and the paper is from DCVW Indian Summer Fall stack. The little embellishments were a gift so I'm not sure where they're from. I do have to say, the orange and yellow diamonds on the owl look horrible in this photo. I'm not sure why. It might be the blue with the orange/yellow just don't photograph well. It looks great in person :) Hope you like it!
I'm pretty excited :)
Greg got me a new Cricut cartridge and it's all owls! Owls are a very popular trend in card making and scrapbooking....as you will see with the next card I post :) Anyway, I was looking at all the die cuts on this cartridge and I got to thinking how cute it would be to do all the holiday cards for next year in just owls! Valentine owl, St. Patrick's Day owl, Easter owl....you get the idea. I'm excited ~ I think they will be cute!
I also got to thinking that some....maybe all of you, have no idea what a Cricut is. If you can stand to watch it, below is a infomercial about it. I got 31 seconds in and stopped it because it is so rehearsed and the people are bad at acting excited. But if you want to know what it is, go for it!
Greg got me a new Cricut cartridge and it's all owls! Owls are a very popular trend in card making and scrapbooking....as you will see with the next card I post :) Anyway, I was looking at all the die cuts on this cartridge and I got to thinking how cute it would be to do all the holiday cards for next year in just owls! Valentine owl, St. Patrick's Day owl, Easter owl....you get the idea. I'm excited ~ I think they will be cute!
I also got to thinking that some....maybe all of you, have no idea what a Cricut is. If you can stand to watch it, below is a infomercial about it. I got 31 seconds in and stopped it because it is so rehearsed and the people are bad at acting excited. But if you want to know what it is, go for it!
Sunday, June 20, 2010
Happy Father's Day!
Hope all you Dad's have/had a good Father's Day!
Here's the card I made for my Dad and Father-in-law this year.
The tree, tire swing and clouds are all stamped onto computer paper that was printed with Father's Day sayings and at varied degrees of darkness so the words would not be too distracting. Then I cut them out and glued each section to the white card base. *Everything* has printed words on it, even the blue background and the tree trunk. The background is very light so it's nearly impossible to read, but the words are there. The trunk is hard to read, too. And, of course, you can't read the tire because I colored it black :) Most of the card is colored with chalk, but I did use colored pencils in a few spots.
Hope you like it!
Here's the card I made for my Dad and Father-in-law this year.
The tree, tire swing and clouds are all stamped onto computer paper that was printed with Father's Day sayings and at varied degrees of darkness so the words would not be too distracting. Then I cut them out and glued each section to the white card base. *Everything* has printed words on it, even the blue background and the tree trunk. The background is very light so it's nearly impossible to read, but the words are there. The trunk is hard to read, too. And, of course, you can't read the tire because I colored it black :) Most of the card is colored with chalk, but I did use colored pencils in a few spots.
Hope you like it!
Friday, June 11, 2010
Readers’ Choice Color Inspiration #3
Here's my card for Kristina Werner's Readers’ Choice Color Inspiration Challenge. My inspiration piece was the little "Bling It" tree. It fit in with the colors perfectly. The stamp is from the "Fairies" Stampin' Up! set and the plaid background pattern stamp on the pink paper is from Hero Arts. Hope you like it!
Wednesday, June 09, 2010
I have a feeling this is a worthless attempt to explain a feeling, but I'm going to try.
There are times when...for lack of better words.....my soul is transported to another time. Usually the past. It's trigged by different things. Sometimes music, sometimes a photo or a place, sometimes a scent in the air. Today it was a song. I usually get a very vivid image in my head. It's like I'm there. I can feel the moment physically. And the weird thing is, sometimes it isn't an actual memory of something that happened, but rather a feeling. Like I am remembering a feeling but the vision I have isn't an actual moment that happened. It's just something conjured up to fit the feeling I am recalling. The feeling I'm having today is a recurring one. It's winter. I'm going home for Christmas. Everyone is there and the feeling is happy. A warm feeling. Joyful. These are old feelings for sure. I long to feel them again, but I'm pretty sure they will only be felt in memories like this one I'm having now. Things change and you can't relive the past. But for now I am on my way to Christmas....the air is cool and the bright lights sparkle. I am happy....because, after all, it was the most wonderful time of the year.
