Ana, Anna and Carinea

The 12 days of Christmas for grandparents

2010-01-11T22:10:00.002+02:00

From tipjunkie.com

12 Days for Grandparents

12 Days of Christmas (For Grandparents)
1. Boys Portrait w/ Album
2. 2 Ornaments
3. 3 Pens
4. Video of us caroling
5. Life savers
6. Candy Canes
7. Christmas Towels
8. Milk duds
9. Slippers
10. Candle
11. Christmas CD
12. Calendar

The 12 days of Christmas is the song that I sing and in this sack 12 presents I bring. December the 13th is when you may start. Unwrap one a day with love from my heart. Having you as grandparents is a dream come true, This is my way of wishing Merry Christmas to you!

1. A partridge in a pear tree How boring is that! Our boys are much prettier The way they are sat. Fill the rest of the album With the old pictures you’ve got, It will make a great keepsake ‘Cuz you are loved a lot!

2. Two turtle doves are very rare and nowhere could I find a pair. But ornaments add beauty to your tree, and commemorate the past year with thee.

3. I did get French hens, But then hungry I got. So I ended up cooking them In a great big pot So three fine pens will have to do, In France’s colors of red, white, and blue.

4. Four calling birds What’s with those wings? Instead here’s a video With four Turks that sing.

5. Five golden rings That’s rather extreme. We love you dearly, But that much money’s a dream! Five golden rings? What could I do? Family is golden, As I’m sure you’ve been told, and they’re your lifesavers When you’re young or old. So 5 lifesavers is better than rings. Where I got out of that one! I’m getting good at these things.

6. Six geese a laying *Sigh* We’re back to those birds! I tried stealing their eggs But their cries could be heard. So I gave up and went to the grocery store. and bought some candy canes (Eggs where too hard to store).

7. Seven swans swimming But the water was so cold I couldn’t catch them, I couldn’t grab hold. So here’s some towels To dry your hair. Use them when you go swimming and chase swans if you dare.

8. Eight maids a milking Silly women don’t they know Milk comes from a store Geez they are slow! But bilk duds are yummy All rolled in a ball. and sold in a carton More than 8, that’s a haul!

9. Nine Ladies dancing they put on a show. Their feet got so tired So wouldn’t you know, I’m sending some slippers for soothing your feet They’re comfy and cozy and all wrapped up neat!

10. Ten lords leaping, Wonder if they could reach the stars? I don’t know but they liked candles The ones put in jars. Salt City the Lords told me Are the very best Go ahead and burn it Put it to the test.

11. Eleven pipers piping Oh, how they’re hurting my head. They gave me such a headache I had to go to bed. Music should be soothing A listening pleasure So here’s a CD For you to treasure.

12. Twelve drummers drumming That would be quite the site I don’t know any musicians and that is my plight. But there are 12 months in every year So, here’s a calendar to make the kids seem near. Each day that you write what you are to do, Please be reminded how much we miss you!

I am back !

2009-12-18T17:01:00.003+02:00

...or at least will try to...

So here are some family gift ideas

Flowerish post

2008-09-01T12:48:00.001+03:00

- Arrange flowers around fresh fruit in a glass bowl for a special event.

- Use containers in which you would not normally not expect flowers to be displayed. How about a sun hat turned upside down to place the flower bowl in or a brass urn or a teapot? Avoid steel and iron, as these deteriorate the flowers.

- Remove all the leaves under the water line. They decompose, turn the water brown, and wilt the flowers.

- Slice the stem vertically--about an inch--to allow for more water absorption.

- Put marbles in the bottom of a glass vase to hold the flowers.

- When putting long-stemmed flowers in a wide-mouth vase, stretch plastic wrap over the mouth. Put the stems in through that, and they will stand up straight.

- If your flowers are too short for your vase, crunch up the cellophane that the flowers come wrapped in, and place it in the bottom of a clear vase.

- Attach green straws to the ends of short-stemmed flowers to give them some extra length.

- Use various flower lengths to give the arrangement a more dimensional look.

- Add various accessories to your flowers if you are celebrating a special event. A rattle or nookie for someone with a newborn is a nice touch, as well as streamers and confetti if it's a birthday party.

- Change the water daily and give them a fresh snip to make them last much longer.

- Don't wait for company to put out fresh flowers to enjoy. Treat you and your family every now and then.

- To make flowers last longer, change the water often and add a small amount of bleach each time to keep the water clear.

- Try something different and wrap large smooth leaves around the interior of a vase before filling it. The flowers won't last as long if you do and you should change the water daily for this type of unexpected arrangement.

- Cut each stem at an angle when arranging flowers so it soaks up plenty of water. If you buy an arrangement in a grocery store, place each flower individually into a vase so it looks its best.

- Finally, if you want flowers to open sooner, put them in slightly warm water to speed up the blooming process. Consider that many flowers won't last as long after doing this.

Decorating children bedroom - an article in french

2008-09-01T12:41:00.002+03:00

This is an article I had saved a long time ago when I started looking out for ideas to decorate my baby's bedroom... I don't rememebr if I had used on eof these ideas, but I guess it will be useful for my 2nd baby's bedroom, or just a room makeover :

- On peut photocopier des belles illustrations pour en faire des cadres, des imprimés sur les espaces de rangement et même des meubles. Si on a l’âme artiste, on les reproduit soi-même un peu partout dans la chambre. Une idée géniale? La peinture pour les tissus et celle qui s’applique sur les fenêtres. Pour un rappel du thème hyper intéressant!

- On sort notre machine à coudre pour confectionner un couvre-lit, des coussins et des rideaux avec un tissu aux motifs colorés et amusants. Avec un peu d’imagination, on peut même reprendre ce tissu pour créer un abat-jour, des petits cadres, un coussin pour des chaises et même un pyjama. On mélange aussi les imprimés. Des tissus à pois, quadrillés ou même unis ajoutent une touche particulière au décor. On se laisse emporter par nos coups de cœur. Osez, vous ne serez pas déçus!

- On n’oublie pas d’ajouter une touche toute particulière au plafond, endroit où les petits yeux se pose souvent. Un mobile ou un agencement de toutous peuvent aussi y être installés.
Si on recycle de vieux meubles, pourquoi ne pas les peinturer avec plusieurs couleurs. Les tiroirs peuvent même être colorés chacun d’une couleur différente. On choisit des poignées contrastantes et on peinture la base du meuble encore d’une autre couleur.
Côté rangement, les coffres à jouet sont souvent très pratiques. Aussi, on peut poser des tablettes, à la portée de l’enfant, pour classer ses livres ou pour ranger d’autres jeux.

Des touches originales:
- Des crochets aux formes surprenantes – On les installe à leur niveau pour que les enfants puissent s’en servir.
- Un tableau de liège – Les artistes en herbe seront fiers d’accrocher leurs réalisations dans leur chambre. L’enfant peut aussi y apposer ses souvenirs (photos, cartes, lettres ou autres).
- Une plante – Mettre de la vie dans sa chambre! L’enfant s’en occupera, au début sans doute, avec l’aide du jardinier amateur de la maisonnée. Mais peut-être deviendra-t-il aussi un petit pouce vert.
- Une photo – On demande à l’enfant de choisir une photo (la sienne ou celle de la famille) qu’il aime particulièrement et on la place dans un simple petit cadre. Le tour est joué. On peut aussi acheter des cadres en bois non verni et les décorer soi-même. En y collant des objets ou en y dessinant de petits motifs, on créé de jolis cadres personnalisés.
- Un cadran – Pratique pour tous de savoir quelle heure il est! Ouvrez l’œil, on retrouve de petites horloges très mignonnes pour quelques dollars.
- Un calendrier – Pour les plus grands, un calendrier est un outil bien pratique. Avec des auto-collants ou des crayons de couleurs, l’enfant y inscrit toutes ses activités (fête d’un ami, pratiques sportives, sortie avec l’école, etc.). Le choix des calendriers est incroyable. Il y en aura sûrement un à son goût.

Our baby's favors

2008-08-28T11:47:00.004+03:00

Ok I know it's just after 1 year and a half that I am finally posting about my baby's favors, and still the post is not complete coz I don't have the pics of the final favors, I just have what I collected as saying and some facts about bamboo and some trial pics...

So actually when Joey was born, we thought of giving green gifts instead of some silver or porcelain or whatsoever...

We thought of that ancient tradition of planting a tree when a child is born to ensure long life, prosperity, and an eternal bond with nature. Living in a city, we thought it might be a little inconvenient to give tress to epoeple and get them worried where to plant them so we came up with 2 different ideas, trees and lucky bamboos

Saying to use on green favors :

- Our family tree has just grown...

- Plant these seeds with love and care when they bloom your heart will share a hint of he flutter and the thrill we felt waiting for our baby girl. This is a token of our happiness with many thanks from _____ and _____. (Written by Ann McGowan)

- Here’s a little thank you for being part of the first party for Daniel Grimes. Blooming flowers will remind you how important you'll be to Daniel as he grows.

- Take this packet of seeds to plant them with joy, when they bloom, think of the new baby girl or boy!

- May these seeds bring you a beautiful bouquet! Just as you have brought us your love and support on our Wedding Day!
As these seeds bloom, may they bring you as much happiness and beauty as we have together. Thank you for being with us today!
Message on inside : Thank you for sharing this special day. Please plant these seed to create a garden of lasting memories. (complete growing instructions included)

Lucky Bamboo - QUICK TIPS

Keep water fresh by changing it every week, and always keep water levels at approximately an inch from the base of the canes.

Lucky Bamboo prefers plenty of indirect sunlight and room temperatures at 65-70o.

Why Are the Leaves Turning Yellow?

Two of the most common factors are

1.) too much direct sunlight; and

2.) too salty or heavily-flouridated tap water.

To give your new Lucky Bamboo a thriving start be sure to keep it away from direct sunlight, and water only with filtered or natural spring water.

Why Is It Called "Lucky" Bamboo?Along with its ease of growth, Lucky Bamboo has long been associated with the Eastern practice of Feng Shui - or the bringing of natural elements of water, fire, earth, wood and metal into balance within the environment.

Lucky Bamboo is believed to be an ideal example of the thriving wood and water element, with the addition of a red ribbon sometimes tied around the stalks - which is believed to "fire" the positive flow of energy or chi in the room.

The number of stalks also has meaning : three stalks for happiness; five stalks for wealth; six stalks for health. Four stalks, however, are always avoided - since the word "four" in Chinese sounds too similar to the Chinese word for "death"!

Can I Take Cuttings from Lucky Bamboo?Yes. New stalks can be propagated from the original plant by using a sharp knife to cut through a stalk - just below the joint. Place the cutting in fresh, clean water. A fine mist spray to stalks is sometimes suggested to stimulate new bud growth.

How Do I Repot Bamboo?
Like any other houseplant, Lucky Bamboo can be transferred to a vase or pot 2" larger than the original, or planted permanently into a loose sand or soil mixture that provides lots of bottom drainage. To avoid root rot, be careful to let the top of the soil dry out between waterings.

http://www.natureperfect.com/meaning_of_bamboo/index.html

Caring for Your Lucky Bamboo

LIGHT: Lucky Bamboo will do best with moderate levels of indirect light. Lucky Bamboo will tolerate little light more easily than too much light.

