Sunday, January 30, 2011

Bead Soup Blog Party Partner.......My Goodies!


Hello all! I got my WONDERFUL stash of Bead Soup from my Bead Soup Blog Party Partner!! Yes, you can drool too! I do....every time I look at my BEAUTIFUL stash from Kitty! She gets me.....she REALLY gets me! I LOVE the pendant!!! The vintage beads, the WIRE, the chain, the HEARTS!!!! METAL, metal, metal!! Yay!! :) Even more fantastic? Look below....it made tears come to my eyes!

She sent a little package of beads for my daughter! PRINCESS beads! For my little princess! :) Her OWN bead stash and bead soup!!!! *snif*

(Click on the pictures to enlarge them!)
Thank you Kitty MORE than I can say! You are a fantastic Partner!!

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Thursday, January 27, 2011

Under The Weather


Hello all! I took care of my little one all last week while she was sick. I started to get ill myself, but decided that I had no time for that at the moment. Well, the illness won. I broke down and went to the doctor yesterday. So, I am going to take a little intermission from blogging for a couple of days while I allow the antibiotics to work. I will still head off to my full-time job though so as not to lose said job....sticklers for attendance they are! But that will be all my body will allow me to do for a little bit....I am pooped already and I have not even gotten ready for work yet today....oy vey! Enjoy your break from me!! :)

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Wednesday, January 26, 2011

Bead Table Wednesday......BTW


Hello all! I am participating in Heather Powers Bead Table Wednesday today. Today my bead table looks like this. A beautiful, un-drilled pendant made by the fantastic Marie-Noel Voyer-Cramp of Sky Jewels and More Skye Jewels! I picked one of her beautiful pieces to try my hand at my first bead embroidered and bezeled pendants! It is a work in progress (WIP). Join Heather's Flickr Group and show what's on your bead table!

As you can see, I am still loving my new camera! I also love making collages on Picasa, and then editing on Picnik....love, love, love, love........

What's on your bead table today?

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Monday, January 24, 2011

Just A Ramble


Hello all! I was sitting here at the computer obsessing a little over the fact that I go through obsessions. Huh. Obsessing over obsessions. Hmm. Well, anyway, I seem to be on a Flickr kick at the moment. I never used it for anything other than "housing" my photos. Oh, I have added contacts and joined groups...that kind of thing, but never browsed the site to really see what it can do! I like it! Nothing like catching up with the times huh? There are some great people and great photos, even some people that let you use their goodies! Like Dubtastic! The TTV can be used on Picnik to make through the viewfinder looking photos! WAY COOL! Plus, just the awesome photography in general there is enough to make you swoon!

Well, that's my ramble. I tried to keep it short and sweet. I am sure next week I will have moved on to something else to obsess over.....the unfortunate side effect of having creative "mood swings". Have a great day! :)

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Sunday, January 23, 2011

Jewel School


Hello All! This morning, as I was feeling under the weather and drinking my morning coffee, I hopped on over to read some of my favorite blogs, and Miss Margot's really caught my attention! JTV has a video on demand Jewel School! Run, don't walk, on over and check out all of the videos! Even if some of these topics you have already mastered, it is ALWAYS a good thing to watch and see someone else's technique....you might find a different and easier way to do things! I have! :)

Thank you Margot Potter and JTV!

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Friday, January 21, 2011

Fusion Beads Reader Challenge: Blog Hop




Hello all! Welcome! Where do I begin with these? To say that I have been itching to reveal these designs is an understatement!

Right before Christmas Lorelei Eurto posted THIS blog post. I jumped at the chance to join and began shopping right away! The only component that I could not get was the lucite walnut leaf charms. I did find some on Etsy in a chocolate brown and ordered them....but, alas, I could NOT wait to start on my designs, so they never made it in the finale!

The RULES: "For this challenge, you may create whatever you'd like. A necklace, a bracelet, earrings, whatever! Feel free to add in as many components as you want, your own focal, beads from your stash, but just make sure to try to use these components in your final piece."

This picture was the first piece I made. The necklace started with the Green Girl Studios clasp as my focal. It was to be a clasp as well, but, I am sure you all know about "the best laid plans of mice and men often go astray". No matter how well you plan something, always expect the unexpected! I added Ruby Fuschite and Picture Jasper gemstone ovals, tiny Bali Silver nugget spacers, and I used a silver Hill Tribes clasp bar to the side to finish it up. My all time favorite about the design? I am now in LOVE with drop seed beads!! They lay great!!

