Debbie's Scrapping Stamping Place

Have you seen it?

2012-01-04T15:34:00.001-08:00

What is it you ask? It is the latest Stampin' Up! occassions mini and it is fabulous! You can view it here. You can also shop with me online 24/7 by clicking here
It has so many new and exciting products.
Please contact me if you have any questions.

Check out the Stampin’ Up! Clearance Rack

2011-10-07T09:42:00.001-07:00

Stampin' Up! has added some new products to the Clearance Rack. Please use the link below to look through these fantastic products. If you see something you want you may want to order now as the Clearance Rack is a "while supplies last" offering. All sales are final on these discounted items and they can only be ordered online.

My Stampin'Up! Store-Click Here

Wonder how this works!

2011-10-06T16:59:00.001-07:00

I received an email today from Diana Gibbs (thanks Diana, I love your blog) and she said she was "giving it a try". She was creating her blog post through Word and I thought "I want to do that too…." and there it is.

I don't have anything special in mind but I can update my blog about current Stampin' Up! specials. So here goes:

First how exciting would it be to get a Big Shot for free? Well you can just by joining Stampin' Up! during the month of October, 2011. If you already own a Big Shot you can get up to $100 in free Stampin' Up! products.

You can go to my website (www.debbiedaniels.stampinup.net) to join. Once there select Join The Fun and select any one of the topics for more information on the benefits and kit techniques or select join the fun.

Once selected you can read the information and view the video and then select join now on the left side of the screen. Read the Welcome agreement in the pop-up screen, select acknowledged, read the demonstrator agreement, check I agree, complete the application and all remaining information. When asked the password is ddaniels. Please contact me by email at ddaniels@ctcn.net if you have any questions.

You can also get a free coordinating stamp set when you purchase two Simply Sent card sets. Check out the online catalog on my website (www.debbiedaniels.stampinup.net)

You can also check out my calendar of events while you are there and contact me if you'd like to host a workshop and earn fabulous Stampin' Up! products.

Please contact me if you have any questions.

Grab a Bag of Stampin' Up! Products

2011-04-02T05:56:00.000-07:00

Beginning today, April 1, and continuing while supplies last, you can purchase special "grab bags" in the Online Store. These grab bags are available in three sizes: the $5, the $10, and the $15 grab bag. Each one have a variety of discontinued products inside that could include a combination of any of the following: ribbons, Accents & Elements, chipboard, Designer Series Papers, and Simply Sent kit components. Grab bags will not contain stamp sets or tools.

Please keep the following in mind:
•Grab bag orders can only be placed in the Online Store.
•There is no minimum purchase required to participate in the grab bag special offer.
•There is no limit to the number of grab bags you can purchase; Grab Bag items are only available while supplies last.
•All Grab Bag sales are final. There are no refunds or exchanges.
•Not all grab bags will be unique.
•You should use the following item numbers when ordering grab bags:

125873 $5 Grab Bag (containing at least $20 worth of products!)
125874 $10 Grab Bag (containing at least $40 worth of products!)
125875 $15 Grab Bag (containing at least $60 worth of products!)

To order your Grab Bag today please go to my online store at
http://debbiedaniels@stampinup.net

New Buttons on my Blog

2010-07-06T15:43:00.000-07:00

I have added several new buttons in the sidebar. These buttons will make it convenient for you to access the new Stampin' Up! catalogs and the flyer which details the new color kits. As always if you have any questions, please let me know.

You are absolutely going to fall in love with the new colors, stamps and products in this catalog! Call me if you would you like to see some of the new items in person.

Host a workshop and earn some of the new products while having a fun time with friends and family.

The New Catalog is Here!

2010-07-01T14:50:00.001-07:00

The new catalog is here and in effect today. There are so many new and exciting things, I have my wish list started, how about you? If you would like to order a new catalog, please let me know.

The new colors are also in effect today and you are going to love them, they are beautiful. Stampin' Up! did an excellent job of picking the new colors.

If you join stamp club, start a new club or host a workshop with me, you can get a catalog for free, just contact me for details.

A link to the new catalog will be on my blog in a few minutes so you can view it online. You can also order through my Stampin' Up! website.

Happy Shopping!

Join My Stampin' Up! Team

2010-06-02T17:22:00.000-07:00

Have you ever thought of being a Stampin' Up! Demonstrator? Now is a great time to realize that dream. You can earn fabulous products, incentive trips, have access to beautiful samples and experts of all levels.

Stampin' Up! has a $99 mini starter kit special running from June 1 through June 30, 2010. While all items are recommended, you can substitute for an item of equal or lessor value. This $99 kit is valued at $180 and the following items are included in this kit:

Watercolor Trio stamp set (wood-mount)
I {Heart} Hearts stamp set (clear-mount)
Clear-Mount Block C
Homemade single stamp*
8 1/2 x 11 Whisper White card stock
8 1/2 x 11 Brights Collection assorted card stock*
Melon Mambo Classic Stampin’ Pad
Daffodil Delight Classic Stampin’ Pad*
Rich Razzleberry Classic Stampin’ Pad
Tempting Turquoise Classic Stampin’ Pad
1/8" Basic Black taffeta ribbon*
Color Coach*
SNAIL Adhesive
*These items are Sneak peek items from the new catalog which debuts July 1, 2010.