WATER: Filtered water or rain water will keep your Lucky Bamboo healthy longer.
Keep an eye on the water level in your Lucky Bamboo container, and add a little more as it gets down to about half-full; how often will depend on the size of your arrangement and the humidity in your home. Every week or so, pour all the water out and refill the container with fresh water.

- Leaf tips turning brown: fluoride in the water, or the air is too dry.

- Leaves turning yellow: too much light or too much fertilizer.

- Stalks turning yellow from the bottom: too much fertilizer.

- Stalks turn brown or mushy: the roots have rotted, probably from overfeeding, or from overwatering soil-grown plants.

Beautiful Bed makeover :

2008-08-28T11:40:00.001+03:00

I really am the worst blogger ever, I can't seem to get regularly posting here... Yet today I happened to feel the need to post some of my saved ideas and keep them in my retirmenet box :)

A headboard makes a big difference in a bedroom--but we don't mean the usual wood, padded or metal versions. The seven ideas here go way beyond what you'd find in the stores, or even antique shops, because they're unique beauties you create yourself. Some are as simple as putting up a rod or a picture, and, best of all, none requires any complicated carpentry.

1. Magnificent Mantel: An old wood mantel has plenty of potential, and it isn't much work to turn it into a headboard. You can find mantels at flea markets and restoration companies. First you sand the mantel, then paint as you wish. Next, cut a piece of plywood just big enough to fit behind the mantel and cover this with fleece padding. Wrap the plywood with fabric to match your decor, then staple the fabric to the back of the plywood. Tack this to the mantel and secure the whole piece to the wall baseboard with screws. Now you also have a place for a vase of fresh flowers, collectibles and your bedtime reading.

2. Country Cozy: A wool blanket or folk-art quilt folded over a rod on the wall behind the bed has a casual, homey air. You'll get the best results with a cover that's not too bulky. Buy a readymade wooden rod and fit with finials. Or, for a real rustic note, use a sturdy tree branch, add finials here as well. Place the rod or branch on brackets you hang behind the bed, add the blanket or quilt—that's it!

3. Art Gallery: A single art print does the trick for this eye-catcher. Choose one to reflect the mood of your bedroom and which matches your bedding and furnishings. For example, abstract or pop art conveys a bold feeling, while a French impressionist's garden scene is dreamy and romantic. Browse through museum catalogs and check your local frame or poster shops for the practically limitless possibilities. Framed, the print should be as wide as your bed or close to that dimension; too small and it won't have the headboard effect. A generous mat will help you get the size you want. TIP: Substituting plexiglass for regular glass and opting for a lightweight frame results in a print that's not as heavy, hence easier to hang.

4. Reflected Glory: One large mirror is all you need, and the bonus is that it will bring more light and spaciousness to your room. Pick a frame to blend with your decor, from streamlined chrome to ornate and gilded to country wood. Or consider no frame at all. A bevel-edge mirror will seem to float on the wall.

5. Gardener's Retreat: Set a sweet, peaceful scene with a blooming trellis. Paint the trellis white, or pick a hue to suit your color scheme. For a naturally weathered look, let the paint dry, then remove some of it by sanding. Attach the lattice to the wall and secure faux flowers or ivy to look like a climbing plant.

6. Fabric Flair: You'll have this "headboard" done in a jiffy! You tack a wide piece of fabric from ceiling to floor for a beautiful backdrop. The sky's the limit with options because there's so much out there, from rich velvet to fancy silk to polished cotton, and in a variety of prints and patterns from exotic to French provincial to contemporary. Replacing the fabric when you want a new look is a cinch. Come summer, for example, you can change to a lighter color and fabric.

7. Luxury Suite: With some wallpaper and glue, you can make your room fit for royalty. You cut wallpaper in the shape of a crest or arch, paste the paper to the wall and embellish with a fancy length of trim and tassels. Here's how:
You'll need: a large sheet of plain paper to use as a pattern; wallpaper of your choice; spray adhesive or wallpaper paste; squeegee; three decorative curtain tiebacks; braided trim and tassels to complement your wallpaper; a hot-glue gun with glue sticks. Of course, you can adapt this idea to any shape headboard, with any style of trim.

Links for bridal ideas

2008-07-14T11:24:00.002+03:00

http://purpletrail.com/partytrail/featured_bridal_shower/bridal-shower-party-ideas/

http://www.bluemountain.com/cnp/cpsearch.pd?path=37002

http://www.superweddings.com/bridalcrafts.html

http://www.bhg.com/crafts/weddings/bridal-party/bridal-shower/

http://www.bridalshowergamesatoz.com/

http://www.buzzle.com/articles/8-bridal-shower-theme-ideas.html

http://weddings.lovetoknow.com/wiki/Free_Printable_Bridal_Shower_Games

http://www.ebridalshowers.com/index.html

http://purpletrail.com/partytrail/bridal_shower/bridal-shower-theme-ideas/

http://www.bhg.com/crafts/weddings/bridal-party/throw-a-good-advice-bridal-shower

http://www.beau-coup.com/bridal_shower_favors.htm

http://www.a-weddingday.com/planning/showers.html

http://www.weddingdetails.com/planning/showerideas.cfm

http://www.lingerie-party-fun.com/bridalshowerideas.html

http://www.partyfuntogo.com/bridal_showers_free.html

http://www.theshowerdiva.com/

http://www.bridalshowergamesatoz.com/bridalshowerplanning.html

http://www.bachelorette.com/frbrshbiga.html

http://www.bridebingo.com/freegames.html

http://purpletrail.com/partytrail/featured_bridal_shower/bridal-shower-party-ideas/

http://www.imagebydesign.com/kathee/bridal/ideas.htm

http://www.wedalert.com/content/articles/traditional_bridal_showers.asp

http://www.squidoo.com/bridal-shower-ideas

http://www.abbee.com/bridal-shower-themes/

http://www.imagebydesign.com/kathee/bridal/

http://www.evite.com/app/cms/ideas/bridal-shower

http://www.dotcomwomen.com/crafts/wedding/index.shtml

I am still alive ...

2008-07-14T10:34:00.004+03:00

I am still alive but not having much time for my blog !
I will make an effort to post more often !

Tips on using Gas ...

2008-05-06T09:29:00.003+03:00

Got this from one of a craft groups ... I am not sure if ti is true, but I am just saving this for later ...might use it one day !!

TIPS ON PUMPING GAS (Good information)
- Only buy or fill up your car or truck in the early morning when the ground temperature is still cold. Remember that all service stations have their storage tanks buried below ground. The colder the ground, the more dense the gasoline. When it gets warmer, gasoline expands, so buy ing in the afternoon or in the evening.... your gallon is not exactly a gallon. In the petroleum business, the specific gravity and the temperature of the gasoline, diesel and jet fuel, ethanol and other petroleum products plays an important role. A 1-degree rise in temperature is a big deal for this business. But the service stations do not have temperature compensation at the pumps.

- When you're filling up, do not squeeze the trigger of the nozzle to a fast mode. If you look, you will see that the trigger has three (3) stages: low, middle, and high. In slow mode, you should be pumping on low speed, thereby minimizing the vapors that are created while you are pumping. All hoses at the pump have a vapor return. If you are pumping on the fast rate, some of the liquid that goes to your tank becomes vapor. Those vapors are being sucked up and back into the underground storage tank so you're getting less worth for your money.

- One of the most important tips is to fill up when your gas tank is HALF FULL or HALF EMPTY. The reason for this is, the more gas you have in your tank the less air occupying its empty space. Gasoline evaporates faster than you can imagine. Gasoline storage tanks have an internal floating roof. This roof serves as zero clearance between the gas and the atmosphere, so it minimizes the evaporation. Unlike service stations, here where I work, every truck that we load is temperature compensated so that every gallon is actually the exact amount.

- Another reminder, if there is a gasoline truck pumping into the storage tanks when you stop to buy gas, DO NOT fill up. Most likely the gasoline is being stirred up as the gas is being delivered, and you might pic k up some of the dirt that normally settles on the bottom. Hope this will help you get the most value for your money.

Favor ideas

2008-05-05T17:01:00.003+03:00

THis is a list of favors I got also when preparing my wedding but I am keeping it for any future occasions I might need to send back favors to my guests :

Here are some ideas from an article on theknot.com You asked for it, so here it is: We've put together a list of our best favor ideas! Remember, you can spend a lot or a little. It's not how much your favors cost that matters, it's how creative, cool, funny, or yummy they are! We hope these help spark your imagination.