There are times when...for lack of better words.....my soul is transported to another time. Usually the past. It's trigged by different things. Sometimes music, sometimes a photo or a place, sometimes a scent in the air. Today it was a song. I usually get a very vivid image in my head. It's like I'm there. I can feel the moment physically. And the weird thing is, sometimes it isn't an actual memory of something that happened, but rather a feeling. Like I am remembering a feeling but the vision I have isn't an actual moment that happened. It's just something conjured up to fit the feeling I am recalling. The feeling I'm having today is a recurring one. It's winter. I'm going home for Christmas. Everyone is there and the feeling is happy. A warm feeling. Joyful. These are old feelings for sure. I long to feel them again, but I'm pretty sure they will only be felt in memories like this one I'm having now. Things change and you can't relive the past. But for now I am on my way to Christmas....the air is cool and the bright lights sparkle. I am happy....because, after all, it was the most wonderful time of the year.
Friday, June 04, 2010
EtsyInspired #90 ~ Sunshyne Silverwear
Here's my card for the Etsy Inspired Challenge featuring the Sunshyne Silverwear Etsy site as the inspiration. The challenge is to use that Etsy site as inspiration when creating a card/project. My inspiration piece is this spoon pendant. Wouldn't these spoon pendants be great for a chef or someone who runs a coffee/tea shop? Very unique and fun. I was thinking Rachel Ray always wears unique necklaces and one of these would be good for her :)
Here is my card. Did I go overboard on the polkadots? I just couldn't help myself once I got started. The background might be hard to see, but I stamped dots and used VeraMark ink with clear embossing powder to create a tone on tone effect. The flower stamp is by Laundry Line. I stamped it once in fuchsia and once in yellow so I could cut out the center of the yellow one and add it to the fuchsia flower for more interest. I used green ribbon to act as "greenery" :)
Hope you like it!
Here is my card. Did I go overboard on the polkadots? I just couldn't help myself once I got started. The background might be hard to see, but I stamped dots and used VeraMark ink with clear embossing powder to create a tone on tone effect. The flower stamp is by Laundry Line. I stamped it once in fuchsia and once in yellow so I could cut out the center of the yellow one and add it to the fuchsia flower for more interest. I used green ribbon to act as "greenery" :)
Hope you like it!
100 things about me
This is going around on blogs now so I thought I'd see if I could come up with 100 things. Hopefully you won't fall asleep.
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1. I'm a natural blonde but my hair is getting a lot darker as I age.
