Happy Halloween!

Hope you have a safe and scary Halloween.  We will be driving to DC.  We have tickets to the Monday night football game (on ESPN!).  The Redskins are playing our Steelers!!!  Hoping the weather warms up just a little or we'll be freezing our "you-know-what" off.  We are especially excited because Sonny's cousins (who are actually Ashley and Jeff's age) will be there.  Davey and his wife are driving down from Pittsburgh for the game.  Ashley was able to get them tickets as well as for his sisters who live in DC.  We haven't seen them in several years, so it will be good to reunite.  We'll be tailgating before the game and are trying to decide what Pittsburgh delight we'll bring.  I'm thinking kielbasa will be the easiest!!  Also, we want to make a sign & hopefully be picked up waving it on National TV.  Our seats are in the end zone and pretty close to the field, so there is a chance.  Got any suggestions as to what it should say?  I was playing around with the letters ESPN and came up with Extra Special Pittsburgh ..... but hit a snag with the "N".  We also had the idea to get a Halloween wig - black curly - and attach it to a sign to represent Troy Polamalu's hair.

 

Here's a Halloween card I received this week from Brenda.  Isn't it so cute???

Start Walking!!

Check out below how far you must walk in steps, miles and kilometers to walk off the candy listed below.

25 small jellybeans/140 calories
20 pieces of candy corn/100 calories
2 Brach's caramels/80 calories
2 Hershey's Kisses/50 calories
1 mini Tootsie Roll/25 calories
1 Fun Size candy bar (Snickers, Milky Way, Butterfingers, etc.)/80 calories
1 mini bite-size candy bar (Snickers, Milky Way, Butterfingers, etc.)/55 calories
1 Fun Size M&M packet—Plain or Peanut 90 1 mini Reese's Peanut Butter Cup/33 calories
1 full size chocolate candy bar (Snickers, Hershey, etc.)/275 calories
1 King Size chocolate candy bar (Snickers, Hershey, etc.)/500 calories
1 piece pumpkin pie (1/8 of 9-in pie)/180 calories

…that comes to 1608 calories. In order to burn that off, you will need to walk 16.08 miles, 25.93 kilometers, or 32,160 steps, assuming you cover one mile in 2,000 steps.

~About.com—Walking…Calculator

A great birthday card

OK .... I just have to show you this card that my cousin, Candy, sent me!!  She did not make it - bought it at the store, but it is just too good not to share!!  It is one of those holographic cards that when you move the card a certain way, the picture changes.  Well, I couldn't get a great picture of both views, but you'll get the idea, I'm sure!!

AND THE INSIDE IS:

Priceless, huh????

Monday Mailers this week

These are October's last Monday Mailers.  I have enjoyed receiving cards from Becky - she does super work.

Here is this week's card.  In the corner is a bookmark.  I have made these before, but no one has ever made one for me.  So now, I have my own bookmark made by a special friend!

This is the Monday Mailer that I sent to Nikki.  See .... still celebrating birthdays!

Toast to good friends and good food!

I have more birthday cards to share!!  I love it when my birthday just keeps on going!!  Yesterday, my good friend, Judy, treated me to lunch AND gave me a great present!  We went to lunch at Toast Restaurant.   I had heard about Toast and thought they were only in Davidson, but we went to their original location - a charming little cottage in Huntersville.  I had a yummy Quiche - we both wanted quiche, but there was only one serving left, so Judy let me have it.  It was delicious!!  For dessert (yes, we splurged!) Judy had a decadant looking chocolate fudgy cake and I had Creme Brulee.  That is one of my favorite desserts (thanks to Heidi!!).  This one was ok - not the best I've had, but good anyway.  I want to make a return visit to Toast for their breakfast or brunch sometime.

This is the front of the gift card holder that Judy made.

This is the inside of the gift card holder.  Notice she didn't sign it so I could use it again!  That is a true card maker to another card maker!

Thanks, Judy!

The Party's Almost Over

 

The 20% off Birthday sale is almost over.  Have you taken advantage of the "Spend $20 and get Birthday stamps at 20% off" yet?  Check out the details HERE.

