Northwoods Class

I will be teaching a class next weekend at my local stamp store.  It is based on a Northwoods Stamp Board.  I have modified the cards so that I can use some of the Northwoods stamps and also some of the stamps that I already have (to cut costs!).  The cards are Valentines, but I tried to leave out a lot of the Valentine sentiments so that you could use the cards for other occasions.   Here are a couple of the cards along with the Northwood cards from the board.    What do you think?  If you would be interested in taking this class, let me know or Brenda at Stampers Alley in Mooresville.

Ways to Cut Fat in Your Diet

Go for a finer grind: When buying ground turkey or chicken, look for ground breast meat. Other cuts are higher in fat.

Watch out for porky: Be suspicious of bacon that calls itself lean. Even turkey bacon is only slightly less fatty than regular pork bacon.

How low can you go: Can't quite make the leap to skim milk? Try moving to 1% low-fat milk. Many people don't notice a difference in taste between 1% and 2%. The 2% milk still derives more than 25% of its calories from fat.

Stack the deck in your favor: A 4-ounce piece of raw meat cooks down to around 3 ounces, about the size of a deck of cards. To minimize fat content, trim off all visible fat before cooking.

Go skinny dipping: Next time you're topping off at the salad bar, keep in mind that most salad-bar dippers hold 2 tablespoons of dressing.

—Prevention's Guide to Low-Fat Living, October 1997

Ten Important Traveling Companions to Take With You

1. Confidence: for when things get tough, when you're overwhelmed, when you think of giving up.
2. Patience: with your own trials and temptations, and with others.
3. An adjustable attitude: one that doesn't react, but responds with well-thought-out actions and feelings.
4. Beauty: within yourself, in your surroundings, and in nature.
5. Excitement: new things to enjoy and learn and experience.
6. Fun: laughter and smiles any way you can get them.
7. Companionship: people to share your happiness and sorrows, your troubles and joys.
8. Health: mental, physical and emotional.
9. Peace: with others, yourself, and in your environment.
10. Love: pure, unconditional, and eternal.  

—Barbara Cage

 

New Stamps in the House

I took time today to PLAY!!  I put together my new stamp sets that I got from SU yesterday.  I'm loving the new "clear" stamps.  They're not really clear but are packaged so much better for storage now.  I've had a few questions about the stamps so I took a few pictures of how you put them together.  They come pre-cut so you just have to punch them out from the rubber sheet.  Sometimes, I still trim a little off the stamps. 

There is a sticker sheet with the pictures of the stamps on them. 

So you peel off the white protective cover from the stamp and put the sticker on the stamp.  The sticker will cling to the acrylic block and you will be able to see how to place the stamp on your project.

I played around today with the Love Bandid set from the Occasions Mini.  I fell in love with this set!!  It is really cute.  I just love the little guys!  Check it out (remember - you can click on the card to make it bigger):

I made a little scene card!

Card stock:  Melon Mambo, Green Galore, Garden Green, Crushed Curry (sun); Bashful Blue, White

The decorate punches on the corners are from the new Scallop Trim Corner Punch (Occasions Mini).  I tore the Green cardstock to simulate grass and snipped it a little bit.

How do you like it?

You can use material in the Big Shot to make neat things!

I finally had time to play today - at least half the day.  This morning I just had to sweep my kitchen and give my poor neglected plants some water.  Then I decided it was past time to take down the Christmas Thanksgiving decorations!  Yes, my friends, I said Thanksgiving!!  Isn't that sad?  Since we were gone during Christmas for 3 weeks, I never put up any Christmas decorations and had just left my Thanksgiving ones up.  But, truthfully, I have only gotten them as far as the kitchen table.  Tomorrow maybe they'll make it out to the garage!  Sonny wanted to go into town and I figured if I'd ride along with him, I'd get lunch in a restaurant instead of a sandwich at home!!  Score!  We had good intentions of going to the Y, but neither of us were in the mood or felt up to exerting the energy.  I guess we can blame it on the colds that we have had!   When I returned home, my Stampin' Up order was waiting for me!  I didn't order much - really trying to conserve the $$$.  I got Love Bandit from the Occasions Mini, the Big Shot Bigz XL Flower Folds Die and Whimsical Words free from Sale-a-bration Catalog. 

I have been wanting the Flower Fold Die to make a pin/brooch like I've been seeing all over the internet.  I need to go to a fabric store and get some vintage-y material.  My sister brought me some scraps of her material so I used some of it to make this brooch:

For this brooch I started by cutting out four flowers of the same size. I folded each of the flowers in half, then I laid each of the flower halves down, with one half of the petals overlapping onto the previous flower half, almost like weaving the flower petals together.  After you have the four flower halves interlapping, I loosely tacked them together, with large stitches. Then I repeated this several times, making as many different little flower pieces as I wanted. For this brooch, I made a set from the smallest flower and one set from the next size up flower. 