SEASONAL/HOLIDAY FAVORS
1. Candy canes
2. Mini Easter baskets filled with foil-wrapped chocolate eggs
3. Little plastic pumpkins filled with candy corn
4. Simple Christmas ornaments
5. Pretty gourds
6. Blow-up beach balls with your names and the date on them, or just in your wedding colors
7. Miniature heart-shaped boxes of Valentine's chocolates
8. A New Year's champagne flute with your names and the date emblazoned on it
9. Sunscreen (for an outdoor summer wedding)
10. Miniature watering cans filled with spring blooms
11. Frisbees (for a cookout in the woods or park)
12. Miniature Christmas wreaths (perhaps wrapped around the base of a red candle)
13. Dreidels 14. Chocolate coins in gold foil
15. Umbrellas (for a wedding during rainy season)
16. Scarves or mittens (for a nippy winter wedding day)
7. Sunglasses
18. Sparklers
19. Easter eggs (that you've colored yourselves)
20. Miniature pots of clover (four-leaf?) for St. Patty's Day
21. Kites
22. Snow globes
23. Wedding water bottles
24. Slices of apple or pumpkin pie KEEPSAKE FAVORS
25. A copy of a memorable photo you have of you (or both of you) with each guest - very personal
26. A love poem written by one or both of you, or just one that you love 27. A pretty picture frame
28. Potpourri
29. Several sheets of pretty notepaper with matching envelopes, tied with a ribbon
30. A letter of love and thanks from the two of you
31. Miniature soaps or fun, brightly colored glycerin-soap "slices"
32. Fragrance -- small vials of perfume and/or cologne that you love, or that was created expressly for the wedding
33. Engraved silver keychains
34. A Polaroid shot of you and each guest as they arrive at the reception
35. Wine glasses with your names and the date on them in gold, silver, or black
36. Pretty paper fans (to beat the heat, and/or to represent your Asian or Spanish ancestry)
37. Small, round, decorative boxes (or pretty pillboxes)
38. Figurines (Precious Moments are popular)
39. Mini replicas -- or picture postcards -- of landmarks in the town where you marry (the Empire State Building in New York, the Space Needle in Seattle, the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco)
40. Little blank books/journals (where your guests can record their most secret thoughts)
41. Music boxes EDIBLE FAVORS
42. The classic: candied almonds (Italian "confetti")
43. A single, amazing petit four
44. A miniature box of good chocolate (Godiva!) or a single truffle
45. Half bottles of wine, perhaps with labels personalized for your wedding
46. A chocolate-chip cannoli
47. Gourmet jelly beans
48. Chocolate Kisses wrapped in tissue paper (in your wedding colors, perhaps)
49. Mixed nuts in little canisters
50. Baklava (your grandmother's recipe, maybe)
51. Mints with your married monogram on them
52. Apples (if you've got apple trees in your yard or an orchard nearby - or if either of you is a doctor or teacher!)
53. Gourmet coffee beans in mugs
54. Everyone's favorite: M&Ms
55. Pineapples or coconuts (for a tropical wedding)
56. Ginger candy (spicy!)
57. Bubble gum or malted-milk balls (for a '50s-style wedding)
58. Licorice (Twizzlers or the assorted, colorful kind)
59. Little tins of butter cookies
60. Rice-Krispies treats
61. Big, round, old-fashioned lollipops
62. Honey or jam - that you've canned yourselves or from a local gourmet shop
63. Old-fashioned "button" candy (colorful drops stuck onto long sheets of butcher paper) "LIVING" FAVORS
64. Tree saplings
65. Flower bulbs
66. A single rose at each place setting (in the color of your choice)
67. Donations to the charity of your choice in each guest's name (leave a small paper scroll or card at each place explaining)
68. Packets of seeds - your favorite bloom, or one with significance to the two of you
69. Potted African violets
70. Flower leis
71. "Adopt" an animal at the zoo in your guests' collective names
72. Aromatherapy candles
73. Goldfish in pretty bowls (make sure they come with fish food!)
74. "Favors" from the bride and groom -- certificates that promise "one heart-to-heart," "a year of email," "afternoon tea," "a day of helping you move," etc., personalized for each guest
75. Boutonnieres and corsages for every single guest JUST FOR FUN
76. Toothbrushes with your names and the wedding date on them (especially if one of you is a dentist)
77. Astrological readings (on mini scrolls) for each guest
78. Pez dispensers (complete with the candy!)
79. Decks of cards (having a Vegas wedding??)
80. Silly, kids' party favors
81. Bottles of bubbles
82. Tiny stuffed animals
83. CD singles (maybe your wedding song, or something classic)
84. Post-It notes in your wedding colors (everyone can use 'em)
85. Wedding T-shirts
86. Bandanas (perfect for a hoe-down)
87. Baseball caps or visors
88. Shot glasses (personalized or just ones you like!)
89. Stickers (silly ones, or have a graphic-designer pal design wedding-memento stickers)
90. Super Balls or Slinkies
91. Cans of Play-Doh (regress to childhood, everyone!)
92. Crayons (you might want to cover the tables with butcher paper, too)
93. Yo-yos
94. Tennis or golf balls with your names and the date on them
95. Personalized pens or pencils 96. Calendars (little plastic ones or funny rip-off-the-date ones)
97. "Paper" airplanes (little colorful ones made out of foam)
98. Chef's hats (if you two are connoisseurs)
99. Comic books
100. Kazoos or harmonicas (for a musical reception!)
101. Lottery tickets (give them a chance at good fortune) Hope this helps.

What to do with photo Negatives?

2008-05-05T16:59:00.002+03:00

Got these from the beautiful site of recyclethis...

- The first thing that comes to mind is a lamp shade with cutouts for the negatives so the light shines through. That would be sooooo cool, especially if the light would project the images on the wall :)

- I’ve seen old colour negatives used for artwork, but they seem to fade quite quickly in sunlight. Old black-and-white negatives are more stable, and would look lovely in a lampshade, although they might be imflammable, so check first.
I don’t know if it counts as recycling, but I have seen old black-and-white negatives used for cyanotype printing of fabrics. This produces a sort of “photograph” on the fabric in a beautiful blue.

- The holes that run along both sides of each negative strip allow them to be whipstiched together. Get a lamp spider by taking apart an old lampshade and whipstich one row of negative strips horizontally around the edge. Follow with several more rows attached to the bottom of the previous row. Use a low wattage bulb.
You can also create a lampshade cover by using the negatives vertically and attaching them together in in the top hole on each side with jump rings. When you have strung enough together create a ring and place over a plain lampshade. Attaching them together only at the top allows them to spread out along the cone shaped lamp shade,

- This is probably a less likely use of negatives, but fully exposed negative film (ie. the black bits) acts as a visible light filter - it is however, transparent to infrared light. You can use this property to convert webcams and digital cameras to primitive IR cameras.

Unique centerpieces

2008-05-05T16:50:00.003+03:00

Probably I still have this from my wedding preps... I might still need them for other occasions, so just wanted to save them in my bucket--full-of-ideas... So here are the unique table centerpiece ideas that I like :

. Framed photos of you and your sweetheart in your favorite places with a description of why that place is important to you. To take it a step further, assign each guest a table "place" rather then number to correspond with the photo and description on the table.

. Fish bowls with goldfish inside. Use gravel that is the same color as your wedding colors.

. Bottles of champagne (they can each be different types) with a wreathe of ivy or evergreen around the bottom of them.

. Hurricane lamps with flower pedals sprinkled around them or filled with Christmas balls in the shades of your wedding colors.

. Antique teapots with flowers inside. 6. Wedding photographs of other guests at your wedding or who have passed on whose marriages you admire(d) (this looks really cool if the photos are old)

. Straw hats (very cheap at craft stores) decorated with silk flowers and ribbons-perfect for an outdoor, spring, reception.

. Antique birdcages filled with flowers.

. Cool bowls that you and your honey made beforehand at a pottery and paint place-put pencils and blank pieces of paper in the bowls so your guests can write you little words of advice.

. Miniature bouquets made out of lollipops. Duct tape a bundle of lollipops together and put them in little vases.

. Champagne buckets filled with flowers or simply as a flowerpot with one big flower growing from it.

. Gift boxes! Get three or four gift boxes of different sizes, wrap them in paper that reflects your wedding theme and/or colors and put them in the middle of the table with a beautiful bow. Cheap and unique!

. Teacups with votive candles in them. Put several in the middle of each table. You can find really neat and inexpensive teacups at antique or thrift stores. Keep them for your home or give them away.

. Potpourri in bowls or baskets.

. Two plastic champagne glasses hot glued together so they cross (laying down) with four clear glass marbles in each glass. The marbles will give the effect of bubbles coming out of the glasses. You can tie helium balloons to the glasses for height.

. A flower pot with an American flag in it, or any other flag that is meaningful to you. If you put the American flag with another nation's, though, make sure the American flag is on the left (assuming your reception is in the USA)

. Glass bowls filled with water with thin slices of lemons and limes floating on top. Great for a summer wedding.62. Glass mason jars of various sizes filled with peaches or other foods that match your colors. The guests don't have to eat them! Just look at them. Hard candies also work well.

Innovative Jewelery

2008-02-29T15:13:00.001+02:00

Found this on Curbly.com :
A designer who make jewelery out of everyday's items !
very innovative !
http://www.do-not-touch.com/mana_main.html

More DIYed beaded jewelry

2008-02-28T16:01:00.003+02:00

Necklace

Brooch, or hair pin :

Fashion Ax-soir

2008-02-28T15:14:00.002+02:00

Earings and ring :

Different colour :

Proud of them. They did take more than 10 min to be finalised !!!

Help baby be smart

2008-02-28T12:31:00.002+02:00

1. Make eye contact. Take advantage of those brief moments when your newborn's eyes are open, and look right into them. Infants recognize faces early on -- and yours is the most important! Each time he stares at you, he's building his memory.

2. Blab away. All you may get is a blank look, but leave short pauses where your baby would speak. Soon she'll catch on to the rhythm of conversation and start filling in the blanks.

3. Breast-feed, if possible. And do it for as long as you can. It's a fact that schoolkids who were breast-fed as infants have higher IQs. Plus, nursing is a great time to bond with your infant by singing, talking, or simply stroking that delicious baby hair.

4. Stick out your tongue. Studies show that newborns as young as 2 days old can imitate simple facial movements -- it's a sign of very early problem solving.

5. Let him reflect. Have your baby stare at himself in the mirror. At first, he may think he's just eyeing another cute kid, but he'll love making the "other" baby wave his arms and smile.

6. Tickle her toes. In fact, tickle her all over. Laughter is the first step in developing a sense of humor. And playing games like "This little piggy" (finish by tickling her under the chin) or "I'm gonna get you" teaches your child to anticipate events.

7. Make a difference. Hold up two pictures about 8 to 12 inches away from your baby's face. They should be similar but have one small difference (perhaps a tree is in one but not the other). Even a young infant will look back and forth and figure out the distinguishing features, which sets the stage for letter recognition and reading later on.

8. Share the view. Take your baby on walks in a front carrier, sling, or backpack, and narrate what you see -- "That's a little dog" or "Look at those big trees!" or "Did you hear that fire engine?" -- to give your baby endless vocabulary-building opportunities.

9. Go gaga. Your baby really tunes in to your silly cooing and high-pitched baby talk.

10. Sing a song. Learn as many tunes as you can, or make up your own verses ("This is the way we change your diaper, change your diaper, change your diaper . . . "). Play Bach, the Beatles, or Britney Spears. Some research suggests that learning the rhythms of music is linked to learning math.

11. Make the most of diaper time. Use moments on the changing pad to teach body parts or pieces of clothing. Narrate to help your baby learn to anticipate routines.

12. Be a playground. Lie down on the floor, and let your baby climb and crawl all over you. It's cheaper than a jungle gym and lots more fun! You'll help boost her coordination and problem-solving skills.

13. Go shopping. When you need a break from your song and dance, visit the supermarket. The faces, sounds, and colors there provide perfect baby entertainment.

14. Clue him in. When you announce, "I'm going to turn on the light now" before flipping the switch, you're teaching cause and effect.

15. Surprise her. Every now and then, delight your baby by gently blowing on her face, arms, or tummy. Make a pattern out of your breaths, and watch her react and anticipate.

16. Grab a tissue or two. If your baby loves pulling tissues out of the box, let him! For a few cents, you've got sensory playthings that he can crumple or smooth out. Hide small toys under them, and thrill your tot when you "find" them again.

17. Read books. Again and again! Scientists have found that babies as young as 8 months can learn to recognize the sequence of words in a story when it's read 2 or 3 times in a row -- this is believed to help them learn language.

18. Play peekaboo. Your hide-and-seek antics do more than bring on the giggles. Your baby learns that objects can disappear and then come back.

19. Get touchy-feely. Keep a box of different-textured fabrics: silk, terrycloth, wool, and linen. Gently rub the cloths on your baby's cheek, feet, and tummy, describing the way each feels.

20. Don't forget to give it a rest. Spend a few minutes each day simply sitting on the floor with your baby -- no music, bright lights, or playful tricks. Let him explore, and see where he takes you.

21. Make a family album. Include photographs of relatives near and far, and flip through it often to build your child's memories. When Grandma calls, show him her picture as he listens on the phone.

22. Let your child play with her food. When she's ready, serve foods that vary in texture -- including cooked peas, cereal, pasta, or chunks of cantaloupe. She'll get to practice her pincer grasp and explore her senses.

23. Pick it up. Even if it seems like your baby repeatedly drops toys off her high chair just to drive you nuts, go fetch. She's learning and testing the laws of gravity. Give her several pieces of wadded-up paper or some tennis balls, put an open bucket under her seat, and let her take aim!

24. Practice three-card monte. Grab a few empty plastic food containers, and hide one of your baby's small toys under one. Shuffle the containers, and let him find the prize.

