The Secret Garden

OK, daughters and daughter-in-law! The kids CANNOT see these pages! I am creating a special book for them. I plan to give each of them a copy! I know, Michael will probably not be thrilled about it, but I CAN'T NOT give him one! So, here is a preview of what I have so far! I want it to have 20 pages! YIKES! That is what the books usually are that I get. So, I would LOVE to know what you think about the idea!

Credits:
Carena's Designs, Bugs Delight and Garden Magic (so far)
Font: Arial

Last Three Pages for January

Well, hopefully this will be the last of the snow for NC this winter! Tim canceled the services for the day because under the snow is a solid sheet of ice! His driving over it did NOTHING to help break it up! So, unless it gets very warm with the sun shining, it will be here for awhile!

Credits:
Carena's Designs, Winter Frost
Font: Angelina


Credits:
Alessandra Designs, Shangri-La
Font: Angelina

Credits:
Alessandra Designs, Shangri-La
Font: Angelia

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Catch up - Again!

Wednesday, January 27th
Another scarf from my collection.
Credits:
Carena's Princess Story kit
Font: Angelina


Thursday, January 28th
DH and I went thrift store shopping again today. The ones we were in last week were much better than this week!
Credits:
Vicky Day, Daisy Doodle Lady Bug Page Kit
Font: Angelian

Hearts & Flowers by Maddy Fernandez

Here are a couple of pages done using Maddy's new Valentine's kit, Hearts & Flowers found HERE in her Digitals store. Yes, I know I messed up on the title of mom and dad's page! I can't stop thinking about this song now! :)

Coffee Filters

This was sent to me in an e-mail. There are some really good ideas, so I thought I'd go ahead and post it here.


COFFEE FILTERS - Better than paper towels and a lot less expensive...

Coffee filters ..... Who knew! And you can buy 1,000 at the Dollar Tree for almost nothing even the large ones.

1. Cover bowls or dishes when cooking in the microwave.. Coffee filters make excellent covers.

2. Clean windows, mirrors, and chrome... Coffee filters are lint-free so they'll leave windows sparkling.

3. Protect China by separating your good dishes with a coffee filter between each dish.

4. Filter broken cork from wine. If you break the cork when opening a wine bottle, filter the wine through a coffee filter.

5. Protect a cast-iron skillet. Place a coffee filter in the skillet to absorb moisture and prevent rust.

6. Apply shoe polish. Ball up a lint-free coffee filter.

7. Recycle frying oil. After frying, strain oil through a sieve lined with a coffee filter.

8. Weigh chopped foods. Place chopped ingredients in a coffee filter on a kitchen scale.

9. Hold tacos. Coffee filters make convenient wrappers for messy foods.

10. Stop the soil from leaking out of a plant pot. Line a plant pot with a coffee filter to prevent the soil from going through the drainage holes.

11. Prevent a Popsicle from dripping. Poke one or two holes as needed in a coffee filter.

12. Do you think we used expensive strips to wax eyebrows? Use strips of coffee filters.

13. Put a few in a plate and put your fried bacon, French fries, chicken fingers, etc on them. It soaks out all the grease.

14. Keep in the bathroom. They make great "razor nick fixers."

15. As a sewing backing.. Use a filter as an easy-to-tear backing for embroidering or appliqueing soft fabrics.

16. Put baking soda into a coffee filter and insert into shoes or a closet to absorb or prevent odors.

17. Use them to strain soup stock and to tie fresh herbs in to put in soups and stews.

18. Use a coffee filter to prevent spilling when you add fluids to your car.

19. Use them as a spoon rest while cooking and clean up small counter spills.

20. Can use to hold dry ingredients when baking or when cutting a piece of fruit or veggies. Saves on having extra bowls to wash.

21. Use them to wrap Christmas ornaments for storage.

22. Use them to remove fingernail polish when out of cotton balls.

23. Use them to sprout seeds.. Simply dampen the coffee filter, place seeds inside, fold it and place it into a plastic baggie until they sprout.

24. Use coffee filters as blotting paper for pressed flowers. Place the flowers between two coffee filters and put the coffee filters in phone book..

25. Use as a disposable "snack bowl" for popcorn, chips, etc.

26. OH YEAH THEY ARE GREAT TO USE IN YOUR COFFEE MAKERS TOO!

Playing Catch Up with My Layouts

Since I am playing catch-up, I'm going to keep my comments brief and to the point. Most of these have lots of journaling on the page itself, anyway!