When I finished the flower pieces, I layered them on top of each other, kind of overlapping and random.  Next, hot glue a small circle of felt over the stitching on the back and secure a pin (or hair clip or whatever). Finish off the flower by adding the flower center which in this case was a purple button with a Kraft Cordurory Button on top.  I used my hot glue gun for the buttons also.

Using fabric with the Big Shot and dies is very popular, and this is such an easy project.  Here is another project made with the Big Shot and SU's Scalloped Square Die.  My sister, Marianne, made me this bag for Christmas.  She also made a Beatles bag for Ashley and normal purses for our Mom and our other sister.

Vintage Vogue

It's past my bedtime but wanted to quickly share a card I made last week for a good friend.   This card is like a box card.  It is open in the middle with a piece of acetate over the front.  Maybe you can make out what I'm trying to say from the visual!  I used the new Vintage Vogue stampset from the Occasions mini catalog on the card.

Tomorrow I will be getting some new goodies and hopefully will have time to play!  I have been gone every day this week and hope to have most of tomorrow and Friday to myself to do what I want.  I am going to try and go to the Y in the morning .... I have GOT to get back to exercising!!  My weight is just starting to creep up on me again.  Think it has anything to do with that bag of Dove Chocolates I keep popping in my mouth?

Stay tune for some creativity in the next couple of days!!

Getting Old, Jeff Reed and Monday Mailer .... all in one!

I've decided that I don't like getting OLD!!  But I guess it beats the alternative until someone finds a fountain of youth SOON!!  Last night, I noticed a spot floating around in front of my right eye.  I got pretty scared after my eye problems from a few years ago.  For those who don't know, a couple of years ago, I woke up one morning and the vision in my right eye just wasn't right.  I went to my opthamologist who examined me and eventually referred me to a specialist who examined me, did some tests and referred me to another specialist.  This took about 3-4 weeks.  The final Retina Specialist determined that I had suffered a small Retina Artery Occlusion (or retina stroke).  A portion of my center vision was lost.  It really bothered me quite a bit at first but over the years, I've gotten used to it.  So, first thing this morning, I called my eye doctor and begged to me squeezed in to his appointments today.  After dilating my eyes and examining me, he told me it was called a Vitreous Detachment.  These clumps occur when the vitreous gel begins to liquefy or shrink, usually with aging, and detaches from the retina.  A couple of friends have told me that they also have these and eventually, I will get used to them and not notice them.  So, along with not having central vision, I now have a floating spot! 

Ashley returned from her cruise today.  She was cruising to sunny, warm Cozumel!  She said the temperature highs were maybe 50 degrees and it was windy, cold and rainy!  But, she still had a good time.  She has taken this cruise for 4 years.  It is called the Rock Boat Cruise and is hosted by Sister Hazel (a band).  A bunch of other bands are on board and I believe it is a virtual rockfest!  She was hoarse when I spoke with her this afternoon so I believe a good time was had by all.  And to top it off, she called me again tonight and was UBER EXCITED!  She and her friends were having dinner in Tampa and Jeff Reed .... the Pittsburgh Steelers KICKER was sitting at the table next to her!  Well, folks, she is as big a fan of the Steelers as anyone!  She went over and told him she was a super fan and could she have a picture please!  I can't wait to see the picture!  The only thing better would have been to have Big Ben sitting there too with Hines Ward!

OK - I do have a card to share with you.  I received this Valentine card last week from my Monday Mailer partner.  Yes, our program has started up for January.  Our theme this month is Hearts and Flowers.  I'm hoping to get some good ideas for some heart cards.   I really like this card and I don't have this flower but I have always admired it.  (NO .... I don't need more flower stamps!!)

Tomorrow I am expecting a delivery from Stampin' Up.  Unfortunately, I have a busy day and may not get time to play with my new goodies!  I have a mammogram in the a.m.; then taking my Mom to lunch.  Then we are going to hear a program put on my Newcomers group from a Cardiologist.  And tomorrow night, I have Bunco!  I'm making up for lost time!!

Scrunchy Flowers and Family Christmas

I finally had time … and felt a little better …. to make a few cards.  This is one of them.  (all items by Stampin’ Up)

The card is made with SU Red cardstock.  I ran the white piece through my Big Shot using the Finial Press Embossing Folder.  I cut the red and black piece out using the Top Note and ran the black piece through the Big Shot using the Elegant Bouquet folder.   I used the Filigree Brads on the side and SU Polka Dot Grosgrain Ribbon (turned over to the solid side).  The “scrunchy flower”  is 5 pieces of pieces of DSP (Night and Day from Holiday Mini) punched out with the Scallop Circle Punch and scrunched up.  Then I poked a hole in the middle for a brad and put a Red Corduroy Button on with Dimensional Tape. 
I was going to send this card to my Secret Sister, but then I realized the Night & Day DSP is retired now!  Her loss!! 
I’ll be making some more of these “scrunchy flowers.”  They’re pretty cool!