The bracelets came to me as I was drinking my morning coffee one Sunday, and skimming through a People Magazine my mom had left behind. There was a picture of Taylor Swift with an arm FULL of wooded bead bracelets...all layered upon each other! My brain screamed ELASTIC BRACELETS!!! And off I went! My coffee got cold :(
I am not a bead shopper at our local Wal-Mart. To be blunt....most are crap! Sorry Wal-Mart! Buuuut, I did find some great olive green suede cord and gunmetal findings, you know...just in case in could use them in my designs! I used the green suede and the leather cord Lorelei chose to tie the set of elastic bracelets together. I then made a single, drop seed bead, strand bracelet, with another GGS owl clasp to layer on top of the elastic set. Voila!
Lastly, we have the earrings. You know I am not much into making matching sets, but that Lorelei.....she picked some FANTASTIC beads! The earrings were inspired by Michelle Mach's Under the Midnight Sky earrings that were showcased in January's issue of Bead Trends.

The earrings are made using beads from the challenge, gunmetal findings, bali silver beadcaps, and a set of GGS small owl charms.

Thank you all for stopping in! Thank you SO much to Lorelei Eurto for hosting this fantastic challenge! Hop on over to the other challenge members' blogs to see their designs. I KNOW I will there reading, looking, drooling, oooing and ahhhing!

http://lorelei1141.blogspot.com/
http://erinsiegeljewelry.blogspot.com/

http://beadingbymalindekoning.blogspot.com/
http://beadhappytoday.blogspot.com/

http://thebeaddreamer.com/blog
http://dreamsomedesigns.blogspot.com/
http://fryestyle.blogspot.com/
http://www.madmaggiedesigns.blogspot.com/ You are Here!!!
http://reginaswritings.blogspot.com/


http://www.mylifeunderthebus.typepad.com/
http://jennibead.blogspot.com/
http://maryhardingjewelrybeadblog.blogspot.com/
http://silverrosedesigns.blogspot.com/
http://lindalandig.wordpress.com/


http://fireflymyst.blogspot.com/
http://www.awishandacloud.blogspot.com/
http://spiritrattles.blogspot.com/
http://formysweetdaughter.blogspot.com/


http://songbeads.blogspot.com/
http://beautifullybrokenme.blogspot.com/
http://threeredbeads.blogspot.com/
http://christinec3.blogspot.com/

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Wednesday, January 19, 2011

Random Thoughts.........Thursday


:: I am having way TOO much fun with my new camera!

:: Or, am I having too much fun editing them into cheesy photos?

:: OR, am I having way to much fun with Madelyn when she stays home sick?

:: Saw the movie trailer for Gnomeo and Juliet yesterday....can NOT wait to see it!

:: I am STILL on cloud 9 over being able to wear XL scrubs now!! NOT 3XL! :)

:: I have some jewelry "stuff" in the works....look for tomorrows post.

:: We are supposed to get 3-6" if the white fluffy stuff....coming any time now.

:: Am I a bad mama when I am looking forward to getting back to work today and NOT having to stay home?

:: I took some pictures of my husband with my camera......I don't think he likes the new camera....hate to tell him, but these cameras don't add 10 pounds (that's just what he REALLY looks like)!

:: Just did a quick spell check on here.....thank heavens for that! Did not realize I was THAT bad!

:: I am really hoping Tim's friend Jessie, who is up in STL at Missouri Baptist Hospital, pulls through!

:: Glad it is Thursday.....one day closer to the weekend!

:: Maybe I should have gone to the store before the snow arrived.....

:: Hoping you all have a GREAT day! Enjoy!

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Bead Table Wednesday......BTW


Hello all! I am participating in Heather Powers Bead Table Wednesday today. Today my bead table looks like this. Beads in need of being made into a bracelet for the ABS January Challenge. Join Heather's Flickr Group and show what's on your bead table!

As you can see I LOVE my new camera! I also love making collages on Picasa, and then editing on Picnik....love, love, love, love........

What's on your bead table today?

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Tuesday, January 18, 2011

Bead Soup Blog Party Partner



Hello all! I wanted to stop in and introduce you all to my BSBP partner Kitty! For both of us, this is our first Bead Soup Blog Party! Kitty has been beading since 2004 and is addicted! Yay! Another beadaholic like myself! I have already made the focal piece and clasp for the swap, but I am struggling with the "bead" part of what to send her way!! Take a look at her BLOG and read more about her! Then, head on over to her Etsy shop and browse around....there are some fantastic designs!

I always enjoy meeting new people of the web, and it looks like I have connected with someone with a lot of the same interests as I have!