These are some samples from SU's Artisian Awards using some of the Birthday Stamps to give you inspiration!!

This sample features Party Hearty, Pacific Pointe Blue Ink and cardstock, Baja Breeze Cardstock, Kiwi Kiss Cardstock, Whisper White cardstock, earth elements old olive brad, dazzling diamonds glitter, assorted circle punches, paper piercing tool.

This amazing box features the Exclusive Stampin' UP! Top note die, Pacific Pointe blue cardstock, Kiwi Kiss cardstock, metal edge tag, Tangerine Tango Striped Grosgrain, white gel pen and Party Hearty stamp set.

This features Party Hearty, Pink Pirouette Cardstock, Pink Pirouette Designer Series Papers, Pink Pirouette Ribbon, Pink Pirouette Ink, Chocolate chip designer series papers, chocolate chip cardstock, chocolate chip ink, chocolate chip grosgrain,  dazzling diamonds glitter,  on board chipboard frame.

"50" birthday card

My brother in law will turn 50 next week so I made a card today to help him celebrate this milestone.  Marianne is having a combo Halloween / birthday party for him Friday night, but we will be out of town then.  I thought the card turned out really cute!  I made an accordian card using my wonderful Scor-Pal and actually got 50 candles on the card!!  I made a belly band to go around the card to keep it closed and cut out the "50" with my Cuttlebug.  The saying on the front is computer generated.  The candles stamp-set is from a retired SU set, Older and Wiser (a great birthday set!).

Front of card with "belly band" wrapped around.  The scallop was cut with my Nestabilities.

Front of the card with belly band removed.  The saying is computer generated and the candles are embossed white.

Card opened - each panel is 3".  The candles are stamped in black with the flames colored in yellow Copic markers.  The "Wishing You ...." is from the Riveting stamp set (retired).

Sneak Peak of my Thanksgiving table!

If you are going to be at my table on Thanksgiving, you just may see something from this video (http://studio5.ksl.com/?nid=61&sid=4573672) The video is of Shelli, the CEO of Stampin' Up making napking rings and place cards for the holidays. Check it out and if you want to order any of the supplies to make them, contact me!!

Halloween Spiders .... so good you can eat them!

2 tbsp. Peanut butter
2 tbsp. Powdered sugar
2 tbsp. Graham cracker crumbs
2 tbsp. Coconut
Licorice
Raisins

Mix peanut butter, sugar and crumbs together and form a ball. Divide the ball into 2 parts to form 2 balls, 1 slightly smaller than the other.
Roll balls in coconut and place smaller ball on top of larger one.
The smaller ball will be the head and the larger one, the abdomen. Add 8 licorice legs and 8 raisin eyes.
Makes 1 scary spider.

~Razzle Dazzle Recipes

My Birthday Cards

I got some great cards for my birthday made by my stamping friends and family and just have to share them with you!  Enjoy!

This bright card is from Jackie who also works part-time at Stamper's Alley.  I just love the cupcakes with the adorable penguins!!

This card is from my NC Stampin' Up group.  There was no name on the back so I don't know who created it.  It is so sparkly.  A really great use for the SU Pun Fun set.

TThis card is from my good friend and neighbor, Judy.  She used a mini envelope to hold the prima flowers in and tied them up with a ribbon.  She also decorated the inside of the card with punched flowers with an eyelet in the center.

This is from Brenda who owns Stamper's Alley.  I just love the coordinating paper she used on the card and of course, the BLING!!

This is from Connie, one of my Stamper's Alley pals.  I love how she matted the designer paper (Memory Box, I think).  It really makes the paper stand out.

Karen sent me this one.  She is also a good friend I've made at Stamper's Alley.  I'm honored because she actually colored the flowers and pot on the card .... Karen does not like to color!!

This is from "Girlfriend" (Sharon Ridgway).  She is my sister's best friend and they call each other "girlfriend".  That really came in handy at my party since there were 3 Sharon's there!!  I love how she made the cupcake using the scallop punch and it is so sparkly (she embossed it I believe).