You will also get the following business supplies which are included in the standard Starter kit.

Getting Started DVD
Getting Started Guide
Guest Invitation Postcards (100)
2009-2010 Idea Book & Catalog (8)*
Summer Mini Catalog (8)
To My Hostess Envelopes (10)
Recruit Folders (5)
Recruit Brochures (20)
Hostess Brochures (20)

*If you join Stampin' Up! in June, you will receive a free box of 2010-2011 Idea Book and Catalogs during the first part of July!

You can sign up to be a demonstrator through my Stampin' Up! website, http://debbiedaniels.stampinup.net
Select Start Your Own Business, select start your own business, select the Join Now button on the left side, read the pop-up Agreement and select Acknowledged, read the Demonstrator Agreement, check I agree and enter ddaniels in the password. You can then complete the application, feel free to contact me with any questions.

You will love being a Stampin' Up! Demonsrator!

Last Chance Lists

2010-06-01T17:50:00.000-07:00

As we prepare for the new catalog it is time to retire some old friends to make room for new ones. Follow the links below for a complete list of last change items. You can then contact me or go to my Stampin' Up! website to place your order.

Last Chance Stamps List

Last Chance Accessories List

.Last Chance Definitely Decorative List

The items on these lists are available while supplies last or June 30, 2010. The new catalog will be effective July 1, 2010

And The Challenge Winner Is.....

2010-05-26T18:10:00.000-07:00

Tammy Brackney. Recently I sent a card sketch to my Springfield Stamp Club group. They were to use the sketch to create a card and bring it to the next club meeting. The winning card was created by Tammy using all Stampin'Up! products featuring Tall Tales designer paper.

Don't you just love how she highlighted the elephants by putting them in a scallop circle?

Can't wait until the next challenge to see what the club comes up with.

Stampin' Up!'s Color Renovation

2010-04-08T19:26:00.000-07:00

We have just received some exciting news from Stampin' Up! It' a COLOR RENOVATION! Stampin' Up! is releasing some new and exciting colors. They will be in the July 2010 catalog. The new color collections are Brights, Neutrals, Regals and Subtles, they include 5 new colors (Daffodil Delight, Early Espresso, Cherry Cobbler, Marina Mist and Cajun Craze along with 10 returning colors (Melon Mambo, Rich Razzleberry, Pacific Point, River Rock, Soft Suede, Riding Hood Red, Wild Wasabi, Baja Breeze, Tangerine Tango and Pink Pirouette). I love the 5 new colors and the 10 returning colors have quite a number of my personal favorites. Topping that list is Riding Hood Red and Rich Razzleberry-I am thrilled to see them staying.

Of course with this Renovation there is always the sad parting with some favorites as well. There are 30 colors that will be retiring the end of June, 2010. So be sure you check the list before they retire and stock up on your favorites.

Please see the color charts below. I am sure you will find a few new favorites you won't be able to live without.

Congratulations Card

2010-03-08T03:53:00.001-08:00

Recently at work there was a need for a card for a co-worker who was leaving for a new job. I made this card for her. The flowers were created using the Sizzix Flower Layers Die (Stampin' Up! Item #113458) Sizzix Bigz Top Note Die (Stampin' Up! Item #113463), Razzleberry Lemonade Designer Paper (Stampin' Up! Item #115675), Soft Suede,Crushed Curry and Melon Mambo cardstock.

The flowers were created using a tutorial from Julie Buhler who is a very talented Stampin' Up! Demonstrator. Julie shares her ideas and techniques on her blog Paper Pleasing Ideas. Thanks Julie.

If you would like to order any of the Stampin' Up! products, please visit my website at www.debbiedaniels.stampinup.net.

Cottage Wall Journal

2010-03-07T17:13:00.000-08:00

In November 2009 I took a class from the very talented Donna Weibel who teaches at a local retail store. Donna's journal was a Christmas journal and hangs on a wooden stand (which I haven't purchased yet)by the rings. It would be great to display photos of last Christmas or to display photos from several Christmas'.

I took the journal I created in her class and created one using Cottage Wall Designer paper (thus the name) and other Stampin' Up! products. The journal turned out very nicely and my Stamp Club is now creating their own.

We are using the Cottage Wall Designer paper, Orchid Opulence, Rich Razzleberry and Old Olive cardstock and inks, Antique Brass HodgePodge, Sizzix dies and the Big Shot as well as Laughter & Love Rub Ons. This is actually the first time I have used Stampin' Up!'s Rub Ons and I am so hooked on them. I will definitely be adding them to my future purchases and Wish Lists. I just can't believe I waited so long to try them.

I did not add any stamping to this journal. However the next one I create I want to add a vintage feel to it so I will be using some vintage style rubber stamping to it.

The picture below shows a page which has a pull out card where you can place your photo on the outside page and journal on the pull out card or add photos on the front of the pull out card and journal on the back.

This photo shows the page where both side fold out. You can place a picture in the center and journal on each side or journal on the sides. You could also put a small picture on each side with journal above or below.

I hope you enjoy this journal. I had a great time recreating it and can't wait to start the vintage one.