2. I have no idea what I did for fun before I started paper crafting.
3. I like to twitter....er....tweet.
4. Zero interest in Facebook.
5. I'm persnickety about things.
6. I like to cook.
7. Unplanned weekends are the best.
8. I have cats.
9. Am a cat person. I understand them. They understand me.
10. Weird stuff happens to me. Seriously. Not just stuff, but weird stuff.
11. I have 3.....er....2.....humm. I have 1 friend.
12. I have the ability to see beauty in things that are not commonly considered beautiful.
13. I wish I enjoyed reading books....but I just don't anymore.
14. Buffy the Vampire Slayer is the only vampire series that does it for me.
15. I don't like eggplant.
16. I live about 5 minutes from the house I grew up in.
17. I loathe jury duty.
18. I wish I could sew.
19. I have a lot of patience, but if you keep after me, it's out the door.
20. I don't have kids and have never wanted to have kids.
21. It's really hard for me to sleep unless it's quiet, soft and I'm laying down.
22. You will never get me to eat gooey duck. Google it.
23. I don't really like doing yard work. But I have a virgo husband so it works out.
24. I don't mind washing dishes. Good thing because the virgo husband ain't good at that.
25. I've owned 4 cars.
26. I'm a penny pincher.
27. Me and lizards....no.
28. What? I'm only on #28!? Ugh. Asleep yet? Ok, uh....I have a terrible memory.
29. I met Greg 2 days after my 21st birthday.
30. I love weddings. All the pretty things about weddings...gowns, cakes, glittery stuff.
31. Public speaking terrifies me.
32. Friendly isn't a word I'd use to describe myself. Standoff'ish would be a good word.
33. I enjoy people watching. People do a lot of stupid things so it can be entertaining.
34. Computers are nice....very helpful in life. Could not live without one. But they make me crazy.
35. Especially PC's! I'm a Mac only girl.
36. Only on #36 now. Ok.....uh....I love Halloween. Such a fun day!
37. I let my gas tank get to empty and the light comes on. Makes Virgo husband crazy.
38. I cannot play musical instrument.
39. I don't care for snow.
40. Whipped cream is the most tasty thing on earth.
41. Cheese is good, too. Grilled cheese sandwiches and tomato soup....so good.
42. I have a bad memory, but I can remember random lines from movies.
43. I'm hooked on the Real Housewives shows. I watch them all except Atlanta.
44. Of all the ethnic foods, Asian food is my favorite!
45. Dylan McDermott is my celebrity crush.
46. I drink chai every morning.
47. If I had never met Greg, pretty sure my life would suck.
48. I like football but baseball is boring.
49. Not sure I can watch the Chargers this season. They break my heart every season.
50. Half way though this. I wear flip flops nearly everyday.
51. I have no problem doing minor "surgery" on myself.
52. I'm patriotic.
53. I wish I had joined the Peace Corps when I got out of high school.
54. I think I was too sheltered. Good or bad thing? Not sure.
55. Rain makes me happy.
56. I fall asleep to the sound of rain on my iPod every night.
57. I'm Californian....no doubt about it. And I like it - so there!
58. Can't dance - can't sing.
59. My first job was at McDonalds.
60. That Free Willy movie is a true story? Who would swim with an orca in the ocean? CRAZY!
61. I dream things that would be perfect to turn into romance books.
62. I am addicted to paper. And ribbon. But I don't have as much as some people.
63. Never seen any of those Lord of the Rings movies, but I might rent them.
64. I love to save quotes.
65. My husband is my favorite person. Bet you had not guessed that :)
66. Ugh, only at #66. Ummm....Sephora is one of my favorite stores.
67. I startle every easily....people think it's funny because I jump, but trust me, it an't funny to me.
68. The number 19 has been my favorite number since 6th grade.
69. October is my favorite month.
70. I think 80's music is either really good or horrible. Mostly horrible.
71. I'm dependable.
72. I'm an old dog ~ don't like change.
73. I used to eat Kipper snacks with my Dad when I was little, but I can't anymore. They smell like cat food.
74. I don't need an alarm clock to get up.
75. I'm a big sap. Even commercials can make me tear-up.
76. Scary movies give me nightmares. I never watch them anymore.
77. I don't drink coffee, but I like Frappuccino's.
78. I do like the smell of coffee beans.
79. I have my tonsils and appendix.
80. I don't have my wisdom teeth.
81. Almost there! My favorite smell is all the stuff cooking on Thanksgiving.
82. I can be naive.
83. I don't care for musicals but I do like the show Glee!
84. I use pencils over pens.
85. I will listen to country music over rap if I had to pick one.
86. I think A LOT. About all kinds of stuff. Lots of wondering. Which leads to Googling.
87. One of my favorite things to do is lay in bed with Greg and read magazines.
88. My cell phone is usually dead. I hardly ever use it.
89. I get distracted reallllly easily. Working....working....OOOH, butterfly!
90. I'm lazy.
91. And indecisive.
92. I wish I was the heir to a huge fortune. Who wouldn't wish that I guess.
93. I will read TV show spoilers....I'm just too curious to wait sometimes.
94. I never watched The Brady Bunch, The Partridge Family or The Walton's.
95. I have an awesome imagination.
96. If I have "a calling" in life, I have no idea what it is.
97. I have dental floss in my purse, my bathrooms, my craft desk & work desk.
98. Stuff in my teeth bugs me.
99. Terrible at math. Terrible.
100. Better at spelling, but not by much!
So glad I'm done!