Thanks for stopping in! Have a great day.....I am off to work. Send some good and positive thoughts our way if you don't mind....looks like Madelyn has the flu. She is super sick and miserable right now! HIGH fever and horrendous sounding cough! Makes me cringe to hear it! :(

Take care!

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Monday, January 17, 2011

An Interview with a 5 year old


Hello all! The last time I interviewed Madelyn was in March of 2009! I am a little behind! Oops!

Favorites: 01-02-2011


cereal: Baby Lilly Cereal (oatmeal)
vegetable: Tomatoes
drink: Chocolate Milk
toy: Ellie
TV Show: Fish Hooks
game: Leapster Explorer
book: Repunzel
restaurant: Lilian’s Pizza….It’s so yummy!
holiday: Halloween
animal: Snake….It’s a Rattlesnake


If you could change your name, what would you choose? Sarah

What do you love about each person in our family? Mommy loves me and she helps me from getting danger. Daddy – where he keeps someone safe and where he keeps fire from someones house.

Where would you like to go on vacation this year? Florida!

What are some of your wishes for this year? I wish for new makeup, a Polly Pocket, my American Girl Doll….yes, for real!

I have these in a little notebook, but this year I want to do something a little more special. I'm typing her answers and printing them out, leaving space for a self-portrait and a photo. I'll put these in a binder or simple scrapbook so I can enjoy them each year. I may add or change the questions as Madelyn gets older, but I love capturing a little moment in times like this.

1. What is something mommy always says to you?

I love you

2. What makes Mommy happy?

When I make good choices

3. What makes Mommy sad?

When I get hurt

4. How does your Mommy make you laugh?

Tickle me

5. What was your Mommy like as a child?

Five, just like me

6. How old is your mommy?

I don’t know….maybe you can give me a hint.

7. How tall is your Mommy?

Like this tall…..*holds hand up about 10 inches apart*

8. What is Mommy’s favorite thing to do?

Makein’ jewelry

9. What does your Mommy do when you are not around?

Beading

10. What is your Mommy very good at?

Beading

11. If Mommy became famous, what would it be for?

Your pretty stylish and your jewelry is pretty famous. (I wish!)

12. What is your Mommy not very good at?

Not very good at ballet, because sometimes you trip and fall

13. What does your Mommy do for her job?

Work to not getting people sick because you’re a nurse.

14. What is your Mommy’s favorite food?

Lillian’s Pizza

15. What makes you proud of your Mommy?

When you make special jewelry for me!

16. If your Mommy were a cartoon character, who would she be?

Bea from Fish Hooks

17. What do you and your Mommy do together?

Bake cupcakes and sometimes we make desert and sometimes we make food, ‘cause I like to cook.

18. How are you and Mommy the same?

‘Cause you have brown hair and blue eyes and we both like pink and we both like kitties and we both like Hoodie (Nana’s cat) and we both like baking cookies and cupcakes.

19. How are you and your Mommy different?

I wear a nightgown, and I don’t wear a robe. And we are different because I do ballet and you do jewelry.

20. How do you know your Mommy love you?

‘Cause you tell me all the time and cuddle with me.


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Sunday, January 16, 2011

New Look


Hello all! I hope you like the new, more updated, look here on the blog! I am not all that computer savvy, so it took me most of the night with a lot of Googling, reading, editing, etc. just to get me where I am now. I am happy with it. The picture above was my first choice for a blog banner, but I then changed it......mood swing I guess!

I like the page tabs up top, but not the font or format that they are in. I would LOVE to learn how Lorelei did hers. I like hers, but don't want exactly the same look, as it needs to be hers and hers alone, and not copied....does that make sense? I want them bigger than the ones I have now and definitely unique.

I also changed to a 2 column from the 3. I just can not decide if I want the blog body to be on the right (as seen) or on the left????? Any opinions are welcome!! Thanks for stopping in!

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Saturday, January 15, 2011

My Lapband Progress Part 2



Hello all! Just a quick update on the weight loss progress. Down 50 pounds. From size 26 to 18. The picture in the solid pink shirt was taken today. I think the side view shows it better, as the jeans are the same jeans as in the picture with the white shirt.....and they are a little baggier now than before. Also used my new camera for today's pictures....not sure if that changes anything??? Still a long way to go, but wanted to share with those who are following me on this journey! Thanks for stopping in! Have a great weekend! Take care! :)

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Friday, January 14, 2011

Zodiac Change??