Just Catching Up

2010-02-10T17:01:00.000-08:00

It has been a little over 6 months since I updated this blog. It sure is a sign of how my life has taken a turn. I got a job in July 2009 and I love it! It has been quite some time since I was able to say that. My last job took a turn for the worse when management changed and so did the company philosphy, how sad. The company I work for has a great group of people in charge.

This blog will be changing even more as it will become a place to share my Stampin' Up!(SU) creations. As you know SU had all demonstrators sign a new agreement and by doing so we agreed to promote our products in our blogs. That will be an easy thing to do as SU has fantastic products.

I remember when I was first introduced to SU and my demonstrator showed me SU products but really didn't sell them to me. I was mostly buying stamps from her and they were really just collecting dust. I know that I became an SU demonstrator to get the discount and because the kit was on sale when I signed up. Since I signed up I have tried many SU products and I love them all. I continue to learn more and more about them and how to use them. The quality is exceptional and the various products offered varied enough so everyone can find something new to try and fall in love with.

I am in the processing of changing the layout of this blog, so please check back often. I hope to be posting some completed projects soon as well. I gain inspiration from other sites, classes I have taken which have used non SU products but I have recreated using only SU products and from the SU demonstrator website which contains a wealth of information.

I hope to see you here often in the future and please leave comments telling me what you would like to see or know about.

Don't Tear Me Down - Widget

2009-07-06T15:26:00.001-07:00

My Stampin' Up! Projects

2009-07-04T09:57:00.001-07:00

Well it has again been too long since my last post. The new Stampin' Up! catalog is out and it is fabulous to say the least. I have my wish list completed and will need to save quite a bit to afford all that I want for it. I have also found a job and will begin soon. It is bittersweet as I do need the money, I have also enjoyed my time at home. I have not accomplished all that I intended to but have done what I wanted to. So I will now begin a new chapter in my work life.

The pictures I am posting are from my last stamp club meeting. I made a card with the new SU Animal Stories stamp set and a scrapbook page with a Sizzix flower die. All papers are SU as are the inks used. I did use a Martha Steward punch (branch) as I wanted the "wild life" to be outdoors. I made the page very simple by just adding die cut flowers and the branches as leaves. I added brads to the flower center. I love the new In Colors from SU.

I hope you enjoy these projects. I had a fun time creating them and the club members enjoyed making their own.

Stampin' Up! and Country Living together again.

2009-06-16T06:01:00.000-07:00

Have you seen the new Stampin' Up! Country Living Kit? WOW! What a great addition to your summer picnic or your 4th of July Celebration.

This is a limited time kit and is a great value at $24.95.The Country Living Summer Cookout Kit gives you everything you need to hold a fantastic summer party, including:

•Creative invitations
•Fun food wrappers
•Customizable coasters
•And more!

Please visit my website at www.debbiedaniels.stampinup.net and select Promotions to order this kit.

Stampin' Up! New Catalog and current Promotions

2009-06-10T06:57:00.000-07:00

I just received my demonstrator copy of the new catalog and WOW! is all I can say. I can't wait until my customers see it. It is unbelievable. I love the new stamps and all the new designer papers (DP). I will have quite a large order in just the DP, they are beautiful.

I am getting ready to create a journal and will definitely be using some of these papers in it.

Please click on the side link to check out the current promotions.

It's been awhile again.

2009-06-01T14:30:00.000-07:00

I haven't updated this blog in awhile, not sure why. I have created a few cards and scrapbook pages for my monthly Stamping! club and for a workshop I held. I also did a calendar for the workshop. I hope to get pictures taken and uploaded soon.

Today I made two cards using HIT (Hearts In Touch) rubber stamps. There was a challenge to stamp on black. So I stamped on black SU cardstock and colored with PearlEx watercolors. I used some bronze mirror paper and black vinyl to mount the stamped oriental poppy on. They will be sent as RAK's to someone on the HIT yahoo group RAK list. I hope you enjoy it.

More later, off to cook supper now.

Back to work today

2009-05-11T17:36:00.001-07:00

Today was my first day back to the health care campus where my dad was a resident. Dad passed away May 1st, he was 81 and had Alzheimer's. When I say "back to work", I actually mean back to volunteering. I am currently unemployed (except for selling Stampin' Up!) and looking for work.

I volunteer two days a week at the health care campus and it is a great place. My daughter also works there (she is actually employed there). I enjoy my time there and I get to do various tasks. I have made phone calls to obtain information, visited with the residents doing one on one visits, helped with various activities, helped in the dining room at lunch and even conducted scrap booking activities.

The scrap booking activities started in April for National Craft month. The first time I took in various scrapbooks I had made and some my daughter had made. From there scrapbook sessions were scheduled and we made paper bag scrapbooks and completed a squash book. We had a great time and some residents even put pictures in their scrapbooks.

This week we are going to decorate a paper bag with fabric shapes that can be used as gift bags, hung up for decoration or used to hold special items.

Today when I returned I took the Thank you cards that I made along with donuts to say Thanks to the nurses and aides who lovingly cared for Dad. They took excellent care of him and showed such compassion. They treat all residents with compassion, kindness, love and dignity. I just wanted to give them a small token of our (my 1 sisters and I) appreciation for their care.

The greatest thing for me today was to hear that I was missed, not just the assistance I provide, but me. How great is that! How uplifting.