25. Build an obstacle course. Boost motor skills by placing sofa cushions, pillows, boxes, or toys on the floor and then showing your baby how to crawl over, under, and around the items.

26. Play "follow the leader." Crawl through the house, varying your speed. Stop at interesting places to play.

27. Now follow his lead. As your toddler gets older, he'll stretch his creativity to see if you really will do everything he does, like make silly noises, crawl backward, or laugh.

28. Be a funny face. Puff up your cheeks, and have your toddler touch your nose. When she does, poof! Have her pull your ear, and then stick out your tongue. Make a funny noise when she pats your head. Keep to the same routine three or four times, then change the rules to keep her guessing.

29. Feel your way. Walk around the house with your babe in arms, and touch his hand to the cool window, some soft laundry, a smooth plant leaf, and other safe objects, labeling items as you go.

30. Tell tall tales. Choose her favorite story -- replace the main character with her name to make it fun.

31. Create a zoo book. On your next visit, take photos of favorite animals to include in an album. Later, "read" it together, naming all the familiar creatures or adding animal sounds and stories.

32. Let him be the boss (sometimes). Build confidence by giving your toddler a choice between two items whenever possible: different-colored bowls at mealtime, for instance. He'll learn that his decisions count -- and get practice naming his colors.

33. Put her in the spotlight. Together, watch old home videos of your baby enjoying her first bath, learning to roll over, playing with Grandpa . . . Narrate the story to build language and memory.

34. Count everything. Count how many blocks your toddler can stack. Or the number of steps in your house. Or his fingers and toes. Make a habit of counting out loud, and soon he'll join in.

35. Make more out of storytime. Point out little details in the pictures, and ask your toddler questions, ranging from the abstract ("Why do you think he doesn't want to try green eggs and ham?") to the concrete ("Have you ever seen a white dog?").

36. Turn off the tube. Your baby's brain needs one-on-one interaction that no TV show, no matter howeducational, can provide.

37. Change the scenery. Switch your toddler's high chair to the other side of the table. You'll challenge his memory of where things are placed at meals.

38. Shake it up, baby.Teach her to twist and shout, do the funky chicken, or twirl like a ballerina.

39. Make a mug-shot memory game. Take close-up pictures of all the important people in your child's life, get double prints -- and you've got a set of matching cards. Lay them faceup on the floor, and help her find the two that are alike. As she gets older, you can alter the memory game by starting with the photos facedown.

40. Play in the rain. Jump in puddles. Sit in wet grass together. It's a fun, albeit messy, way of learning about wet and dry.

41. Hunt bugs. Look at pictures of harmless insects (ladybugs, crickets, butterflies) in a book or magazine, then go to the park to find some.

42. Joke around. Point to a photo of Uncle Frank, and call him "Mommy." Then tell your child that you were being silly and laugh at your "joke" to build her budding sense of humor.

43. Dress up. Let your toddler play with some of Dad's old shirts. Dig out old winter hats, scarves, or orphaned gloves. Put yourselves in pretend situations, and see where his creativity and imagination take you.

44. Speak volumes. Gather a few different-size cups or plastic containers, and let your child pour water from one to another at her next bath. Sometimes she'll pour too much, other times too little. Talk about which cups are bigger and which are smaller.

45. Wear rose-colored glasses. (Or yellow or blue.) Pick a color, and ask your toddler if he can spot it when you go on a walk or car ride together. Then let him pick a color for you to hunt.

46. Put your kid to work. Little tots can help sort laundry into darks and whites. Your child may even be able to pick out which clothes belong to her.

47. Go to the library. Take advantage of storytime, puppet shows, and rows and rows of books.

48. Take a cue from Sesame Street. Dedicate each week to a letter of the alphabet. For instance, read books that start with A, eat A foods, cut up snacks into that shape, and write the letter on your sidewalk with chalk.

49. Play it again, Sam. Dig out the box of your toddler's old rattles and mirrored baby toys. You'll be amazed at the new ways he finds to play with them.

50. Talk feelings through. Cuddle up at bedtime, and ask your child what made him happy or sad that day. What made him angry -- or proud? You'll help him recall the day, understand the past tense, and label his emotions. This is an activity to keep up -- right until he heads off to college.

About death...

2008-02-20T12:03:00.000+02:00

Found this when trying to send a condelences email to a relative !

...the pain never truly goes away, it just gets smaller and condensed, tucked away in a corner somewhere in the deep recesses of the heart. There it remains at a constant low level ache, which with time may be overridden. There may be times when a site, a smell, a place, a song, an anniversary or birthday will trigger the old memories and the intensity of the grief and loss will return again. These feelings often arrive without warning and can be just as painful making one feel as though he/she was experiencing the loss anew.

cinnamon + sugared walnuts

2008-01-03T10:31:00.001+02:00

this is a really easy recipe:
- 16 oz walnuts
- 3 Tbsp. vegetable oil
- 1 Tbsp. vanilla extract
- 1 tsp. cinnamon
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 tsp. salt

In a large bowl mix walnuts and oil and vanilla, drain off any excess oil and then pour cinnamon +sugar+salt(aready mixed) over the walnuts. Toss them until well coated. Then spread them out on a parchment covered cookie sheet and bake at 325F for 30 minutes. Pull them out and stir the nuts every ten minutes, and check on the well during the last ten minutes to prevent any burning. Once completly cooled (1-2 hours) you can package them up.

There's also a tutorial for cute packaging on the blog

Skates ornaments !

2008-01-03T10:20:00.000+02:00

For my next year ornaments ideas :

This is a very cute ornament tutorial :

Supplies:
• Wool Felt
• Large paperclips
• Embroidery thread
• Sequence
• Seed beads
• Quilt batting
• Ribbon

Good Idea : make one for everyone in my family too

How to dry flowers

2008-01-03T10:08:00.000+02:00

I've already tried several methods for drying flowers, I've always used the commomn method of putting them in adark place, however here's a link to how u can dry flowers using microwave !!!

Good to try next time I have a special bouquet to keep !

Photo Business Card Holder

2008-01-02T09:53:00.001+02:00

From the making friends sites

Made from an empty cassette case!Lots of possibilities! This one is made with rocks but you can choose anything to match your photo. Makes a great gift for Mom or Dad.
You Need:
Photo
Empty Cassette Holder
Glue Stick
Card Stock
Scissors
Low Temp Glue Gun
Instructions:
Open up empty cassette case and fold top all the way back as shown. Business cards will fit in the pocket created by the open top.
Mount photo on card stock and cut it out in an interesting way. Hot glue to the lid flap. Hot glue rocks to the front.
You can also use silk flowers with a spring photo, sand with a beach scene, trinkets with a dress up photo. Just use your imagination!

DIY Chandeliers !!!

2008-01-02T09:23:00.000+02:00

These are 2 great ideas I found for creative and diyable chandeliers :

The first is made out of cutlery !!!

The second is made out of a large number of BIC pens !!!

Very nice, easy and original idea !!!

Our Christmas 2006 Decorations

2007-12-28T11:31:00.000+02:00

These are snapshots of my 2006 house CHristmas Decor. Our house was not completely furnished, we had only a living room, in which we recently out curtains, and the rest of the house is still empty so you can notice it sounds really empty !

This is my guft wrapping last year, only 2 gifts were under our tree, the rest were scattered here and there in every house of our relatives ... 2 single young couple wouldn't expect much of gifts...you should see our house this year, loads of gifts for our baby !!!

This is scrapbooking paper glued and grouped !

That is our entryway...that alley is laways filled with matching items from the theme, around Christmas I fill it with greenery and poinsettia. For my baby's birth I filled it with vases of bamboo plants, which actually were the favor we gave away for our guests.

These are my Christmas basket, one of them was a goft basket for my MIL :

These are my Christmassy pots :) I put them in my entryway ... my kitchen jars + green artificial trees + string of red miniballs. The snowmen are actually boxes for gold earings and necklace I received years ago... So I used them as Decor in the jars.

Our Door hangers !!! that one is the Guests bathroom door hanger

That is also the entryway, decorated in Chrstmas decor, but different colours. I tend to use different colours in dofferent spots to avoid getting a dull display in every corner :

That is about the only room we had to receive guests. SO these were the 2 decorated spots, our entryway and the living room :)

Metal santa claus and snowmen with hanging legs over the closet boxes... !!!

the countdown calendar + ball vase :

Our Christmassy frame :

A plate decorated with candies, natural nuts, natural pine cones, plastic bag wrapped candles- to form one big candle !!!

Card display on the forst row
Seed plants on the second row
small porcelain reindeers on the third row
glass candleholders with red candles on the thrid row

My baby's first Christmas

2007-12-28T10:45:00.000+02:00

This is my baby's first Christmas... I've already started thinking about it long time ago !!! I do tend to make a big fuss out of everything !!! so how about Christmas, my baby's first Christmas... At first I had many ideas of home made ornaments, handprints... but with my father in law going to hospital, me preparing for the big Chistmas dinner at my place, and shopping for the gifts, I had really small chances in actually DIYing the ornaments...
So when I ran through these ornaments at the store, I thought that is the solution; they were the perfect idea for a first Christmas ornaments, because I can personalise them and add my baby's Picture !

The ornaments actually cost me 2 $ each, then I printed my baby's picture on a normal paper. I didn't even had to use glossy paper, because it's a small size pic, so low resolution or paper quality didn't matter, especially that the pic is covered by the glossy frame window. I also bought the organza bags for 5 $ the bunch. I used an old gold pen to write on the back "mon premier noel , and the year" et voila :

As for the kids in the family, instead of getting them big stocking, I used my baby's old socks (not old, old, just socks that don't fit my baby's tiny feet anymore) and filled them with candies (as small as it could contain). I intend to make this a tradition and each year fill my baby's socks with candies... this is a gift that will grow with Joey .... I thought it's nice, they also thought it was nice too, being in love with Joey they actually fell in love with the socks more than the candies inside :)

Here's the final setting for both gifts :

Frame it !

2007-12-17T15:50:00.000+02:00

Here's a very easy idea for Christmas decor... add nay Christmas items to existing frames, as shown below:
this is a frame of me and my Husband which I am display all year long, however, I change the decor according to the occasion :
Below is the frame on valentine day , actually I didn't do much here, My Husband got me the roses, i just put them next to the frame :)

And here' the frame on Christmas...well as u can see, I added an artificial poinsettia and some cranberries' branches, which both cost me 2 $ purchased at a 1 dollar store ...
Voila.... Low budget Christmassy Decor !!!

My latest earings

2007-12-17T14:52:00.000+02:00

These are my latest earings, designed yesterday evening while watching the TV and thinking about our Christmas dinner.
You can also have a look at my designed decor for this year's Christmas... will post the pics in another post.

Gardening kit

2007-12-17T10:43:00.001+02:00

A very cute idea for gardening lovers to present on Christmas :
(idea from marthastewart website)

How to Make Dried Apple and Orange Slices

2007-12-17T10:38:00.001+02:00

Dried fruit slices and peels are a great way to give your home a country prim look.

They are fragrant and can be added to potpourri blends, fixins blends, wreaths, swags.

They also make pretty and fragrant gift package decorations. When they are placed around candles, especially bakery candles, they give a nice country prim look.