With ALL this talk about everyone's astrological signs changeing......ack!!....I thought I would share what I AM, and what my NEW sign would be. Just FYI, I am NOT changing, I am a CRAB and will always BE a crab. I am stubborn, hence the crab, and refuse to change! So there! :) I BOLDED the parts that are ALL ME, even though pretty much everything about Cancer the Crab is ALL ME!

Cancer
June 22 - July 22

Cancer, the fourth sign of the zodiac, is all about home. Those born under this sign are 'roots' kinds of people, and take great pleasure in the comforts of home and family. Cancers are maternal, domestic and love to nurture others. More than likely, their family will be large, too -- the more, the merrier! Cancers will certainly be merry if their home life is serene and harmonious. Traditions are upheld with great zest in a Cancer's household, since these folks prize family history and love communal activities. They also tend to be patriotic, waving the flag whenever possible. A Cancer's good memory is the basis for stories told around the dinner table, and don't be surprised if these folks get emotional about things. Those born under this sign wear their heart on their sleeve, which is just fine by them.

The mascot of Cancer is the Crab, and much like this shelled little critter, Cancers are quick to retreat into their shells if it suits their mood. No wonder these folks are called crabby! For Cancer, it's not that big of a deal, though, since they consider this 'shell' a second home (and they do love home). The flip side of this hiding is that shell-bound Crabs are often quite moody. Further, in keeping with their difficulty in sharing their innermost feelings, it can become a Herculean task to pry a Crab out of its secret hiding place. What to do? Give the Crab time -- eventually these folks will come out to play again. When they do, they'll be the first to say so, in keeping with the Cardinal Quality attached to this sign. It's said that Crabs are first to laugh and first to cry, so you can bet they'll fill you in. That shell, by the way, isn't the only tough thing about Crabs. These folks are tenacious and strong-willed and like to get their way. If their well-documented kindness and gentleness doesn't do the trick, however, they're not above using emotional manipulation to make things happen. If that still doesn't work, they'll just go back to their shell and sulk, or find a way to get back at the source of their pain, since Crabs can be rather vindictive. That said, any self-respecting Crab would tell you that they are ultimately motivated by protecting their home and loved ones, a most noble goal.

Cancers are ruled by the Moon
-- the Great Mother of the heavens in ancient times. Here on Earth, this is manifested in the Crab's maternal instincts and desire to protect home and hearth. This may appear smothering at times, but that's the Crab for you. The Moon is associated with fertility, too, a quality that is most pleasing to Cancers. The Moon is also the ruler of moods, and Cancers have plenty of those. These folks can cry you a river if they're so inclined, and they usually are. They can be overly sensitive, easily hurt and prone to brooding. Even so, Crabs find it easy to be sympathetic to others and are quick to show their affection. Their intuition is also a great help to them, especially in times of stress.

The element associated with Cancer is Water. Like the rolling waves of the sea, the Crab's emotions can make quite a splash. These folks tend to pick up on things and bring them in, with the outward result ranging from sentimentality to possessiveness. Crabs need to resist the temptation to become selfish or to feel sorry for themselves, since this behavior won't help. On the bright side, Cancers are good with money (although some consider them too thrifty), probably because they value a sense of security. Crabs are also quick to help others and tend to avoid confrontation. In keeping with their nurturing bent, those born under this sign are a whiz with food. A hearty picnic in the park is heaven-on-earth to most Crabs.

Cancers often find that a robust workout session is just the tonic for their touchy feelings. Team sports are always nice, since they offer a sense of community; water polo should be elemental to aquatic Crabs. What are their team colors? The Moon is silver and white. Since Cancers have a tendency to be lazy, however, they may need someone to push them out the door. When it comes to the game of love, eager Crabs are devoted, romantic and able to get things going on their own. Crabs are wise to listen to their gut, since this sign rules the stomach.

The great strength of the Cancer-born is the tenacity with which they protect their loved ones. These folks don't ask for much, either: a comfortable home and sense of peace about sums it up. It's that nurturing instinct which makes Cancers a pleasure to be with.

And now, onto the NEW sign......

Gemini

Gemini is the third sign of the zodiac, and those born under this sign will be quick to tell you all about it. That's because they love to talk! It's not just idle chatter with these folks, either. The driving force behind a Gemini's conversation is their mind. The Gemini-born are intellectually inclined, forever probing people and places in search of information. The more information a Gemini collects, the better. Sharing that information later on with those they love is also a lot of fun, for Geminis are supremely interested in developing their relationships. Dalliances with these folks are always enjoyable, since Geminis are bright, quick-witted and the proverbial life of the party. Even though their intellectual minds can rationalize forever and a day, Geminis also have a surplus of imagination waiting to be tapped. Can a Gemini be boring? Never!