Please let someone you know how much they mean to you today. You will certainly make their day.

Thank You Card

2009-05-08T18:53:00.000-07:00

Today I created Thank You cards for the various expressions of sympathy I received on the passing of my Dad. The card was created using Stampin' Up! paper (Chocolate Chip, Close to Cocoa and Apricot Appeal), stamps (Embrace Life and Much Appreciated), Watercolor Pencils and ink, Spellbinders Nesties and organza ribbon from my "stash"

I stamped the flower from Embrace Life using StazOn and colored with the pencils. I stamped the thanks from Much Appreciated and trimmed the ends with decorative scissors.

The scalloped circle was cut from Close to Cocoa on my Big Shot and the flower was cut with a circle die using the Big Shot. Both circles are the Spellbinders Nesties.

I love the Embrace Life stamp set and have used it many times in various projects. It is such a simple yet elegant flower set and works well for thank you cards, birthday cards, maybe even a Mother's day card. It can also be used on scrapbook pages and in journals. I am sure I will pull this set out again in the very near future. I also like to use Versamark ink with this set to create elegant backgrounds which I will most likely use in a workshop later this month when I create a calendar.

I hope you enjoy this card.

I now need to create my Mom's Mother's day card, I already have her gift (Bare Escentuals products which she loves). Sunday my daughter, Mom and sisters will be going to Olive Garden for lunch to celebrate Mother's Day.

My Dad

2009-05-04T08:54:00.000-07:00

My posts have been a long time in between. It has been busy here. My Dad was in the final stages of Alzheimers and at age 81, passed away last Friday.

Dad is saved so I know today he is in Heaven and that makes things easier. As we sat with him last week, we were remembering special times and fun things we had done.

Dad was in a great healthcare facility when he passed and for the last 2 years they took excellent care of him. They not only cared for medical needs, but cared about him as a person.

Today I am trying to get things together for the viewing tonight and the funeral tomorrow. My Dad and younger sister had already pre-planned the funeral and Chris confirmed the final arrangements Saturday.

As I get things done, I think of Dad more and more and remember little things that I had not thought of in quite some time.

I am also reminded of the many things I need to do and how I should be more prepared for life events than I am.

Blog Candy Opportunity

2009-04-25T08:23:00.000-07:00

WOW! I can't believe it has been so long since I posted to my blog. Where has the time gone? It has really been busy and full of too much to do in too little time. I have been stamping some, but not as much as I want to.

I have been doing a scrapbook activity on Tuesday's at the health campus where I volunteer and it has been fun. We have been creating paper bag books, most of the residents seem to enjoy it. Next I am going to create a squashbook for them and let them decorate it.

Okay, now for the blog candy opportunity. Debbie x is celebrating her 1 year Blogversay. Passion For Crafts is her blog. Follow this link http://passionforcrafts.blogspot.com/2009/04/blogoversary-candy.html to sign up for the blog candy.

Good luck to all.

Stampin' Up! Promotions

2009-04-03T09:07:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone, it's been awhile since I've posted. I have been spending time with my Mom making jewelry and working on our taxes. I hope to finish them up today.

I would like to take a few minutes today to post a couple of specials from Stampin' Up!. The first is a special from the Occasions Mini Catalog that runs from April 1 until APril 30, 2009. As you create your cards, scrapbook pages and other projects from products in this mini, you can also earn free items. For each $40 in products (not including tax and shipping and handling) purchased from the Occasions Mini you can select 1 item free from the "Under $10" page (page 208) in the Spring-Summer 2009 Idea Book and Catalog.

You can also earn 1 free item (from the "Under $10 page (page 208) in the Spring-Sumer 2009 Idea Book & Catalog. if you host a workshop of $150(not including tax and shipping and handling) or more.

This is great and you can not only earn for the first $40 or first $150 in product, but you continue to earn for each $40 and $150 in product. So if you order totals $80-that's 2 free items.

Great Deal!

Also Stampin' Up! the new demonstrator offer to spread your payments over 3 months on your Starter Kit continues through April 30. 2009.

Please see the links on the right to learn more about these exciting offers. I hope you will take advantage of them.

If you don't have a current Stampin' Up! Catalog, not only can you browse it online, but you can also receive a free copy (for a limited time and while supplies last) by ordering online. Please visit the links to the right for more information.

Marco's Paper Has A Blog and Special Offer

2009-03-25T15:02:00.000-07:00

Have you heard of Marco's Paper in Centerville, OH? What a great place to shop. They have stamp supplies, inks, paper, Spellbinders, awesome cardstock and speciality papers, just to name a few things. Every time I go to Marco's I have 1 or 2items I need and always leave with so much more. They have great samples, a fantastic staff who are so helpful and kind. You feel like family on your very first visit.

Visit their website at www.marcopaper.com or the blog at http://marcopaper.blogspot.com. Their blog is new but you can subscribe to it. They have posted a tutorial on a card from a Make It Take It from today. They have them every Wednesday and Saturday. Fantastic teachers. Michelle Zindorf also teaches her brayer technique there. Donna Weibel is another teacher with some awesome classes as well as Cheryl Darrow from Ten Seconds Studio.

They have so much more that I haven't listed here, please visit their website to see what they have.