The picture shown is an orange fixins blend. It combines dried orange slices and orange peels with fragrant spices like cinnamon sticks, allspice, and cloves.

The look and smell is very seasonal and makes a great addition to country prim home decor.

The easiest way to dry fruit slices is to use a dehydrator. If you do not have a dehydrator, you can use the standard oven method.

How to Dry Apple Slices

To dry apple slices using the oven method, core your apples and slice them about 1/4 inch thick. In order to prevent them from oxidizing and turning brown during the process, dip the slices into a solution of 2 cups lemon juice and 3 tablespoons salt. Make sure the slices are well soaked for about 15 minutes. After you remove them, pat them dry with paper towels and place them on cookie sheets and dry for about 6 hours at 150 degrees. Keep the oven door slightly ajar to ensure good air circulation. Turn the slices when they start to curl.

How to Dry Orange Slices

For oranges, slice them about 1/4 inch thick and gently squeeze out as much of the moisture as possible without squeezing and misshaping the slices. Then place the slices on a cookie sheet and dry for about 6 hours at 150 degrees. As with the apples, keep the oven door slighty ajar for air circulation.

What to do with family on Christmas

2007-12-13T14:40:00.001+02:00

81 Ideas to do With Your Family at Christmas

By: Patty Getz

Christmas is about so much more than presents and parties, and yet, each year, that is the focus that we as a society place on it. Christmas has become a stress for some, and financial hardship for others. Where there used to be a holiday, to celebrate Family, we have some how lost touch with our roots, and a meaningful soulful Christmas.

Following is a list of of Ideas that cost little or no money, that you can do with your family this Christmas.
Set aside some time, and lets all get back to the basics of Christmas.
Take this list, and let each family member choose one, and then set aside an evening, for each activity, you will be surprised and amazed how much this will Change your and your families outlook on Christmas.

Make Garland : popcorn garland - garland with construction paper
Make :

- snow globes with old jars
- Christmas gifts for your family's pet and other relative's pets.
- a manger scene out of playdough or clay or even construction paper
- ornaments
- paper snowflakes to decorate your windows

Have parties :

- Shows party : Watch Christmas shows together with hot Chocolate and popcorn,
- Slumber party : Build a fire, and have a slumber party with your kids
- Wrapping party
- Tree decoration party : Make Decorating the tree a family event, serve hot chocolate and play Christmas music
- Cards party : Make your own Christmas cards to send to people and/or invite your children's friends over to make cards or gifts for their parents
- a campout night, and sleep in sleeping bags under your lighted christmas tree or some christmas lights.
- a game night

Donate : to a charity for Christmas Gifts from a 1 $ store, or Clothes/toys for needy children
If you have snow, enjoy it : make a Snowman, or have a snowball fight
Cook : Make a ginger bread house out of graham crackers and what ever you have in the house, or Bake and decorate cookies
Paint Christmassy pictures on the windows with washable paint
Make up a Christmas scavenger hunt : game out of hunting around the house, for things to make christmas decorations out of.
Plan to share a plate of goodies with any elderly or young parents in the neighborhood
Lights :

- Take a Special drive at night to enjoy others Christmas lights, and see who wins for the best lights in town. Make an award for the winner and present it to them.

Attend a Live Nativity.
go collect pine cones and use them to make ornaments
sing Christmas carols
have the kids write and act out a Christmas play
Books :

- go to the library and borrow Christmas videos and books
- read one Christmas short story each night before bed

Write Christmas letter to all the relatives with the kids all telling what they have been up to in their own words
Take a picture of the kids in front of the Christmas tree, and make it a yearly tradition.
Attend a Church service together
Watch all the videos or home movies of Christmas. Or, look at all the photos from Christmas.
color some Christmas pages together
share a favorite Christmas memory
Help your local church/library/ community center organize a special holiday reading of twas the night before Christmas, A Christmas Carol, etc. Invite seniors/families. Maybe get a local store to donate some cookies or cocoa.
We make a video of ourselves decorating the tree, making cookies, singing Christmas carols and telling the Christmas story. then we make copies of it for all the far off relatives (beats a humdrum letter).
Volunteer :

- as a family for the local shelter or nursing home.
- kids make Christmas cards or snowflakes and take them to the local nursing home.
- go caroling at a nursing home.
- work in a Christmas wrap booth that gives the proceeds to charity
- carry groceries for elder people
- food servers at shelters that provide christmas/thanksgiv ing dinners
- Visit the local nursing home and present some of the residents with homemade Christmas cards
- Do a random act of kindness for a neighbor that you know is sick or feeling down, like take them a plate of cookies or some homemade ornaments.
- Invite an older person/couple for a holiday meal

light up your walkway/driveway with handmade luminaries
Get out your old records - or borrow your parents- and listen to the Golden oldie Christmas songs from your youth, and share the memories of Christmas past with your children
Learn about different cultures celebrate Christmas... . and about what they did years ago.
Sing silly Christmas songs with your kiddos... (Grandma got ran over by a reindeer)
Create a calendar that the kids can mark off the days til Christmas.
Have a Christmas Past, Present and Future evening/afternoon. Get out your photo albums/scrapbooks and talk about Christmas Past, remembering those who are no longer here to share it with us; for Christmas Present, discuss what one thing makes Christmas special for each person; for Christmas Future, talk about your hopes and dreams for the coming years ahead.
Let the kids make their own stockings out of felt and stocking "packages" out of paper grocery sacks to put gifts for others in.
Let your child decorate their bedroom door for Christmas. A wreath with some small trinkets on it is charming on every door inside the house, too.
Make snowmen out of styrofoam ball ornaments or styro balls or old Christmas bulbs (the breakable kind) in 2 sizes (one larger and one smaller glued together), paint white or glue on cottonballs or fake snow and add glitter. Use google eyes or dots punched out of a paper punch for eyes, Orange pipe cleaner twisted to a carrot shape for the nose, little buttons or mini m & m's or small pom poms can be buttons or even the gold top of a paper fastener clip. Also can use yarn for eyes, smile, eyebrows or braid yarn for a scarf.. use your imagination and whatever you have around the house, toothpicks or tree branches for arms, etc. An old sweater and flannel shirt can provide scarves and hats, mittens for all the snowmen and snowwomen which can be grouped together under a tree branch from outside. Provide all the scrap materials you have and let the kids have a great time making them.
Create a God Can for family members

Here is how : use a tall odd shaped can, the one I found was a solid gold color, was maybe 6 inches tall and semi squared with a rounded bubble shaped lid. (Found it at Dollar Tree last year)
This is what I attached.
God Can
When your worries get too heavy, Follow this little plan
Just write it on a little note And drop it in this can
You know that any problem That you place in Our Lord's hands
Will soon be taken care of Because we can't but God Can!

12 Days of Christmas Gag Gift

2007-12-13T11:46:00.000+02:00

From Sherri Osborn, about site

This is a great gift idea, especially if you have a secret santa. You present the suggested gift along with the printed verse each day for 12 days! I have even created free printable tags you can use. Of course, you should feel free to make up your own verses and I have even included a blank gift tag you can use.

ON THE FIRST DAY OF CHRISTMAS, your true love gave to you - a partridge in a pear tree... Sorry, but I couldn't find the partridge so I am giving you some pears from the tree the partridge flew away from.
(Leave note along with a can of pears or a few fresh pears.)
1st Day of Christmas Printable Tag

ON THE SECOND DAY OF CHRISTMAS, your true love gave to you - two turtle doves... Unfortunately, I don't have any, will candy turtles on a bar of Dove soap do?
(Leave note along with a box of turtle candy and a bar of Dove soap.)
2nd Day of Christmas Printable Tag

ON THE THIRD DAY OF CHRISTMAS, your true love gave to you - three French hens... The French hens were not available, so I'm giving you some chicken noodle soup, compliments of the three French hens.
(Leave note along with a can -or 3 cans- of chicken noodle soup.)
3rd Day of Christmas Printable Tag

ON THE FOURTH DAY OF CHRISTMAS, your true love gave to you - four calling birds... I can't find those calling birds, but here are four messages they left for you before they flew off.
(Leave note along with four messages describing what a wonderful person the gift recipient is.)
4th Day of Christmas Printable Tag

ON THE FIFTH DAY OF CHRISTMAS, your true love gave to you - five golden rings... Sorry, I'm too poor to buy five real gold rings, but will some golden pineapple rings suffice?
(Leave note along with a can of pineapple rings.)
5th Day of Christmas Printable Tag

ON THE SIXTH DAY OF CHRISTMAS, your true love gave to you - six geese a laying... You don't really want messy geese all over the house do you? How about some of the eggs they left behind?
(Leave note along with six eggs.)
6th Day of Christmas Printable Tag

ON THE SEVENTH DAY OF CHRISTMAS, your true love gave to you - seven swans a swimming... All of the swans have flown south for the winter, but here are some of the bubbles they used while they were swimming.
(Leave note along with a bottle of bubble bath.)
7th Day of Christmas Printable Tag

ON THE EIGHTH DAY OF CHRISTMAS, your true love gave to you - eight maids a milking... Here's some milk I got from the eight maids - we think they must have been milking some brown cows!
(Leave note along with carton of chocolate milk.)
8th Day of Christmas Printable Tag

ON THE NINTH DAY OF CHRISTMAS, your true love gave to you - nine ladies dancing... Here are some canes used by the ladies to help they walk home after they were out dancing all night.
(Leave note along with a box of candy canes.)
9th Day of Christmas Printable Tag

ON THE TENTH DAY OF CHRISTMAS, your true love gave to you - ten Lords-a-leapin'...
After the Lords get done leapin', this is what they use for their sore muscles.
(Leave note along with a tube of Ben-gay or other soothing lotion.)
10th Day of Christmas Printable Tag

ON THE ELEVENTH DAY OF CHRISTMAS, your true love gave to you - eleven pipers piping... Here's a pipe of your own, have fun and don't blow the whole day!
(Leave note along with a bottle of bubbles and bubble pipe.)
11th Day of Christmas Printable Tag

ON THE TWELFTH DAY OF CHRISTMAS, your true love gave to you - twelve drummers drumming... No drummers, we thought you could use some quiet time so here is a special treat we drummed up for you so relax and enjoy.
(Leave note along with some homemade cookies or other treats.)
12th Day of Christmas Printable Tag
Again, if you would like to print out a blank Christmas tag, you can find one here.

The Newlyweds Christmas Tree

2007-12-13T11:45:00.001+02:00

12 Ornaments

According to tradition, 12 ornaments should be on the Newlywed's Christmas Tree:
(fill a basket & present them to the new couple)
...A heart to signify love in the home
...A house to signify family shelter
...A church or angel to symbolize God
...A basket of fruit to signify plenty
...A teapot to signify hospitality
...A bird in a nest to signify confidence in the shelter
...A pine cone symbolizes eternity
...An animal to signify peace with nature
...A fish to symbolize Christ as wells as fertility
...A rose as a symbol of the Virgin Mary
...A flower basket to represent beauty in the home
...A Santa as the symbol of giving and sharing

Advent gift ideas

2007-12-13T11:39:00.000+02:00

Day 1- a quarter
- A quarter! This equals 25 cents. But 25 also stands for the number of days until Christmas, when God gave us His best present. Jesus told about one woman's gift and the way she gave it. Read Mark 12:41-44

Day 2- a piece of grape gum
- Grape gum!. Grapes make jelly and juice, raisins and wine. But Jesus didn't need grapes to preform His first miracle. Read John 2:1-10.