Subject: Bible reading and study time
Credits:
Vicky Day, Daisy Doodle Lady Bug Page Kit
Font: Andy


Subject: Pastor's Meeting and another new scarf
Credits:
Christine Smith, Endless Love
Font: Andy

Subject: Another scarf
Credits:
Jill Designs, Winter Frost - QP created by Kateinoz (Kate Palmer)
Font: Andy


Subject: Macadamia Nut Cookies
Credits:
Vicky Day, Daisy Doodle Lady Bug Page Kit
Font: Andy


Subject: Thrift Store Bargains
Credits:
Vicky Day, Daisy Doodle Lady Bug Page Kit
Font: Andy

Subject: Thrift Store Shopping Trip
Credits:
Vicky Day, Daisy Doodle Lady Bug Page Kit
Font: Andy

Daisy Doodle Lady Bug

I haven't created any scrapbook pages in almost a week now! But, in my "spare time" I have been working on a new kit and 6x4 brag book that I am (trying) to sell on my Today's Scrap blog at a meager price! So I thought I would show you what I've been up to and maybe you could pass the word along, if you so choose. And better yet, maybe you would be interested in making a purchase! :) You can click on the previews which will take you to my designing blog. There are some free brag book pages over there for you, too! Enjoy! Would love to hear your comments on the kit, brag book and I value your opinion on the price I have on each! HUGS!

F R E E brag book pages made from Daisy Doodle Lady Bug page kit:

Endless Love page kit by Christine Smith

Christine used to be a designer at Digitals but last year she resigned and quit designing for awhile due to health issues and other things. But, I'm telling you, it gets in your blood! She has recently stepped back into the designing world. She is currently selling at Scrap Dish. I follow her blog and when she put out a CT call for this Valentine's kit, I decided I would help her out with some layouts for advertising purposes. The kit is on sale for $3.99 right now, a savings of 20%, if you are interested.

Credits:
Christine Smith, Endless Love at Scrapdish

Now You See it...Now You Don't!

Another pile conquered!

Credits:
Lord of the Harvest paper by Vicky Day
Font: Arial

Library

Before I begin with today's post, I have a question for someone named "Debbie" who has been leaving comments. I know a couple of Debbies. Could you leave your last name when you comment again, or even your last initial will probably tell me who you are, LOL! THANKS for commenting!

Today we went to the library after lunch. We tried to go yesterday, but it was closed for the MLK holiday. Everyone must have missed going to the library yesterday because it was packed out today!

Credits:
Miss Emily by Elise Hansen
Font: Pristina

Turn Your Radio On

No explanation of my layout needed as the journaling tells all!

Credits:
Kit Life in a Purple dream de Trinity at Simply Digi Shop
Font: Typical Writer

Scarf #2

I am loving my new scarves! Mainly because I usually wear the SAME top with the SAME skirt ALL the time! These scarves have inspired me to be more creative and mix more items! I usually wear this sweater with a purple skirt that has a pinkish/purple design in it. But, not today! I wore it with a black skirt! AHHH! Such freedom, LOL!

Credits:
Groovy Scraps Welcome Kit
Font: Virginie

Birthday Celebrations

One of the ladies of the church will be 70 on Monday, Jan. 18th. Her daughters had a surprise birthday celebration today. They have been sneaking and coniving with their dad for several weeks to get everything together. They did a good job, even though she tried to be nosey at times! She was totally surprised when she walked into the fellowship hall this afternoon! We were all lined up along the wall with roses to present to her and sang happy birthday to her. There were lots of family, friends present.

Credits:
Amanda Thorderson, Remembering You quick page that I added butterflies to from the kit

Comfort Zone

AHHHH! There's nothing like a little bit of comfort food to end the day! After supper I was looking at an Oatmeal Raisin recipe when Tim came into the kitchen. He said, "What are you doing?" I told him I was in the mood for something sweet, so I thought I would make some cookies. He said, "Why don't we go to Walmart and get some ice cream and pick up a pack of pre-made cookies that all you have to do is break and bake?" I said, SOUNDS GOOD TO ME!!! But we decided that brownies would be better with the ice cream, so we bought a Duncan Hines Turtle Brownies mix and Breyers Snickers ice cream. We topped that with cool whip and boy, was it yummy!!!!!

Credits:
Doin Digital, Mulberry Desire (a freebie for a designing challenge at Stuff to Scrap where all participants' kits are free to the public if you are registered to the forum)
Font: typewriter

Thrift Stores are NOT Created Equal.....

Today's day off found us thrift store hopping again! Bargains found: 2 pair of blue jeans for Tim for a total of $1.00 at the Mega Thrift close to the house!!! Also, I found some crocheted afghans at a couple of Goodwills that will be ripped apart so I can use the yarn on at least one of them, if not both! They each cost $4! Cha-ching! I think that is all we bought!