--
1. I'm a natural blonde but my hair is getting a lot darker as I age.
2. I have no idea what I did for fun before I started paper crafting.
3. I like to twitter....er....tweet.
4. Zero interest in Facebook.
5. I'm persnickety about things.
6. I like to cook.
7. Unplanned weekends are the best.
8. I have cats.
9. Am a cat person. I understand them. They understand me.
10. Weird stuff happens to me. Seriously. Not just stuff, but weird stuff.
11. I have 3.....er....2.....humm. I have 1 friend.
12. I have the ability to see beauty in things that are not commonly considered beautiful.
13. I wish I enjoyed reading books....but I just don't anymore.
14. Buffy the Vampire Slayer is the only vampire series that does it for me.
15. I don't like eggplant.
16. I live about 5 minutes from the house I grew up in.
17. I loathe jury duty.
18. I wish I could sew.
19. I have a lot of patience, but if you keep after me, it's out the door.
20. I don't have kids and have never wanted to have kids.
21. It's really hard for me to sleep unless it's quiet, soft and I'm laying down.
22. You will never get me to eat gooey duck. Google it.
23. I don't really like doing yard work. But I have a virgo husband so it works out.
24. I don't mind washing dishes. Good thing because the virgo husband ain't good at that.
25. I've owned 4 cars.
26. I'm a penny pincher.
27. Me and lizards....no.
28. What? I'm only on #28!? Ugh. Asleep yet? Ok, uh....I have a terrible memory.
29. I met Greg 2 days after my 21st birthday.
30. I love weddings. All the pretty things about weddings...gowns, cakes, glittery stuff.
31. Public speaking terrifies me.
32. Friendly isn't a word I'd use to describe myself. Standoff'ish would be a good word.
33. I enjoy people watching. People do a lot of stupid things so it can be entertaining.
34. Computers are nice....very helpful in life. Could not live without one. But they make me crazy.
35. Especially PC's! I'm a Mac only girl.
36. Only on #36 now. Ok.....uh....I love Halloween. Such a fun day!
37. I let my gas tank get to empty and the light comes on. Makes Virgo husband crazy.
38. I cannot play musical instrument.
39. I don't care for snow.
40. Whipped cream is the most tasty thing on earth.
41. Cheese is good, too. Grilled cheese sandwiches and tomato soup....so good.
42. I have a bad memory, but I can remember random lines from movies.
43. I'm hooked on the Real Housewives shows. I watch them all except Atlanta.
44. Of all the ethnic foods, Asian food is my favorite!
45. Dylan McDermott is my celebrity crush.
46. I drink chai every morning.
47. If I had never met Greg, pretty sure my life would suck.
48. I like football but baseball is boring.
49. Not sure I can watch the Chargers this season. They break my heart every season.
50. Half way though this. I wear flip flops nearly everyday.
51. I have no problem doing minor "surgery" on myself.
52. I'm patriotic.
53. I wish I had joined the Peace Corps when I got out of high school.
54. I think I was too sheltered. Good or bad thing? Not sure.
55. Rain makes me happy.
56. I fall asleep to the sound of rain on my iPod every night.
57. I'm Californian....no doubt about it. And I like it - so there!
58. Can't dance - can't sing.
59. My first job was at McDonalds.
60. That Free Willy movie is a true story? Who would swim with an orca in the ocean? CRAZY!
61. I dream things that would be perfect to turn into romance books.
62. I am addicted to paper. And ribbon. But I don't have as much as some people.
63. Never seen any of those Lord of the Rings movies, but I might rent them.
64. I love to save quotes.
65. My husband is my favorite person. Bet you had not guessed that :)
66. Ugh, only at #66. Ummm....Sephora is one of my favorite stores.
67. I startle every easily....people think it's funny because I jump, but trust me, it an't funny to me.
68. The number 19 has been my favorite number since 6th grade.
69. October is my favorite month.
70. I think 80's music is either really good or horrible. Mostly horrible.
71. I'm dependable.
72. I'm an old dog ~ don't like change.
73. I used to eat Kipper snacks with my Dad when I was little, but I can't anymore. They smell like cat food.
74. I don't need an alarm clock to get up.
75. I'm a big sap. Even commercials can make me tear-up.
76. Scary movies give me nightmares. I never watch them anymore.
77. I don't drink coffee, but I like Frappuccino's.
78. I do like the smell of coffee beans.
79. I have my tonsils and appendix.
80. I don't have my wisdom teeth.
81. Almost there! My favorite smell is all the stuff cooking on Thanksgiving.
82. I can be naive.
83. I don't care for musicals but I do like the show Glee!
84. I use pencils over pens.
85. I will listen to country music over rap if I had to pick one.
86. I think A LOT. About all kinds of stuff. Lots of wondering. Which leads to Googling.
87. One of my favorite things to do is lay in bed with Greg and read magazines.
88. My cell phone is usually dead. I hardly ever use it.
89. I get distracted reallllly easily. Working....working....OOOH, butterfly!
90. I'm lazy.
91. And indecisive.
92. I wish I was the heir to a huge fortune. Who wouldn't wish that I guess.
93. I will read TV show spoilers....I'm just too curious to wait sometimes.
94. I never watched The Brady Bunch, The Partridge Family or The Walton's.
95. I have an awesome imagination.
96. If I have "a calling" in life, I have no idea what it is.
97. I have dental floss in my purse, my bathrooms, my craft desk & work desk.
98. Stuff in my teeth bugs me.
99. Terrible at math. Terrible.
100. Better at spelling, but not by much!
So glad I'm done!
Monday, May 31, 2010
Happy Memorial Day
“Four things support the world: the learning of the wise, the justice of the great, the prayers of the good, and the valor of the brave”
Friday, May 28, 2010
Etsy Inspired Challenge #89 - Michelle Brusegaard
Here's my card for the Etsy Inspired Challenge featuring Michelle Brusegaard's Etsy site as the inspiration. The challenge is to use her Etsy site as inspiration when creating a card/project. My inspiration piece is this aqua note card set. Her's is in black ink, but I did mine in brown because I wanted to use my "brownstone" glitter from Martha Stewart as an accent. It's hard to see in the photo, but it glitters just slightly. This glitter is so pretty! Simple non-discript card that could be used for a variety of things ~ just like hers :)
Hope you like it!
Hope you like it!
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