They have a special on preordering the new Spellbinder dies you'll want to read about; a special posted on their new blog which offers free shipping (be sure to read the information on when it applies and how to get it); you can also sign up to be added to their email list and you'll receive notices of specials just for email subscribers.

What are you still here? What are you waiting for? Get on over to www.marcopaper.com and http:marcopaper.blogspot.com.

You can thank me for it later. Enjoy and have a great day.

First Cake Attempt

2009-03-17T15:31:00.000-07:00

I ended up not making it to the 2nd class due to my tooth issue. I did make a Tigger cake but just iced it plain. Today I decided to make a round cake and try out the icing technique we were shown. Well, it might take a little practice as the sides of my cake definitely show lines where I iced and did not smooth it out. My icing must have been too soft this time as it didn't set well. Also when I tried to smooth it out using a paper towel, I definitely learned what the teacher was saying about the towels. Mine has an imprint on it and they need to be smooth. The icing did set up okay but I really didn't ice the cake as smooth as I should have.

My icing was too soft so when I attempted to make roses, they were a little wobbly. I also tried to make leaves and they didn't turn out so well. I was pulling the tip away from the cake to form the leaf but it didn't end in a point, so my roses look like they have ferns for leaves.

This Friday will be the second class where we do hands on decorating and I am going early to see what I missed last week.

I will be baking another cake for class and it will be a 9" round cake. I will pay closer attention when I make the icing as well.

One thing I have learned is that the pan grease recipe we were given works great. You make it ahead of time and store it in the fridge till needed. I don't think it goes bad, you probably use it up first. I am sure I have at least 4 more cakes to make for class and maybe more if practice doesn't go well.

Hopefully I will be able to post a picture of my first cake here. Please be kind if you leave comments.

Join Stampin' Up! now.

2009-03-17T04:03:00.000-07:00

Have you been thinking of joining Stampin' Up! but the cost of the Starter Kit was a little out of reach? Now is a fantastic time to join and you can spread the cost of the Starter Kit out over three months.

Until March 31, 2009 you can purchase the Starter Kit for $169 (plus shipping and handling and tax added to the first installment). Your completed paperwork must be received by Stampin' Up! on or before March 31, 2009 for this special price. (Paperwork received after this time will be processed for the regular Starter Kit price of $199. The three installments plan will be available on all paperwork received on or before April 30, 2009.)

Payments Breakdown for the Sale-A-Bration Starter Kit Price (March 13-31, 2009)
Payment 1 (charged at time kit is entered) $56.34*
Payment 2 (charged around April 15th) $56.33
Payment 3 (charged around May 15th) $56.33

*Payments indicated are for the cost of the Starter Kit, They do not include and any applicable state taxes. (Please note that any applicable taxes for the total amount of the Starter Kit price will be added to the first payment.)

Payments Breakdown for the Regular Starter Kit Price (April 1-30, 2009)

Payment 1 (charged at time kit is entered) $66.34*
Payment 2 (charged around May 15th) $66.33
Payment 3 (charged around June 15th) $66.33

*Payments indicated are for the cost of the Starter Kit including shipping. They do not include any applicable state taxes. (Please note that any applicable taxes for the total amount of the Starter Kit and, if selected, Stampin' Memories add-on, price will be added to the first payment.)

Stampin' Up! also offers an add-on kit which contains scrapbooking products for an additional $50.00. This kit must be ordered with the starter kit. The cost for this kit will be added to your first installment.

As a Stampin' Up! demonstrator you can share what you love with family, friends and new customers while earning extra spending money. This is also a great opportunity to support your Stamping and Scrapbooking hobby. You'll have access to training through online videos and also to sample projects and great support.

If you would like more information, please contact me through the Stampin' Up! links to the right.

What's Worse than Toothache Pain?

2009-03-12T17:52:00.000-07:00

Nothing, that I can remember. I have had toothache pain for the second day now. Called my dentist today and have an appointment at 9:30 tomorrow to have it looked at. Am currently taking ibuprofen and Tylenol for pain and an antibiotic for the infection.
I was taking straight ibuprofen and getting about 1.5 hours of relief. Today I was told that switching the pain medication back and forth would help and that advice was right on. I have been pain free for up to 3.5 hours at a time.
Can't wait to see what happens tomorrow. Of course if is infection causing the pain, nothing can be done until the infection is gone and that will be close to 5 days. However the pain will slowly go away as the infection is clearing.
I have no clue what this visit will cost, with no job and no dental insurance it is very scary but has to be done.
I did look up a home remedy and found a few. One was garlic and rock salt. I don't have rock salt but did try the garlic and it worked okay. I also used ice which really helped it. Heat was not an option as that spreads infection (just learned that today also).

Well, I know this post is short but toothaches are no fun.

UPDATE: I woke up Friday morning and the right side of my face was swollen. I had started an antibiotic the Dentist prescribed for me. If you are allergic to penicillin there is a 5% chance you are also allergic to this medicine. However, I had been taking it, so decided to continue it. With the swelling, I got concerned but my dentist said the swelling was due to an abscess and I have continued it. This morning it doesn't appear to be any better and I have called the dentist and left a message. I will wait until noon and if he doesn't call me I will call him at home. I thought the swelling should be going down by now, but it doesn't seem to be.