Day 3- a smiley face sticker
-Here's a smile! A smile usually expresses happiness. Jesus gave us many instructions to keep us happy. Read Mattahew 5:1-12.

Day 4- a few fish crackers
- Fish! Well, if you were surprised to find these fish, wait until you read the story today! Others were surprised to find fish, too. Read Luke 5:4-7.

Day 5- one birthday candle
- A birthday candle? As you know , we are getting ready to celebrate Jesus' birthday. However, Jesus talked about something else related to this candle Light. Read Mattahew 5:14-16.

Day 6- a small jingle bell
- You could make noise with this. But it would have bothered a certain man---until he met Jesus. Read Mark 7:31-37.

Day 7- two candy fish
- These would not go very far if you were really hungry! But Jesus could make much out of little. Surely He knew how to multiply! Read Mattahew 14: 13-21.

Day 8- two cotton balls
- These cotton balls would be helpful in a thunder storm, wouldn't they? We could use them for ear plugs to muffle the loud noise that thunder makes. But we know Someone who doesn't need cotton. Jesus can control the weather. Read Mattahew 8:23-27.

Day 9- a piece of road map
- People needing to use other parts of this map are in trouble! Don't you get lost today! Read John 14:1-6.

Day 10- a small piece of soap
- It's soap. Do you like to wash? Your hands and face? Behind your ears? Washing turn out to be a happy time for a man who met Jesus. Read John 9: 1-7.

Day 11- a few candy hearts
- Hearts. Wordlessly, they speak of love, don't they? Jesus spoke some commands about love. Read Mattahew 22: 37-40.

Day 12- a pin on button with a cross printed on it
- we use crosses as a symbol, representing Jesus. Do you know why? Read Philippians 2: 1-11.

Day 13- a small packet of salt
- Ordinary salt. Yes, Jesus related salt to us and our behavior. He also gave us some advice. Read Mattahew 5:13 and Colossians 4:6 (Notice that He doesn't recommend pepper!).

Day 14 - a small bag of sand
- Don't try to eat this ! It's sand. It reminds us that Jesus knows something about architecture, about buildings----and building lives. See His inscructions; Mattahew 7:24-29.

Day 15- a small artifical flower
- Flowers are pretty, aren't they? Jesus used flowers to teach us a reassuring lesson. read Mattahew 6: 28-34.

Day 16- a little box of raisins
- Raisins! Many children are given raisins instead of candy for a snack. That's because they are a health-promoting and delicious fruit. Jesus told us how we can produce good fruit. Read John 15: 1-5.

Day 17- a few flower seeds
- Jesus told a story about seeds that a man planted. Then He explained it, revealing its deep meaning. Read Mattahew 13:3-8 and Mattahew 13: 18-23.

Day 18- a sheet of musice taken from a pamphlet type Christmas carol book
- Christmas is just a week away! And here is an appropriate song. Sing it loudly! Read Psalm 100.

Day 19- a little stone
- A hard stone! Can you change this stone into a piece of bread? Do you think Jesus could? Jesus was asked to do just that. Do you know how He handled it? Read Mattahew 4:1-4.

Day 20- a piece of crumpled aluminum foil
- Try to smooth out this piece of foil and use it as a mirror. It's hard to see your reflection plainly, isn't it? Many circumstances are hard to understand, but someday everything will be clear. Read 1 Corinthians 13:12.

Day 21- one mustard seed placed between two pieces of clear contact paper
- The mustard seed is the smallest there is! When it sprouts, it grows into one of the largest plants! See what Jesus said. Read Mattahew 17:20.

Day 22- a tiny plastic dove
- We've learned the cross represents Christ, but do you know what the dove stands for? Read Mattahew 3:13-17.

Day 23- a swatch of wool cloth
- The thread that compose this fabric came from the wool of a sheep. Jesus called Himself the Good Shepherd. Do you know who his sheep are? read John 10:7-18.

Day 24- one blue marble
- A marble! Do you know what is sometimes called the "Big Blue Marble"? The world. God made the world for us. What does God continue doing to the world? And who is the world? Read John 3:16.

Day 25- a small photograph of a baby
- Isn't this baby cute? When he was born, he made a whole family happy. Jesus was born a baby, too. He came to make the whole world happy. read Luke 2:1-20. Enjoy your celebration today. Continue to learn about Jesus---and love Him forever!

Cute Letter from a mom to Santa

2007-12-13T11:37:00.000+02:00

Dear Santa,

I've been a good mom all year. I've fed, cleaned and cuddled my children on demand, visited the doctor's office more than my doctor and sold sixty-two cases of candy bars to raise money to plant a shade tree on the school playground. I was hoping you could spread my list out over several Christmases, since I had to write this letter with my son's red crayon, on the back of a receipt in the laundry room between cycles, and who knows when I'll find anymore free time in the next 18 years.

Here are my Christmas wishes: I'd like a pair of legs that don't ache (in any color, except purple, which I already have) and arms that don't hurt or flap in the breeze, but are strong enough to pull my screaming child out of the candy aisle in the grocery store.

I'd also like a waist, since I lost mine somewhere in the seventh month of my last pregnancy.
If you're hauling big ticket items this year I'd like fingerprint resistant windows and a radio that only plays adult music, a television that doesn't broadcast any programs containing talking animals, and a refrigerator with a secret compartment behind the crisper where I can hide to talk on the phone.

On the practical side, I could use a talking doll that says, "Yes, Mommy" to boost my parental confidence, along with two kids who don't fight and three pairs of jeans that will zip all the way up without the use of power tools.

I could also use a recording of Tibetan monks chanting "Don't eat in the living room" and "Take your hands off your brother," because my voice seems to be just out of my children's hearing range and can only be heard by the dog.

If it's too late to find any of these products, I'd settle for enough time to brush my teeth and comb my hair in the same morning, or the luxury of eating food warmer than room temperature without it being served in a Styrofoam container.

If you don't mind, I could also use a few Christmas miracles to brighten the holiday season. Would it be too much trouble to declare ketchup a vegetable? It will clear my conscience immensely. It would be helpful if you could coerce my children to help around the house without demanding payment as if they were the bosses of an organized crime family.

Well, Santa, the buzzer on the dryer is calling and my son saw my feet under the laundry room door. I think he wants his crayon back. Have a safe trip and remember to leave your wet boots by the door and come in and dry off so you don't catch cold.

Help yourself to cookies on the table but don't eat too many or leave crumbs on the carpet. (you promised me last year you would lose some weight with me so next year you and I could be a cute size two blonde...ok, some requests go too far, but none the less.....

Yours Always,

MOM...

P.S. One more thing...you can cancel all my requests if you can keep my children, healthy, safe and of course, young enough to always believe in Santa.

Prayers !!!

2007-12-05T16:57:00.000+02:00

Irish Kitchen Prayer

Lord make this Irish kitchen
A place where all can meet,
To share a cup of Irish tea,
Perhaps a scone to eat.
Then bless us with some leisure time,
To talk of memories dear;
Of those who came here years ago,
And taught us how to share
A bit of Ireland here.
And last we ask of you Dear Lord,
No matter how we fare,We not forget,
The lesson taught,Of how to love and share.
"May those that love us, Love Us.
And those that don't love us
May God turn their hearts.
And if He can't turn their hearts
May He turn their ankles, so
we know them by their limp!"

By saint Therese of Avila
"Lord of all pots and pans and things, since I've no time to be a great saint by doing lovely things, or watching late with Thee, or dreaming in the dawnlight, or storming heaven's gates, make me a saint by getting meals, and washing up the plates.
Warm all the kitchen with Thy Love, and light it with Thy peace; forgive me all my worrying, and make my grumbling cease.
Thou who didst love to give men food, in room, or by the sea, accept the service that I do—I do it unto Thee."

Bless This House
Bless this house O Lord we pray; Make it safe by night and day;
Bless these walls so firm and stout, Keeping want and trouble out:
Bless the roof and chimneys tall, Let thy peace lie over all;
Bless this door, that it may prove ever open to joy and love.

Bless these windows shining bright, Letting in God's heav'nly light;
Bless the hearth a'blazing there, with smoke ascending like a prayer;
Bless the folk who dwell within, keep them pure and free from sin;
Bless us all that we may be Fit O Lord to dwell with thee;
Bless us all that one day we May dwell O Lord with thee.

X's and O's Snack Mix

2007-12-05T15:35:00.000+02:00

Give your dad lots of hugs and kisses with this easy to make snack mix. Stock up on extra ingredients as it is very easy to munch and munch until you don't have anything left to make the mix with. Remember to save some for dad!

- 2 cups pretzel sticks
- 8 ounce can canned cheese
- 4.5 ounces cheese balls

Lay out several sheets of waxed paper or aluminum foil on your work surface. Break the pretzel sticks in half. Squeeze the canned cheese into a small dish for each person who will be making the X's. Using a pretzel as a dauber, place a small dab of cheese in the center of a pretzel stick half. Top with another pretzel stick half to form an X. Repeat with the remaining pretzels. Let the X's dry for at an hour, then mix the X's with the cheese ball O's. Store in a tightly sealed bag or container at room temperature.
Makes 5 cups snack mix.

Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes

Allsorts projects + advent idea

2007-12-05T12:07:00.000+02:00

An advent calendar idea :

Felt peppermint candy star http://allsorts.typepad.com/allsorts/2005/12/felt_peppermint.html

Felt Advent calendar : http://allsorts.typepad.com/allsorts/2007/11/advent-calendar.html

numbered felt "pockets" each holding a square of Ghirardelli peppermint bark chocolate and a paper dangle. Each day you would eat the chocolate and hang the dangle from the button, so you could see how close you were getting to the big day!

The numbers were freehand sketched first with a disappearing pen. I strung mine on a long strip of red homespun with shorter lengths tied between each pocket. It wasn't even necessary to sew them on, I just loaded them up, closed the flap around the homespun and looped the thread around the button and voila! The file to print out the dangles is here . Pattern for the felt peppermint star is here .