This is from my sister, Marianne.  I'm so proud of her!  She has just started stamping since I moved here 2 years ago.  She is doing great!  Of course, most of her cards are purple since that is her favorite color!

This is from my daughter, Ashley.  She used our favorite Sock Monkey and the set from "Cheers" that are both in the SU catalog.  This card is so bright and cheery!  I also loved what she put inside the card!!  (a voucher for dinner & a show in NEW YORK!!)  You go, girl!!

This is from my good friend and fellow stamper, Margaret.  She used the Cuttlebug and the pearls from SU's Pretties Kit (can't believe she used 4 on my card - I really rated!!). 

Monster Paws

Here's a fun treat to make for those special trick or treaters!

Recipe Ingredients:
Clear plastic gloves (available at beauty supply stores)

Candy corn

Popcorn

Yarn

Directions:
Begin with washed gloves. Stick one candy corn at the tip of each finger, pointy side up, for fingernails. Fill the glove with popcorn. Use yarn to tie a bow at the wrist.

~FamilyFun

It's finally here - the BIG 6-0

Well, this is it. Today is the BIG 6-0!! After the late hours I kept this weekend, I should definately be feeling it! But, so far, I feel the same. I got to sleep in a little bit this a.m. and while I was catching up on e-mail, etc. hubby came down with ..... a big bag of dirty laundry & said "Happy Birthday"!! No, that didn't mean he was going to DO the laundry, but that he was bringing it down for me to tackle!! He did laugh when he said it, so he realized the irony. I guess I should be thankful that I am still able to do the laundry (yeah - keep telling myself that one!) Sometimes it's hard to find that silver lining! Nothing special planned for today. I treated myself to breakfast yesterday after my yearly physical & flu shot - eggs, grits, biscuit & country ham. I saved a biscuit & country ham for today so I could feel like I was celebrating!! Now .... to see who will "nuke" it for me. (that'll be moi I'm sure!) Oh - I hear something .... Sonny is emptying the dishwasher for me and making his own oatmeal for breakfast.... another treat for my birthday!! Of course, he usually does those chores anyway!

Seriously, he is a great husband and partner. We've been married for 35 years so guess birthdays are old hat for us. He did a great job last weekend with my party (thanks to Ashley reminding him of his "to do" lists periodically). It's ok - his birthday is next week & I'll be ready!

So, I'm off to enjoy my day and the next time I post to this blog, I'll be ...... gasp, older than 60 and starting on the road to 61!!!

The Old Tire Swing

Just wanted to share my Monday Mailer with you. I mailed this one to Nikki today so it may be a sneak preview for her!

I used the Season of Friendship stamp from the current mini catalog and stamped the leaves in various colors - orange; green; rust; mustard. Then I added a "tire swing" using the large SU brad. Brings back childhood memories, don't you think?

Turning 60's not so bad if you can party all weekend!

Wowzers! What a weekend! I had the most wonderful time this weekend with all my friends and family. We started out on Thursday night when we picked Don & Sharon up at the airport (flying in from Texas). They didn't arrive until about 10:00 so we stopped off on the way home at The Brickyard in Davidson. We were so busy catching up with each other that we lost track of time and ended up at home and in bed about 2 a.m.!!

Friday, Sharon, my mom, and I went to the Tea House in Cornelius for a birthday lunch and did a little shopping and got a manicure and pedicure after that. When we arrived home around 6:00 pm, Sonny had picked up Margaret and Graham (from Texas) at the airport and had a big surprise waiting for me. My nephew, Jack (Frost - if you can believe that!!) had flown here from Texas with his girlfriend to surprise me for my birthday. I was really surprised (well, mostly - someone slipped up the night before and let the "cat out of the bag" but I wasn't 100% sure of what they had said.) Jack is the same age as my son and just a great kid. We've always been close and our families always took vacations together when the kids were younger. Since my son wasn't here for my birthday (that's another story!!), having Jack was the next best thing. I haven't seen him since his mother (my half-sister) died last Thanksgiving so it was very emotional for both of us. I had never met his girlfriend, Katrina, (easy to remember that name!) and she was very sweet and fit right in with everyone else.