Cake Decorating

2009-03-07T06:04:00.000-08:00

I have always wanted to learn to decorate cakes and last night I attended my first class to do just that. Since 1980 I have used the Wilton cake pans to make character cakes for my kids. My first cake was Cookie Monster and he turned out pretty good. While I enjoy the character cakes and have done quite a few, I really want to learn how to do the roses, fancy borders, etc. I don't think I'll ever be a professional, but I would like to make my cakes look more professional.

The first class was more about what you need for the class and what you will learn. This week I will be baking a character cake to take to class next Friday. I will probably do that Thursday. In class we were given a cake recipe and an icing recipe that we will use throughout this class.

I haven't yet chosen the cake pan I will use, but I have many (cookie monster, dinosaur, car/jeep, etc.) I am also going to invest in Wilton cake pans and this week make my family a two layer cake. We were shown how to ice a cake last night and I want to practice. The technique is so simple yet produces fantastic results.

Stay tuned to this post as I will be posting pictures of my class projects. Yes, you will see the attempts, failures and hopefully successes.

For my next class I have to make my cake, prepare my icing (which I found can stay in my fridge for up to 6 wks if stored properly) and buy the rest of my supplies.

If you would like to learn more about cake decorating and you have a Hobby Lobby close by, please check out their Wilton cake decorating courses. My course was only $17.50 as they were having a half off special. I purchased my Wilton Course I kit at 40% using the internet coupon I get through email and I heard that next week all Wilton supplies will be 40% off, so I can get the rest of my class supplies.

WIthout Electricity

2009-02-14T11:14:00.000-08:00

We had a storm a few days ago and were under a tornado watch. Fortunately, no tornado just high winds which knocked our electric out around 10 pm. The electric company called around 4:30 am and said all was restored. Not true! There were 3 of us in the neighborhood who were still without electric. So we all 3 called and 2 days later we have electric.

In the meantime everything in the refrigerator and upright freezer had gone to waste so today I will be cleaning both out. I am treating this as an early spring cleaning and long overdue. It will be fun to go grocery shopping to replace some of what is lost. We will not be turning it in to insurance as the dollar amount is far less than our deductible (which I recently increased to cut costs) and would just end of increasing rates again.

So we spent 2 days and 1 night at my Mom's house which was great. During the day I was alone (Mom was out of town) and I really enjoyed being at her house. It is beautiful and very relaxing. I packed up some of my rubber stamping stuff (very minimal compared to my complete stash) and created 2 cards. One for my Stampin' Up! (SU)stamp club meeting next Saturday and the second using a new stamp sheet I received from Hearts In Touch (HIT).

The card shown in this post was created using the HIT Patterns rubber stamp sheet; SU real red, naturals ivory and basic black cardstock; SU real red and basic black ink; a button and organza ribbon from my stash; a rectangle Ranger Fragment and the scallop and perforating blades for my paper trimmer. I perforated the front of the card (not really visible in the photo) since it reminded me of the tracing wheel used in sewing projects.

I hope you enjoy this card as much as I enjoyed creating it.

I do not have a photo of the second card. I saw a couple of things on it I want to change and will post picutres then.

Valentine Printable

2009-02-06T06:03:00.000-08:00

Lisa Vollrath has a fantastic site and is offering free collage sheets. Be sure you read the details before downloading. Follow this link http://countdown.tentwostudios.com/ and see what she has so far. Lisa's offer began Februray 1st and will continue through Valentine's day.

Lisa offers some great items for altered arts, ATC's and any of your creative projects. She also hss How To Lessons on her website with excellent instructions.

So try her lessons and items by going to gomakesomething.com. She also has two other sites, LisaVollrath.com and TenTwoSecondsStudios.com.

Enjoy.

It's Time To Go To Work

2009-01-05T12:54:00.000-08:00

WOW! The new year is here and the job search gets serious. I have applied at a place for a couple of positions and no call yet, not even a return call. I have heard it is a hard place to get into so I am not discouraged at this point. I will be worried toward the end of January if I don't have a job.
One position I applied for I didn't get as they were concerned with my work experience and salary record that I would be bored. Since they changed the hours, I was okay with that as I could not work the new hours.
I did begin volunteering at the health campus where my father lives (he is suffering from Alzheimer's) today and will be working there M-F 8:30-3:00 for the next couple of weeks. I just need to get active and back into a routine. After the 2 weeks I plan on working the same hours 2-3 days a week.
I will continue my job search and something will come along.
I have enjoyed my time off even though I haven't accomplished as much as I would like to. My craft room is still a mess, I go up there look at it and turn around and walk out. I have no clue where to get started. I need a professional organizer to donate time to help me get started.
Well that is it for now, I need to help with homework and relax.

What I've been doing since retiring.