101 Stocking Stuffer Ideas

2007-12-04T17:05:00.001+02:00

1. Chocolate - any kind....bars, candy, cookies.
2. Mandarin oranges or exotic fruit such as star fruit
3. Lottery tickets
4. Lipstick - buy a wild shade of red
5. Cozy mittens or gloves
6. Personalized or Christmas print coffee mug or tea cup
7. Tire gauge
8. Picture frames - buy a plain wooden frame and wrap it with Christmas wrap, glue on Christmas ornaments, paint on holly leaves or apply Christmas stickers.
9. Silly Putty - fun for any age!
10. Baseball, golf ball, rubber ball....
11. Night light
12. Christmas ornament - home-made or store-bought
13. Unique kitchen gadget like an egg slicer, grapefruit spoon, garlic press, etc.
14. Deck of cards - search for one with unusual artwork
15. Hair accessories
16. A book or magazine
17. Magnifying glass
18. Gum or penny candy - buy the stuff that takes you back to when you were a kid
19. Potpourri - create your own easy sachet by placing potpourri in a lace handkerchief, gather the kerchief and tie with a silk ribbon
20. Novelty shoelaces
21. Stamp pad and stamps
22. Batteries
23. Decorative wine stopper
24. Journal or diary
25. Modeling clay
26. Touque or a scarf - hand-knit or purchase in a store - you can add your own personal touch to store bought by stitching on ribbon, bows, buttons or beads
27. Yo-yo
28. Home made cookies
29. Wallet or business card holder
30. Travel games
31. Coupons for fast food, or admission to museums or other attractions
32. Underwear or socks - be racy or pedestrian, your choice
33. Candles - and there are so many to choose from
34. Slinky
35. Popcorn seasoning or spices
36. Nail polish
37. Toothbrush
38. Airplane sized bottles of liquor
39. Packets of flavored hot chocolate or cider mix
40. Die cast metal car
41. Stationary or note cards
42. Bath beads, bubble bath or scented soap - make your own or go shopping
43. A copy of the gift recipient's favorite recipe - you can add some of the ingredients, too
44. Stickers
45. Pencil or pen - try a pen with purple ink, a giant pencil, a fountain pen, a twig pencil, etc.
46. Desk or wall calendar
47. Keychain
48. Soap dish
49. The hottest hot sauce you can find
50. Seeds - try heirloom seeds or native wildflower seeds
51. Fishing lures
52. Glasses case
53. Coloring book
54. Coasters
55. Incense
56. Paper pouches in novelty shapes
57. Craft supplies - paints, brushes, wooden cut-outs, embroidery thread, beads, doll heads, kits, etc.
58. House plant tools or decorative watering can
59. Sports water bottle
60. Vase
61. Mouse pad
62. Exercise bands or hand weights
63. Snow globe
64. Cold mask (the kind you store in the fridge and wrap around your face to relieve aches and stuffiness)
65. Travel mug
66. Photos of the gift recipient as a child
67. Christmas theme costume jewelry
68. A tool - hammer, screw driver, pliers, etc.
69. Harmonica
70. Sewing, knitting, woodworking, needlework patterns
71. Poster
72. Kaleidoscope
73. Decorative bottle opener or cork screw
74. Silly straws
75. Flashlight
76. Address book
77. Cedar balls for keeping closets and drawers fresh
78. Blank diskettes, cassettes, or CD's
79. Piggy bank
80. Kite
81. Jar of homemade jam or syrup or canned fruit
82. Decorative tea towels or hand towels
83. Hand held calculator
84. Jigsaw puzzle or other puzzle game
85. Tarot cards - they only work if you receive them as a gift!
86. Small wooden trinket box
87. Small stuffed toy
88. Napkin rings
89. Model airplane kit 90. Personal radio
91. Sidewalk chalk
92. Personalized birth chart or horoscope book
93. Thermal lunchbag
94. Sheet music
95. Film for the gift recipient's camera
96. Gift certificate for fresh flowers
97. Paperweight
98. Fridge magnets
99. Travel maps
100. Long distance calling card
101. Bird Feeder

Ideas for Him or Her:
1. Hammer
2. Chocolate
3. Lottery Ticket
4. Personalized necklace
5. Special coffee mug with some special coffee
6. Special "Secret" recipe
7. Extra batteries
8. tire guage
9. Garlic Press or other kitchen gadget
11. corkscrew
12. wine stopper
13. Special book
14. Cookies
15. Movie Passes
16. business Card holder
17. socks
18. Toothbrush
19. mini liquor bottles
20. Bath salts
21. Home made soap
22. Thank you or special cards
23. Shopping list pad
24. Glasses case
25. Incense
26. Multi tip screw driver
27. Specialty cheese or jam
28. Woodworking tool
29. Magazine subscription
30. Tea Towels
31. Calculator
32. Cuff links
33. batteries for that digital camera
34. Travel alarm clock
35. Scrap book punches
36. Purse size tissues
37. Mini Screw driver for glasses
38. the ultimate gift....a Recipezaar Premium subscription

For the kids:
1. Toothbrush
2. chocolate
3. silly Putty
4. Christmas Stickers
5. Mittens or gloves
6. Night Light
7. Deck of Cards
8. Hair Accessories
9. Novelty Shoe Laces
10. Fun erasers
11. Journal
12. Stamp pads and Ink
13. Homemade Snow Globe
14. Novelty key chain
15. Mini photo album
16. slinky
17. Novelty Socks
18. Hot Chocolate mix
19. Popping corn
20. Reindeer poop
21. Snowman poop
22. Address and E-mail book
23. Cool pencil case
24. Cool mouse pad
25. Silly straw
26. computer discs
27. Puzzle or Puzzle book
28. Small bank
28. Bubble gum
29. Dental Floss
30. Specialty craft scissors
31. Face tatoo
32. finger puppets
33. Barbie Clothes
34. Yo yo
35. Crayons
36. special ornament for the tree
37. Birthstone angel, or bear etc.
38. shoelace charms
39. Worry dolls

Rudy and trudy Reindeer

2007-12-04T17:00:00.000+02:00

Found this project through one of the craft group I joined...
It's very cute, all you need is :

Two standard-sized washcloths, tan and white
2 bars of bath-size soap
4 wiggle eyes
2 red pompoms
4 brown pipe cleaners
2 rubberbands
12 tiny jingle bells
Decorative cord or ribbon
Velvet ribbon for bow
Small bell for Rudy
Tacky glue
Blush make-up for cheeks

And here's how you do it !!!

1. Open washcloth and place it on the table with one corner facing you. This makes the washcloth a diamond shape.

2. Place the soap in the center of it.

3. Bring the corner facing you and the back corner up together. Roll the two corners backwards down to the top of the soap.

4. Take the two side corners in your hands and bring together at the top this will form the ears. Secure them together with a rubberband down next to the soap. Shape to resemble ears.

5. Fold one pipe cleaner in half and poke it between the ears and through the rubberband.

6. Cut another pipe cleaner in half and twist it around to make the antlers. Do this on both sides.

7. Now attach the tiny jingle bells through the ends of the antlers. Fold the pipe cleaners back to secure them on.

8. Tie a decorative ribbon, cord or bow around the bottom of the ears. The bow shown in the sample has a small bell attached.

9. Glue on pompom nose and wiggle eyes.

10. Put a small amount of blush on each cheek.

Gift baskets

2007-11-28T15:11:00.000+02:00

It is exciting to be on the giving or receiving end of a beautifully wrapped "personalized" gift basket. These are some great ideas to make your basket the very best it can be for that special someone!

Ideas for baskets :
Baskets - all shapes and sizes
Bowls
Flower pots
Watering can
Fishing creel
Canvas bag
Day pack
Waste basket
Bucket - ice, plastic or garden
Colander
Plastic container
Storage box
Platter
Tin

1. Use a large terra cotta plant pot for a "basket". If you like, you can personalize the pot by painting it with acrylic paints. When the paint is dry, spray a light coat of polyurethane over the pot to add a shine.
Fill the pot with : gardening gloves - hand trowel - hand rake - a selection of vegetable and/or flower seeds (go for something unusual) - bottle of liquid fertilizer - a gardening book - a subscription for a gardening magazine

2. Use a large pasta bowl for a "basket".
Fill the bowl with: - a package or two of gourmet pasta - tongs or pasta grabber - a package of sun-dried tomatoes - extra-virgin olive oil - spices: oregano, basil, garlic powder - a collection of your favorite pasta recipes hand-printed on recipe cards and/or a pasta cookbook - Fancy olives - Jar of gourmet sauce

3. For the golfer, fill a basket or a golf bag with : golf tees - golf balls - a baseball cap - sunscreen
- score cards - a small towel - a can cooler to keep a can of pop or beer cold. Of course, don't forget to personalize the towel or baseball cap - you can stitch on them, use fabric paints, etc.

4. Wine appreciation basket.
Use a wine cooling bucket with:
Wine Glasses - Two bottles of quality wine, one red, one white - corkscrew - Wine appreciation book - tickets or an invitation to a wine tasting (often held at wine specialty shops or wineries)
Extras: add snacks to go with the wine : Fine cheese, fruit, crackers, etc.

5. For the dog lover. Fill the a large dog bowl or pet bed with: squeaky toy - dog biscuits - dog brush - dog collar - leash - Rawhide bone - Dog shampoo
Dogs come in all sizes so make sure you are buying for the right size dog. Also if it is for a puppy, chewy stuff is the best

6. For the crafter. Use a rubber storage container for a "basket" Fill the container with: glue gun and glue sticks - acrylic paints - assorted brushes - a craft knife. other craft supplies such as beads, pompoms, wood sticks, buttons, stickers, dried flowers, etc. craft patterns or how-to books

7. Fill a square basket with: - note cards - envelopes (choose a variety of sizes) - note paper
- letter opener - a pen or a pen and pencil set - a personalized seal and some sealing wax - personalized return address labels

8. For the shutterbug.
Fill a basket or a camera bag with: - assorted film - coupons for picture developing - filters for his/her camera - lens cleaning solution and cloth - assorted picture frames and/or albums

9. How about a relaxation pack. Fill the basket with: a gel eye-pack - Epsom salts or bubble bath - aroma therapy oils - scented candles - books on tape (to listen to in the bath) - a hand-held massager - relaxing music on CD or cassette - Pumice stone - Washcloths, scrubber or loofah sponge - Back cleaning brush - Rubber ducky

10. Kids Coloring Kit. Fill a rubber/plastic storage box with: crayons (get the big package with tons of colors) - assorted papers, include a variety of colors and textures - coloring books - assorted stickers - a paint box and brushes - colored pencils - Nontoxic markers - Safe scissors

11. For the sports enthusiast, use a sports helmet or hat as a "basket" (e.g. baseball cap, football helmet, etc.). Fill the helmet or hat with: - sports cards - baseball, puck, etc. - shoe, boot or skate laces
for the hockey player, add: lace tightener and some tape
for the baseball player, add: mineral oil, batting glove and gum - a sports video - a subscription to a sports magazine - a poster of their favorite player

12. For the new home owner. Use a tool box as a "basket". Fill the box with: screw drivers - wrench - hammer - pliers - Do-it-yourself Home Repair book - super glue - assorted nails, screws, washers - Slot and Phillips - Vice Grip Pliers - gift certificate for the local hardware store - assorted odds and ends like: light switch covers, light bulbs, duct tape, paint brushes, knobs and handles, etc.

13. For the guitar player. Fill the basket with: tuning fork - sheet music - CDs or cassettes of great guitar players - guitar strings - electronic tuner - lesson books - Assorted guitar picks - Tuning pipe or electronic tuner - Capo - Polishing rag - Guitar polish

14. For the soap opera fan. Fill the basket with: - tissues - bonbons - soap opera magazines - biographies of their favorite stars - pictures of their favorite stars - blank video tapes
- fan club membership

15. Create a winter fun pack. Fill a touque with: lip balm - moisturizer - mittens - hot packs - a pass to the local ski hill - hot chocolate
Extras: add a crazy carpet or a sled (although it won't actually fit inside the "basket", you can present it on the side).