My daughter, Ashley, had gotten stuck in Friday night traffic driving in from DC so we ended up meeting her in Mooresville and all 9 of us piled in our Durango (that was an interesting fit!!) and went to the Galway Hooker for dinner. Since we didn't have reservations, we had about an hour's wait, but it gave us all time to visit and catch up with each other. After a great meal - fish and chips - yum, we headed home where some of us tried to get to bed before midnight!!

Saturday, we had an early start with an 8:30 card class at Stamper's Alley. I kept telling my visitors that we would stop at a bagel shop to pick up breakfast on the way. But, no one wanted to stop - saying they weren't hungry. When we arrived at Stamper's Alley, I found out why!! Robin had prepared breakfast casserole and banana bread for me for my birthday and the best part .... Bellinis!! What a way to start the day!! So we really enjoyed our card making session although everyone didn't get all 6 of the cards done (we finished them on Sunday). After all of that, our next stop was Pomodoro's Italian Restaurant (sounds like all we did was eat and drink, doesn't it????) where the guys met us for lunch. As usual, our portions were way too much and I still have a lot of the leftovers in my fridge!!

Saturday night was my party. What fun we all had. I had college friends there, old friends, new friends, family ..... and we all had such a great time telling our stories and remembering other times we had been together. It had turned pretty cold and our plans were to have the party outside, so my sister brought her firepit and we all huddled around the fire to stay warm in our sweatshirts and jackets. Unfortunately, all the pictures I took did not turn out because it was so dark and the flames from the fire got in the way. Hopefully, someone else's pictures will be better than mine! That night, it was after 3:00 a.m. before I was in bed. (I'm really too old to keep these hours and it showed Sunday & Monday).

Sunday, Katrina got up and fixed sausage gravy and biscuits for all of us - except the ones who weren't feeling up to par enough to eat (actually, only my hubbie!) Yummmm!! It was just so nice to sit back all weekend and let others do the work. Anyone who knows me, knows that's just not my way!! In the afternoon, we drove back into Mooresville to Big Al's - our local STEELERS bar to watch the game. We had a mix of fans - Sonny, Ashley & I pulling for the Steelers and of course, all the Texans pulling for the Cowboys. (How about those losing Cowboys????) Jack was not a happy camper as you can see by this picture.

Sunday night found most of us lounging around the house and napping. We did end up getting out our slide projector and looked at some old slides of some of our vacations with Jack and my sister from back in the 80's!! And we played a trivia game that was a lot of fun (even if my team didn't win!!).

Monday, it was time for everyone to pack up and get to the airport - after Katrina fixed us another great breakfast!!. This time, we had to drive 2 cars so we could get everyone and their luggage to the airport. A great time was had by all and it is a weekend I will never forget. I was so honored to know that I have friends who think enough of me to come this far just to celebrate my milestone. It makes turning 60 not so bad!! The only thing that would have made it any better is if I could have had my son and his family here with me. Perhaps in another lifetime.

What a difference 60 years makes

This was sent to me and I think it is too good not to share.

This article came from a gentleman in his 80s (and a DEMOCRAT!) who actually lived thru those (and these) times. Whether you agree or disagree, this is a powerful statement!!!
Everyone has a different opinion on the war, and our current President. But this article probably makes sense to those who remember. Read it and give it some thought. What a difference 60 years makes!!!

'You Ain't Gonna Like Losing' Author unknown

President Bush did make a bad mistake in the war on terrorism. But the mistake was not his decision to go to war in Iraq . Bush's mistake came in his belief that this country is the same one his father fought for in WWII. It is not!!! Back then they had just come out of a vicious depression. The country was steeled by the hardship of that depression, but they still believed fervently in this country. They knew that the people had elected th eir leaders, so it was the people's duty to back those leaders. Therefore, when the war broke out the people came together, rallied behind, and stuck with their leaders, whether they had voted for them or not, or whether the war was going badly or not. And war was just as distasteful..... and the anguish just as great then as it is today. Often there were more casualties in one day in WWII than we have had in the entire Iraq war. But that did not matter. The people stuck with the President because it was their patriotic duty. Americans put aside their differences in WWII and worked together to win that war.