Since Geminis are a mix of the yin and the yang, they are represented perfectly by the Twins. The Gemini-born can easily see both sides of an issue, a wonderfully practical quality. Less practical is the fact that you're not sure which Twin will show up half the time. Geminis may not know who's showing up either, which can prompt others to consider them fickle and restless.

They can be wishy-washy, too, changing their mood on a simple whim. It's this characteristic which readily suggests the Mutable Quality assigned to this sign. Mutable folks are flexible and go with the flow. Further, the Twins are adaptable and dexterous and can tackle many things at once. It's a good thing, too, when you consider their myriad interests. The downside of such a curious mind, however, can be a lack of follow-through. How much can any one person do, anyway?

Ruled by Mercury, Geminis exhibit a delicious brand of mercurial energy. They are quick-thinking, quick-witted and fast on their feet, much like the messenger god of Roman mythology that rules their sign. Geminis are both curious and clever, which is why they are such a hit at cocktail parties. Although they talk a great game, they also love to listen and learn. With any kind of luck, the Twins will find themselves in interesting company, because if they don't, they are likely to get bored and start fidgeting. Any social setting is a good one for a Gemini, however, since these folks are charming, congenial and love to share themselves with their friends. While their effusiveness may be misconstrued as scheming by some, Geminis generally have their hearts in the right place. It's that ample energy which can also paint them as scatterbrained and unfocused, but behind all that zipping around, the Twins are busily filing all that good data away.

The element associated with Gemini is Air. Air signs are the thinking person's signs, and the Twins don't disappoint. Those born under this sign prize intellect and consider it the key to all things. At work, they are the clearest of thinkers, looking at a project from all (well, at least two) sides and putting forth some logical and well-thought-out ideas. This quality makes Geminis an asset to any team, and while these folks are not inclined to take the lead, they are a most valuable component. It's also the Gemini's literary bent that allows them to offer a useful perspective on most any situation. The Twins also enjoy bringing their objective reasoning and big-picture ability into their personal relationships. While some may perceive all this logical thought as cold and unemotional, it's simply how these folks tick. They want to connect, they just do it their own way. Luckily for Geminis (and their pals), their lightness of spirit and youthful exuberance help them to appear forever young. In keeping with that skip in their step, Geminis enjoy short road trips -- and their agile minds and nimble hands ensure that they could change a tire (if needed) in no time flat. Is all of this Twin-energy more than any one person can handle? Ah, maybe that's why they are two.

When it comes to sports, Geminis would seem a natural for doubles tennis -- and they are. They love the camaraderie of games and play, which is why they excel at team events. Whether it's volleyball or a game of charades, Geminis are always ready to play. A book club would certainly stimulate their literary minds. In the game of love, Geminis are playful, flirtatious and endless fun. Physically speaking, Gemini rules the nervous system, which is why Twins should practice yoga or deep breathing techniques. Layering themselves in soft yellows and blues will also calm their mood.

The great strength of the Gemini-born is in their ability to communicate effectively and to think clearly. Adventures of the mind are what the Twins are all about. They also love to share themselves with their friends, and they make for charming companions.
So you see.....I just can not see too much of myself in the Gemini! Anyone else having this problem? I am just glad I never got that tattoo I always wanted.....JOKE! Enjoy! Have a great day.......read your horoscope for fun today!

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Sunday, January 9, 2011

Playing...Nikon D3100






Hello all! Picked up my new camera Saturday, obviously a new Nikon D3100. I spent the weekend in my PJ's with the family taking pictures of my 2 favorite subjects. I have had the same point and shoot for over 8 years, so it was time I guess to be a big girl and get an adult sized camera!? Well, that's my justification anyway. Probably had NOTHING to do with the fact that I really wanted to have a new hobby......noooo!
Anyhoo, I am still learning, searching, playing, Googling, reading, deleting, laughing and grimacing at the whole experience! Wish me luck and wish me FUN! Thanks for stopping in!

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Friday, January 7, 2011

Bead Soup Blog Party


Hello all! It is that time! Time to sign up for Lori Anderson's Bead Soup Blog Party! Don't know what I am talking about?? Well, run, don't walk on over to HERE! I am in! Are you??

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Thursday, January 6, 2011

Bead Table Wednesday......BTW


I know that it is Thursday....I'm always a day late and a dollar short. But, check out what Heather Powers of Humblebeads has started! Too fun!! :) Click on the photo above and join her Flickr group. Confused? Read about it HERE! I will catch up next Wednesday and enjoy the fun then! Enjoy!

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