2008-11-04T13:40:00.000-08:00

I have cleaned my house and kept it up pretty good-no show place but not embarassing most of the time when someone drops by. I have been cooking more than I use to which was easy to do since I only cooked on the occasional weekend, Easter, Thanksgiving and Christmas. I have been watching the Food Network and love Paula Deen, Ina Garten (Barefoot Contessa) and Rachel Ray. I've made mac and cheese from scratch, salisbury steak, peach cobbler, ribolitta soup and shepherd's pie is next on the menu.
Just to put my cooking in perspective, my son has made several comments on my cooking. The first was "Mom, you can cook! Now I don't have to lie when I tell everyone at school you do the cooking." He thought it would be embarassing to let everyone know his Dad cooked. I reminded him Chefs are men and I am sure they cook at home. The next comment was "Mom, I hate to admit it but you are a good cook." Shocking that he would be so surprised! I also surprised him with homemade chocolate chip cookies fresh from the oven after school one day. He liked that and said that was how after school should be. He has commented on liking me being home and his teacher even stopped me to say she had noticed how much happier Tanner seemed this year. I think a lot of it has to do with no daycare which he hated.

My husband has also enjoyed my being home since our house is clean more often. I have also started doing more of the cooking, laundry and dishes which he doesn't have to do. He did struggle with staying out of the kitchen at first. He would be right beside me while I was trying to cook and I kept bumping in to him. I finally just asked him if he wanted to cook? He said no do you want me to get out of the way? I said yes, that would be good. He still hangs out in the kitchen but doesn't try to help as much. He will ask if I need help at times which is good. I really like to cook by myself.

My husband took a weeks vacation to install all of the plumbing and wiring for a wood furnace. It is a little shed like building that sits outside and burns wood to heat the whole house. We are buying one that will heat not only the house but 1-2 out buildings as well. He thinks it would be great to finish the garage and heat it, I think a nice out building for crafts is still in my future-we will see. On Monday, as he was digging the ditch, he cut the phone line around 10:15. I called the phone company and they repaired it Tuesday afternoon. No phone or internet for over a day-what was he thinking! He also laid the concrete foundation and hooked everything up to the hot water heater. He spent quite a bit of time in the basement this week-YECK!!!! We have so many cobwebs down there and it is musty smelling. I told him I would come to the top of the stairs every so often to make sure he was okay, but he shouldn't expect company. We have lived here for 8 years and I have only been on the 3-4th step going down into the basement once and that was the day we looked at the house and before I knew how bad it was. I have no idea what the basement actually looks like but know on that day the webs were thick looking down the stairs and the floor and walls were dirt. I haven't been past the door since then and don't plan on it. He only has the thermostat to install and that is is until the furnace arrives. With any luck that will be next week. It is very cold in our house, we are not buying propane this year and will be calling them to come pick it up next week. We haven't even built a fire in the wood stove and believe me it is cold. Our house is so cold I was dressed for winter inside while Don was in short sleeves outside.

I am very much enjoying being at home but do want to get out some. I volunteered to help out in the office at my son's school when the office staff is out of the office and begin training Tuesday. I will be on an as needed basis and I am looking forward to it. I am also going to volunteer at the nursing home where my father is. He has Alzheimer's.

My craft room is still a mess but I still have it on my to do list. Today I am working on the projects for class tomorrow, at least I am getting it done earlier than usual. I am usually up until 3-4 in the morning or getting up early the day of and getting them done. I also have the computer corner in our room to clean out so my new desk can be taken upstairs. Mom bought it at an auction and then didn't want it. It is larger than the one I have now and will help keeping it more organized in that area.

Well that is is for now. There is so much more to add but will save that for another time.

Update

2008-09-23T16:33:00.000-07:00

It has now been a little over two months since I retired. It has been a good two months. I have cleaned most of my house, something I didn't devote time to when I worked. I used all the usual excuses, too busy, not too bad, etc... It feels good to have the downstairs and my son's bedroom cleaned. I still need to do our room and the craft room.
We had quite a few spiders (old farm houses with dirt basements are good spider homes) who did not like my cleaning so they tried to take over. We set off bug bombs and they appear to be gone. We also sprayed around the outside of the house and hopefully that will work. We tried two old remedies before that didn't really work to well. We brewed tobacco in water, strained it and added lemon scented dish liquid and put that around the outside of the house. It appeared to work for a few weeks but no longer. The second was hedge apples in the house and they didn't appear to work at all. They just turned bad and we threw them away. So the bombs and outside spray appear to be the best remedy.
I have put off tackling the craft room since there is quite a bit of stuff in it. I am not good at organizing and to be honest, am not sure where to begin. I may buy some tubs and sort things in them just to get the room cleared and then start putting things back. It may take a while.
My goal is still to stay off until the end of the year and then in January begin looking for a part time job. That will allow me to be home when my son gets out of school and help with his homework which was my original objective.
Well, enough for now more later.