Everyone from every strata of society, from young to old pitched in. Small children pulled little wagons around to gather scrap metal for the war effort. Grade school students saved their pennies to buy stamps for war bonds to help the effort. Men who were too old or medically 4F lied about their age or condition trying their best to join the military. Women doubled their work to keep things going at home. Harsh rationing of everything from gasoline, to soap, to butter, was imposed, yet there was very little complaining.
You never heard prominent people on the radio belittling the President. Interestingly enough, in those days there were no fat cat actors and entertainers who ran off to visit and fawn over dictators of hostile countries and complain to them about our President. Instead, they made upbeat films and entertained our troops to help the troops' morale. And a bunch even enlisted. And imagine this: Teachers in schools actually started the day off with a Pledge of Allegiance, and with prayers for our country and our troops!!!

Back then, no newspaper would have dared to point out certain weak spots in our cities where bombs could be set off to cause the maximum damage. No newspaper would have dared complain about what we were doing to catch spies. A newspaper would have been laughed out of existence if it had complained that German or Japanese soldiers were being 'tortured' by being forced to wear women's underwear, or subjected to interrogation by a woman, or being scared by a dog.

There were a lot of things different back then. We were not subjected to a constant bombardment of pornography, perversion and promiscuity in movies or on radio. We did not have legions of crack heads, dope pushers and arm ed gangs roaming our streets.No, President Bush did not make a mistake in his handling of terrorism. He made the mistake of believing that we still had the courage and fortitude of our fathers. He believed that this was still the country that our fathers fought so dearly to preserve!!It is not the same country. It is now a cross between Sodom and Gomorrah and the land of Oz. We did unite for a short while after 9/11, but our attitude changed when we found out that defending our country would require some sacrifices. We are in great danger!! The terrorists are fanatic Muslims. They believe that it is okay, even their duty, to kill anyone who will not convert to Islam. It has been estimated that about one third, or over three hundred million Muslims, are sympathetic to the terrorists cause ... Hitler and Tojo combined did not have nearly that many potential recruits. So...we either win it - or lose it - and you ain't gonna like losing!!!

Today, for many folks, America is not at war...the military is at war...................... America is at the mall!!!!!!!!!

Cool Cat

I received this great birthday card from my friend, Wanda. Isn't it cute??? This is a retired set - Cool Cat - but I've always loved it. This is a tag card & I just may use it for a bookmark.

Thanks, Wanda! You're a great friend!

Scandinavian Season

Just wanted to share this card with you that I received from my Monday Mailer partner this week. I have seen some wonderful card with this set from the Mini catty - Scandinavian Season. When I first saw it in the catalog, it didn't really do much for me, but wow, have I seen some great cards using it! Like this one -

My Lifetime Goal

For those of you who follow my blog, you know that I have been doing Weight Watchers for a while now. My goal was to reach Lifetime status (again) by my birthday next Wednesday. Well, as of last week, I DID IT!! I now only have to go once a month to weigh in. If I stay within 2 pounds of my goal weight, I don't have to pay. I weighed in last week for October because I knew with my party coming up and other things I have planned in the month, my best time to weigh less would be early in the month. Now, I just have to go weigh in BEFORE Thanksgiving!! And then again, BEFORE, Christmas - parties, goodies, baking, etc!! This is the hardest time of the year to be doing this, but if I can do it now, I should be "good to go"!!

Apple Pickin' Time

Just want to share the Monday Mailer card I mailed to Nikki this week. Our theme this month is Fall, Halloween or Birthday (guess whose!!) So I did apples because it is apple pickin' time!! I found a template with these 4 rectangles so I sponged green chalk in the openings and stamped and embossed the apples. It's pretty simple, but sometimes, simple is good!!