We definitely did NOT buy anything at the Tuesday Morning "thrift" shop, if you can even call it that! In my book, $5.99 for a pack of 24 sheets of 5x7 stationery is NOT the kind of "deal" I am looking for! Someone said it correctly, "They are an upscale thrift store." Somehow the words "upscale" and "thrift" do not belong together in my way of thinking! On the other hand, a positive note is that everything in this store is new and I did see some toys that would make nice birthday/Christmas gifts for the grandkids! But, even at that, you have to be very selective because most of the prices I saw were NOT thrift store prices! So, beware and know that thrift stores are NOT created equal!

Credits:
Miss 13, Per Amore freebie
Font: typewriter

Scarf #1

OK, Lizzy! This one's just for you! Ask and ye shall receive! :)Close up. Please notice the new haircut, too! The girl (26 yo) told me jokingly that I needed to keep the scissors out of my hair, lol! I told her my hair was very forgiving! :)

January 13, 2010

I decided to get my page done early today. Looking outside at the sunshine and the beautiful blue sky inspired me, lol! It is supposed to be warmer today and increasingly warmer the rest of the week! WOOHOO!! My blessing for today is the beauty of winter on a sunshiny day!

Credits:
Project B Designs at Sunshine Studios, Comfort Zone Add-On
This is a free mini kit for a challenge and a chance to get the complete kit. You do not have to be registered to download the free mini kit.
Font: Times New Roman

January 12, 2010

I had my big purchase already planned for the day. AC Moore had a special coupon for today only for 50% off one regular priced item. My item was going to be a 16 oz. skein of yarn to begin working on some snuggle throws for Christmas. As I walked in the door of AC Moore I saw a carrousel bin full of neck scarves of all colors and patterns! The former pastor's daughters wear scarves all the time with their outfits and I have always admired them! But, have you priced them?!! I did and decided they would just have to stay on the rack! Well, not today! These were 50% off and there was another sign that said $1.50. So, I grabbed not one, not two.....I ended up with 18!!! That was definitely not in my purchase plan!!! But, I figured I couldn't pass up the deal, especially since I can wear them and mix and match more of my skirts and tops to go with the colors in the scarves!

Next, back to the yarn. I grabbed my skein of yarn and off to the register I trotted, very pleased with myself! That's when things began to fall apart. I had cash to pay for the one skein of yarn, which to my estimation was going to be $3.70 + tax with the coupon. Wrong! The $7.39 skein of yarn was on sale for $6 so I was not allowed to use the coupon! I decided to wait til the yarn was not on sale and I could get another 50% coupon (hopefully)! I've got almost a year, right?!! Next she started ringing up the scarves. CHA-CHING! First scarf rang up at $2. I complained! The manager said, "I'm sorry, but the scarves in the top bin are $2 and the next bin are $1.50, and everyone is putting them back in the wrong bins, and the wind is blowing them when the doors open, yada yada yada!" In other words, I lost my argument! I decided $2 was still a whole lot better than what I had priced them for at other retailers, so my $3.70 + tax trip turned into a whopping $31.79! YIKES! Oh, well! I will be sure to wear these scarves with pride! My blessing for the day.....a bargain in a surprising place...scarves in a craft store!

January 11, 2010

I got a nice surprise from my sweet granddaughter, Kara today! She asked her mommy if she could call me! She was so excited! Most of what she said I couldn't understand because she was so excited, but her mommy helped to decipher what she had said. She asked how I was, which I thought was so sweet! I asked her how she was and she told me she was going to take a nap. Then she told me that she had gone under the water in her swimming lesson! I asked her how her other grandma was and she said, "Joann? She is fine!" I told her she was learning everyone's first names. She said she loved me and then she was done! Too funny! She couldn't figure out why she couldn't see me on the computer while we were talking on the phone. Sometimes we turn on the cams and make silly faces at each other on the computer but not today! It made my day that she wanted to call and talk to me! Thanks my sweet Kara Bear! I love you!

Credits:
Lynne Simmons, New Beginnings
Font: Arial and Brock Script

January 10, 2010

Well, the diet has not started, but I am working on portion control. How is that, you ask? Well, instead of standing at the counter with the cheese ball bowl and the whole sleeve of crackers to devour as I stand there, I took 6 crackers from the sleeve and put some cheese ball on each one, put the sleeve of crackers back in the cabinet and the cheese ball back in the fridge and took my six crackers to my computer room to enjoy. Now, however, I need to work on the number of portions I repeat! Just kidding.....basically! :)

The crock pot is cooking some cocktail wienies for Tim to enjoy after church tonight while watching the football game(s). The sauce is such an easy recipe. Just a jar of chili sauce (found near the ketchup in the store) and a small jar of grape jelly. Sounds gross, but is really quite good!