A Bat in the Living Room

2008-08-24T05:21:00.000-07:00

Last night around 11:30, I turned the light off in the living room and saw something fly in front of the TV. I watched and waited and saw it again. I turned the light back on and saw something black flying around the room. I finally saw very clearly that the black flying thing was indeed a bat with a wingspan of approximately 5-6 inches.
Since husband had already gone to bed and had worked that day, I didn't want to wake him. Son was watching TV in family room and had fallen asleep.
I watched as it landed on the top of the curtain and settled there. While I didn't want to go to bed with it lose, I also knew I wouldn't be able to stay up all night and watch it. I decided to stay up a while longer, with the light on of course.
Since son already occupied the couch in the family room, I decided I would need to sleep on the floor where I could keep an eye on the living room curtain. I was torn between leaving things as is or waking son and making him go upstairs to bed. I wasn't sure if we had more "house guests" or not and decided the current situation was the best.
I don't recall what time I finally fell asleep, but know it was after 3. I woke up at 6:45 this morning and looked at the curtain-no bat. I looked around the family room-no bat. I went to the kitchen and there it was hanging from the ceiling. My son woke up at 7 and I told him, heard husband stirring so son went up to advise him of the situation. Son comes back down and wants to see a bat so very quietly goes into kitchen. Starts laughing and comes back to advise my kitchen "bat" is really an old fly strip that I didn't get torn completely down and husband hasn't removed. Sone continues with jokes and I keep telling him I really saw the bat in the living room last night.
I go back to the living room and bat is still on curtain just in a different spot. Husband comes down and starts morning routine which includes a cup of coffee and then out side for morning cigarette (husband is still a smoker but does not smoke in house or around son).
Husband comes in with net from fish pond and traps bat but net cannot be removed so I get husband newspaper which he uses to "catch" bat in net. Net is against wall with bat still inside. Husband gets bat caught in newspaper and takes it outside. Fortunately happy ending to bat story for all.
I am not sure how the bat entered the house, however husband thinks it is through the window where the air conditioner is. Making note to get air conditioner taken out today or tape opening.
Keeping my fingers crossed that this is my first and last experience with a bat. Son looking forward to going back to school to tell his summer "bat" story.

Cleaning the Fish Pond

2008-08-17T07:15:00.000-07:00

Yesterday we cleaned our fish pond which has needed a good cleaning for a few weeks. It was being taken over by moss and we couldn't see the fish.
This year we started the pond with 3 small pond fish purchased at Walmart. We added 2 more in July that were given to us by a friend from work.
Imagine how surprised we were to learn our pond now contains 31 fish of varying ages. After cleaning the pond and replacing the water, we placed the original 5 fish back in the pond (1 looks as if she's pregnant now) and 12 of the babies that appear to be thriving. The remaining babies are being kept in a tank so they can be monitored since they do not appear to be doing too well.
Our pond is not large enough for 31 fish and the 17 we have in there now will be too many as the 12 continue to grow. I am going to call around and try to donate some of the smaller ones so all will have a better chance of survival.
The pond was created in the summer of 2006 and we had 3 fish given to us by the same friend who gave us the 2 this year. Those original fish survived the winter of 2006 and 2007 but died in the Spring of 2008. I believe it was due to our weather where it would get warm and then cold again and they just couldn't keep up with the changes.
We have also added some ferns and flowers to the pond which we will be transplanting later this week-they are in pots right now. They were given to us as the garden store felt they were on their last leg. However Tanner has nursed them back to health and they are now ready to be planted around the pond.
We have several hostas around the pond and they are growing. We've had those since the summer of '06. I wanted some of the tall grass plants to put behind the pond but haven't found any that I want to purchase at this time. I would also like to add a small fence accent behind the pond at some point.
I am getting ready to clear a spot to put lawn furniture so we can enjoy the pond more. This is probably the first year I have taken an interest in making more of an "outdoor seating area". I think it has a lot to do with my retirement in July and how the priorities in my life have changed.
I find I am becoming more focused on family and home than in the past where I thought work was most important. My priorities were really misplaced and they are now God, family and home. I am looking forward to concentrating on these priorities more and improving in all areas.

Starting This Blog

2008-07-28T18:34:00.000-07:00

I am starting this blog as a way of keeping in touch with friends I left behind when I retired on July 16, 2008. It was a much needed retirement but I do miss my friends.

The first day after retirement was very relaxing. I did what I wanted when I wanted and it felt great. I cleaned the kitchen which really needed. Housework has never been my thing and I ignored it when I was working full time. I didn't like anyone to stop by my house was such a mess. It is not clean enough for visitors at this time, but it is slowly headed in the right direction. We now try to keep more picked up daily which reduces the amount of time to clean when the mood hits.

I have also been enjoying more time with my family. Tanner and I have just "hung" around the house and had some good talks. We have cleaned out one toy corner which was in bad need of being cleared out. He keeps everything and has a terrible time letting go of the old items he no longer uses. He gets that from me as I am the same way (as evidenced by my craft room). We also went garage saleing with Nana (my Mom) last Friday and had a great day. Found some bargains and bought some things I wanted but probably could have done without. I did get some bargains a few winter tops that I liked but would not have paid full price for.

The craft room is really messy and I now have a path to my desk where I can sit and create. This is very needed as I intend to make my Stampin' Up samples for the next Springfield Stamp Club meeting earlier. I am usually creating them the night before the class. I have cleaned out a few items for a yard sale I am having in a couple of weeks and still have a lot more to clean out. I will be adding not only rubber stamping, scrapbooking and misc crafts but also quilting fabric and some books I no longer need.

Today I worked in Tanner's room and donated two bags of old clothes to Goodwill. Tomorrow, after errands I am cleaning the rest of his clothes out which I will also be donating. I am not going to sell the clothes or have them at the yard sale as they typically do not go well.

Well that enough for now and I will continue adding to this blog. I will also be inviting my friends to visit and add to this blog so we can all stay in touch.

Remember to start each day praising God for the good in your life and what He will do through you today.