Full House

Another quick post! Today was my Mahjong day. Why is it everything happens at once? Last week, I didn't have one thing scheduled to do and this week, every day is full! I have a meeting in the morning and then a little free time until we go to the airport to pick up our first wave of friends that are coming for my party. Don and Sharon are really good friends of ours from our Texas days. It is so special that they are flying here for my party since they were just here in July for my Mom's birthday party!! How great is that??!! I just found out tonight that some of our good Texas pals are coming on Friday. Margaret and Graham actually get to visit us on a pretty regular basis since he is a retired American Airlines pilot and they have a daughter that lives near Concord. We will have a full house when Ashley arrives on Friday night! But that will be so much fun! I can't wait! We will all be going to Stamper's Alley bright and early (too early, really!) Saturday morning for the Great Impressions Stamp of the Month class. My new NC good friend, Robin, teaches the class every month and it is so much fun! Robin just makes it so enjoyable. I probably go as much for the fellowship as for the card making!! My sister, Marianne, also takes the class with me each month. This time, she also will have company - her girlfriend, Sharon, is coming up from Florida (for my party!) and will take the class with us. I hope Robin is prepared for the 6 of us!!

The Big Winner!!

Ok - I have been super busy this week!! I have been working on making Halloween treat bags for my daughter to take back to DC with her. She's coming down for the weekend and throwing a birthday (#60!!) party for me!! So I've been getting ready for that - more details later! Yesterday was my bridge day. Today, I was up bright & early to work in the Mooresville Soup Kitchen. Then I had a little shopping to do. And tonight, I played bunco in my neighborhood. We get together once a month for Bunco & I have only gone once since last winter! I used to go every month, but it seems like lately, there's always a conflict or I forget!! So tonight, I made an effort to go & am I ever glad I did - it made me $83 richer!!! I won Most Games (8 out of 12). Plus, we pass a hat around whenever you roll a Bunco. Whoever has the hat on at the end of the night, gets a prize. So, I only had 1 Bunco but, you guessed it, it was the one that counted!! My family knows how much I love hats, so it was appropriate I should have won. Plus, the Halloween hat matched my orange Halloween shirt!! Then after we played Bunco, we played a Left-Right-Center game that was a lot of fun. If you've never played it, it's really simple. There are 3 dice with "L"; "R"; "C"; and a dot on them. Each person starts out with $3. You roll the dice and if you get the "L" you pass $1 to the Left; "R", $1 to the Right; and "C" $1 goes in the Center (the pot). If you roll a Dot, you get a free pass. Whoever is left at the end with her dollar, gets the pot!! That was ME!!!! What a great game!! I should have won anyway since it is almost my birthday!!!

Bazaar Boxes

Just wanted to share a couple more card boxes I made for my Mom's Christian Women's Group Fall Bazaar.

This one is my favorite card box. I have made so many of these over the years because they are so easy and there is so much you can do with them. I usually try to personalize them for the recipient by putting an initial on them. They make great gifts with a few cards and envie's inside. If you want to make them, here are the basic directions and then you can play around and "make it your own".

Take a 8 1/2" x 11 cardstock and score it.
1) Score along the 11” side at 3 ¼”, 3 ¾”, 8 ¼” and 8 ¾”
2) Score along the 8 ½” side at ¾”, 1 ¼”, 7 ¼” and 7 ¾”
3) Cut out flaps.
4) (optional) Use small corner rounder on outer flaps
5) Fold along all score lines.
6) The 3 ¼” flap is the lower flap. Use sticky strip to adhere this to both ¾” side flaps.
7) The 2 ¼” flap is the top flap of this box. Use half of Velcro dot as closure – or wrap ribbon around.


This card box is an acetate box that my a friend gave me. I just made a "belly band" around the box in red and decorated a panel for the front. I used Eastern Blooms stamp set in Elegant Eggplant and Real Red (SU). On the back of the box, I stamped letters using my Just Rite Monogram stamp set and my 1" circle punch. Easy, peasy!!