Hope everyone had a blessed Lord's Day! Back to work/school tomorrow!

Photo Box - Hybrid Freebie for You!

For those of you who do not recognize this cute little face, it is my first grandchild, Michael, at the ripe old age of 22 months. I found this little photo cube somewhere in the WWW back in, you guessed it, 2003! I made it, printed it and then it got lost in the "files of no return" in my computer room! However, it reappeared today during my disorganized organization! :) So, I scanned the box and then created a file for you (who have programs that you can use this with) to make your own little, 2" photo cube! Instructions are included! If you click on the image of my box you will be taken to the download at MediaFire! Have fun!

January 09, 2010

Well, I got alot of organizing done today, even if my floor does still look like a disorganized mess, LOL! Plus, I got the laundry done, folded and put away! Got the file cabinet moved from the computer room to the sewing room and my sewing table cleaned off! And I can actually see the desk that my computer sits on!

Part of the house is pretty chili, the part that is an add-0n in the "lower" end of the house. This is where Tim's "den" is, his bathroom and the guest room. So, in the winter months, while he is reading, he has a throw over his legs and feet. When I saw him today, I happened to think about the Christmas project I will be working on for the grandkids this year and I showed it to him and asked him if he would like for me to crochet him one. He looked at the picture (below his picture) and laughed! He said, "No, I'm as snugglie as I want to be!" I wonder if it is because females are pictured instead of males?

January 08, 2009 - Disorganized Organization!

Why is it that while you are organizing, it is so disorganized? I've been throwing "stuff" in the floor that I don't want to get rid of but that I don't have a home for yet. So, while the first picture looks (and is) nothing but disorganization, the second picture is very organized! You can actually even see some of the cabinet drawer! Now, here is an account of how my whole day was:

Since I was up til 2am, I slept in til 9:45. Actually, it was 9:30 when I finally woke up for keeps but I was too lazy to get up immediately! After I got up, made the bed, got dressed I headed to the computer room to do some more disorganizing! :) I took a break to check my e-mail, etc. and by that time Tim was ready for lunch. I told him I was going to go to Aldis after lunch and he said he would go with me. That was a mistake because every time he goes with me, we spend twice as much as I had planned on spending! When I told him I was not going to bring him with me anymore, he said "I like to have food in the house!" Yeah, especially stuff that he can eat while he is watching football on the weekends! Oh well! After Aldis we had to run to Walmart for bread, bananas and soda. Then I spent the rest of the afternoon disorganizing until it was time to fix supper. We had fried pork chops, mashed potatoes, corn and green beans. After supper I cleaned up the kitchen, fixed a cheesecake and a cheeseball. Then back to disorganizing! I have a headache, so I decided it was time to stop! After I make this post, I intend to read my Bible and go to bed! NIGHT!

January 07, 2010

Today Tim decided he wanted to do some thrift store hopping, so I got a list of addresses off the internet and we set out on our bargain hunting trip! But, first things first.....since it was 11:30 when we left, we stopped for a sub on the same highway as 2 of the thrift stores we were going to stop at. My list consisted of 5 Good Wills, 2 Mega Thrifts and 1 Salvation Army. We managed to stop at 4 of the Good Wills and the Mega Thrifts before Tim decided he was tired of shopping!. It was about 3:30 by the time we got home. Our big purchases of the day.....a pair of shoes for Tim, 3 magazine holders for his notebooks, and some yarn for me. The day turned out to be pretty warm, considering it was only 40! I had to take my coat off after the first Good Will stop!

January 06, 2010

WOW! I cannot believe how much STUFF I have been shredding! Catalogs GALORE! Old bank statements! Old church papers! Just STUFF that was taking up space! STUFF I carried with me from WV! STUFF that should have been thrown away a LOOOOOONG time ago! But, at least it is getting done now! My newest friend is the shredder! This is my second bag I have filled today and the shredder is full! I told Tim that eventually I'll be so organized I won't know where anything is, LOL! It will be my "luck" that I'll need something that I shredded! :) Such is life! While I was looking through all the stuff, I ran across pictures from 2002 where I had lost weight. I vowed I would never gain it back......I'm soooo disgusted with myself because I gained it all back and some! That was what I needed, however, to put me in the mindset of losing weight! So, starting tomorrow, "D" day! Off to look up foods that will help you lose weight and make you feel full! :)