I’m feeling much better today and finally was able to sleep good last night.  Friday night I slept downstairs in my chair wrapped up in Sonny’s Snugglie and my Steeler blanket!   And Saturday, I felt about the worse I’d felt all week.  I thought my cold was coming back for a second round, but guess it was just giving me it’s last hurrah.  Today, Sonny has been sneezing and blowing.  I sure hope he hasn’t caught my cold …. you know what babies men are when they are sick!  I have been really careful and have been washing my hand much more than usual.  But, I’m sure after being cooped up in the car with me for two days, those germs were having a field day.

Today we celebrated Christmas at my Mom’s.  She actually kept her Christmas tree up which is a big deal for her!  She is usually pretty superstitious about not having the tree up when the New Year arrives.  All my life, she’s told me that was bad luck.  We all had a nice visit and my brother even came with his two kids (without his wife, of course but that’s another story).  My sister, Marianne and her family and me & Sonny & Ashley all chipped in and bought Mom and Angela (my sister who lives with Mom) a Wii!   Every time we get together Marianne brings her Wii over to my house or if we’re at her house, Mom & Angela play with her Wii.  And Mom has been wanting to buy it for Angela (who’s she kidding?)  We thought this would be a good way to get them both up and moving.  Now they have to pool their money to buy the Wii Fit.

Let's Burn That Fat Away!

Here is a little info that may be helpful as we try to cut back on the calories for 2010.  I don't know about you, but I have quite a few pounds I need to shed before putting on my bathing suit this summer!!

These are some food items that basically help your BODY to burn fat more efficiently.

GREEN TEA - A crucial compound in green tea is EGCG which has been shown to speed up metabolism. The caffeine content helps with that as well. Green tea contains about five times the amount of fat-fighting EGCG as black tea, BTW. And get this... Green tea specifically targets visceral fat, a.k.a. belly fat.

FAT FREE AND LOW FAT DAIRY -  Protein and calcium are the power-duo in this equation. These two nutrients help keep your body's muscle mass intact while promoting weight loss. Studies have shown that people on lower-calorie diets that included dairy lost more weight than people who ate the same amount of calories without dairy. Plus, research suggests probiotics found in some low-fat dairy can help your body fight fat. 

BEANS - Beans have the double-whammy of protein plus fiber. Consuming protein is a great way to help your body burn fat -- it gives your metabolism a boost and keeps you feeling full and energized. And dietary fiber, among other things, can help regulate your appetite. One type of bean in particular worth trying is soybeans. They contain helpful compounds that assist in keeping the cells in your body from accumulating fat and also break down fatty deposits.

WHOLE GRAINS - Munching on whole grains adds fiber and complex carbohydrates (much better than refined, white carbs) to your diet. When the carbs are complex, they break down more slowly, keeping them in your system longer. Since your body processes them slowly, you don't crash. This also keeps your insulin levels steady -- a good thing, since insulin spikes tell your body to hold onto fat.

SALMON AND TUNA - These fish contain omega-3 fatty acids. In addition to being good for your heart, hair, nails, etc., those omegas can help control the amount of leptin in your body. Leptin, a protein hormone, is linked to appetite and metabolism.

Here are some additional tips to help with the weight loss:

DRINK WATER - When you're drinking water, you're NOT drinking soda, juice, or another calorie-packed beverage. And here's a fun fact: In one study (albeit it a small one), researchers found that the metabolic rates of study participants went up about 25% after drinking a couple cups of water. 

SPICE IT UP - Just 1/4 - 1/2 tsp. of cinnamon added to your food can help prevent insulin spikes (which, as you just read, are BAD). The capsaicin in chilies gives your heart rate a boost and jump-starts your metabolism, so try some cayenne or chili powder. Ginger expands your blood vessels, which helps to  increase the metabolism.

EAT YOUR FRUIT -  Research has found that people with low levels of Vitamin C in their systems burn fat less efficiently. So eat citrus fruit! Grapefruit, a super source of vitamin C, also has fiber and not too many calories.


(from Hungry Girl website)

Home Sweet Home

I'm finally HOME!!  I had a great time in Texas but, you know, it's always nice to get home and sleep in your own bed which I did last night.  We left San Antonio Monday and took a little different route home but still Sonny had the "petal to the metal" and was hell bound for home.  I picked up a bad cold as we were leaving Texas and slept for two days straight in the car.  I woke up long enough to say "pull over - I gotta go to the bathroom" or "pull over, I want something to eat."  If not, I don't know that we would have stopped much!!  We pulled into our driveway about 7:30 pm Wednesday night.  Believe you me, I'll be flying on my next trip!!  It was cold the whole way home and has not gotten any warmer since we arrived.  The forecast for here tonight is snow flurries and cold for the next week or so. 

I'm hoping to spend a little time tomorrow in my craft room making something!!  I've been missing making cards.  But, I've gotten great at making calendars!  Here's a coaster calendar I finished today for my hair dresser.  I've got to go get my hair cut next week and I always give my hair dresser a calendar for her work station.  Since I didn't make it to get my hair cut before I left, it'll be a late Christmas gift.