16. For someone who is into new age. Fill a basket with: tarot cards - crystals - scented candles - incense - new age music on CD or cassette - certificates for palm reading, psychic reading, etc. - books

17. For grandparents who are far away. Use a basket or reusable container with : Scrapbook - children's artwork - gifts made by the kids (see our craft projects for ideas) - frames family pictures (let the kids buy plain wooden frames and decorate them with stickers) - videos of the family - a long-distance calling card - Polar fleece lap blanket
Extras: fill out the basket with candy, coffee, tea, biscuits, Handmade Christmas ornaments, candles, etc.

18. For the craft enthusiast, how about a project in a "basket". Fill a basket or a rubber/plastic box with: grape vine wreath - dried flowers - pine cones - hot glue gun and glue sticks - wreath hanger - ribbon

19. For the one who loves their car. Fill a basket or a bag with: tire gauge - litre (or gallon) of oil - wax - chamois - car wash coupons - squeegee for the windows - mileage log and pen - travel mug

20. The sundae basket. Fill a basket with: ice cream scoop - gourmet sauces - sprinkles cones - maraschino cherries - assorted nuts - sundae glasses and spoons - coupons for gourmet ice cream

21. Fill a gold fish bowl with: fish food - aquarium gravel - net - gift certificate for fish from pet store - book about care of gold fish

22. Use a cookie tin for a "basket". Fill the tin with: - your favorite cookie recipes or a cook book - cookie cutters - chocolate chips - nuts - decorator icing set - assorted sprinkles

23. Here's a rainy day basket. Fill a basket with: - deck of cards - cribbage board - find-a-word and/or crossword books and pencil - herbal tea - tea cup

24. Accessories formen. Fill an overnight bag with: - socks - underware - belt - tie - tie clip - handkerchiefs - wallet - watch

25. For the shop-aholic. Fill a basket with: cushioned insoles - directories for local malls - gift certificates (get a lot of small ones for different stores) - tote bag to carry home purchases - parking pass - list of babysitters or volunteer to babysit - coupons

26. Create a comedy pack. Fill a basket with: deck of trick cards - whoopi cushion - chattering teeth - joke books - comedy movies, cassettes or CDs - tickets to a comedy club

37. For the woodworker. Fill a basket or rubber/plastic box with: assorted sandpapers - chisels
- router bits - saw blades - files - varnishes - brushes - paints - patterns and/or instructions

28. For the computer buff. Fill a basket with: mouse pad - diskettes - novelty or personalized disk labels - anti-static wristband - travel mug (so that things won't spill on the computer)
- a list of your favorite Web sites

29. Create a salon pack. Fill a basket with: salon shampoo and conditioner - hair brush and/or combs -barrettes - combs - scrunchies - clips, bows, pins, twists, etc. - book on hair styles

30. Fill a stew pot or pottery casserole dish with. Fill the pot with: assorted dried beans: kidney, black, white, navy, pinto, etc. - dried red chili peppers - chili powder, cayenne pepper, cumin, cilantro - chili recipes - ladle - oven nits

46. For the teenaged girl. Fill a purse with: a wallet (you can even start it off with a little cash) - key chain - lipstick holder - purse sized perfume atomizer - purse sized hair brush and mirror

32. For expectant parents. Fill a baby's bath tub with: hooded towel - wash cloth - rubber ducky - baby shampoo - baby powder - baby lotion - terri sleeper

33. For those who make their own wine or beer. Fill a box with: wine or beer kit - empty bottles - personalized or novelty wine/beer labels - beer caps or wine corks - caper - recipes

34. For the skier or Snowboarder's :

Fill a small pack or canvas bag or tote bag with: lip balm - sunscreen - goggles - scarf - ski pass - wax - Gloves, mittens and/or warm hat - Hot packs - Moisturizer - Pass to the local ski hill -
Hot chocolate - Ski, snowboard or sled waxes

35. For the executive or the home-office owner. Fill a briefcase with: daytimer - business card holder (one for the wallet, one for the desktop) - pen and pencil set - newspaper subscription
- shoe polish - reference books - desk calendar - coffee mug

36. Create a New Year's Eve party pack. Fill a basket with: champagne - glasses - party hats - noise makers - sparklers - confetti - balloons - party invitations

37. For the crochet or knitting enthusiast. Fill a basket with: assorted needles or crochet hooks
- assorted patterns - buttons - ribbons - personalized "made by" labels - wool

38. For the writer. Fill a basket with: lined note pads - an engraved pen - reference books (dictionary, thesaurus, quotes, how-to books) - pocket tape recorder and tapes - style guide
newsletter or magazine subscription - books about how to get published

39. For the music groupie. Fill a basket with: fan club membership (look for their favorite musician on the Web, many bands now have online fan clubs which also sell tickets, posters, t-shirts and more) - CDs, cassettes of their favorite group - posters of their favorite group - biographies - sheet music - tickets to a concert -band t-shirts

40. Create a night out in a basket. Fill a basket with: list of babysitters or coupons for babysitting - restaurant guide and/or gift certificates - movie reviews and/or tickets or, tickets to a show or a concert - cab fair - lighted key chain

41. For the mystery lover. Fill a deer stalker hat with: mystery novels - mystery game for computer - magnifying glass - puzzles or brain teaser books - how-to-host a mystery game

42. For the hiker, use hiking boots as a "basket". Fill with: maps - rain poncho - bear bells or repellant - trail mix - compass - first aid kit for hikers

43. For the vegetarian. Fill a basket, pot or large bowl with: your favorite recipes hand-printed on recipe cards - assorted dried beans - brown rice - sun dried tomatoes - spices: oregano, thyme, basil, garlic powder, etc. - mixing spoons - pot holders

44. For the cowboy at heart. Fill a cowboy hat with: bolo tie - western belt buckle - boot protector - gift certificate for country dancing, horseback riding, rodeo, etc.

45. For someone who like to walk or jog, fill a tote bag with: pedometer - sweat band - tapes and batteries for the Walkman - shoe laces - sport socks - personal alarm - t-shirt - water bottle in a shoulder or waist holder

46. Use a cosmetic bag for a "basket". Fill the bag with: nail polish - emery boards - nail clippers - nail brush - cuticle remover - nail file - nail polish remover - cotton balls

47. For the couch potato fill a large basket or box with: assorted bags of flavored popcorn
other snacks like chips, nuts, candy - pre-recorded movies - TV Guide subscription - TV Remote holder - Comfortable slippers - Cushion

48. Create astock-the-bar package. Fill an ice bucket with: shot glasses - bottle opener - cork screw - maraschino cherries - cocktail napkins - jar of olives - fancy toothpicks or cocktail umbrellas - bar guide

49. For the crafter, fill a rubber/plastic container with: small terra cotta plant pots - flexible stencils - acrylic paints - stencil tape - brushes - spray polyurethane - seeds to plant when pots have been decorated

50. Make a kid's beach pack. Fill a plastic pail with: plastic shovel - sand molds - beach ball or plastic floatation device (deflated) - beach towel - flip-flops - sunglasses - sunscreen for kids
- bathing suit

51. For someone who takes road trips, fill a tote bag with: maps - travel mug - sunglasses - hotel coupons - tire gauge - beaded seat cover - travel games - recorded music on cassette or CD -
car air freshener

52. For the musician. Fill a decorative can with: reeds/strings/drum sticks/mouthpiece - appropriate for the instrument they play - sheet music - valve oils for brass instrument players
instrument strap - electronic tuner - metronome - recorded music of their favorite artists

53. For someone who likes to BBQ, use an apron with pockets for a "basket". Fill the apron pockets with: marinade recipes - BBQ sauce - BBQ tools - packages of meat tenderizer - skewers - gift certificate for the local butcher

54. For the collector: Fill a basket with: reference books - items they collect - display cases, books, etc. - cleaning supplies (special polishes, oils, brushes, etc.) - tickets to a collectibles show

55. Create a bachelor's survival kit. Fill a laundry basket with: laundry guide - cook book featuring easy meals like casseroles - roll of quarters and some laundry soap - take-out pizza coupons - an iron - room deodorizer - any other cleaning supplies - food staples like macaroni dinners, canned tuna, canned soup and, of course, beer!

56. For someone who like to walk or jog, fill a tote bag with: - pedometer - sweat band - tapes and batteries for the Walkman - shoe laces - sport socks - personal alarm - tshirt - water bottle in a shoulder or waist holder

57. For just about anyone: Fill a basket with: teddy bear - coffee mug - hot chocolate mixes
- bedtime story books

58. For the student or the home-office owner, use a rubber garbage can as a "basket". Fill the can with: stapler - tacks, paper clips, pens, pencils - notepads - hole punch - desk lamp - desk calendar - Printer paper and supplies - Mouse pad - Yummy healthy snacks - Book light

59. For the cat lover. Fill a cat bowl or pet bed or cat basket with: food and water dishes - collar
- catnip ball - rubber ball, rubber mice or other cat toys - book on cat care - Catnip Mouse or other cat toy - Hair ball paste - Cat treats - Cat Brush - Scratching post - Gourmet cat food

60. Create a Christmas Decorating basket. Fill a basket with: nativity set - assorted Christmas ornaments (store bought or hand-made by you) - decorative lights - candles

61. Make a basket full of puzzles. Fill a basket with: Rubic's cube - 3D puzzle - jigsaw puzzle - word-search book - crossword puzzle book - slider puzzles - and any other puzzles you can find

62. For someone who sews, fill a sewing basket with: needles - assorted threads (stick to basic colors: black, white, navy, cream) - pins - thimble - pin cushion - measuring tape - tracing wheel and paper - sewing club membership

63. For someone who likes to lounge in the sun, use a sun hat as a "basket". Fill the hat with: sunscreen - sunglasses - lemonade mix - novel

64. Create a gadget collection, for someone who is moving away from home, getting married or moving into a new home.
Fill a canvas onion bag with: garlic press - can opener - jar opener - paring knife (carefully wrapped) - strawberry huller - egg slicer - cheese slicer - mixing spoons - measuring spoons and cups - egg timer - grater

65. For the wood shop owner use a shop apron as a "basket". Fill the apron with: safety glasses - wood glue - sandpapers - measuring tape - paint brushes - shop magazines - woodworking patterns

66. For the fisherman use a tackle box as a "basket". Fill it with: assorted lures - leaders
pliers - gloves - guide to local fishing

67. For baby Fill a basket with: rattle - bib - story book - stuffed animal - sleeper

68. Create a women's accessories basket. Fill a basket with: a silk scarf - scarf clip - earrings - belt - broach - necklace - perfume - evening purse

69. For cyclists use a cycling helmet as a "basket". Fill it with: cycling gloves - water bottle - reflectors - sunglasses - odometer - patch kit

70. For the aquarium owner, use a decorative tin for a "basket". Fill the tin with: fish food - book about aquarium maintenance - algae magnet (you run the magnet up and down the outside of the tank to remove algae inside the tank) - a net - thermometer - ornaments - gift certificate for fish

71. For someone who likes games, fill a basket with: decks of cards - dice - poker chips - poker - rule book - pocket electronic games - plane tickets to Vegas

72. For the painter: Fill a decorative tin with: paints (acrylic, water color or oil) - brushes - paper or canvas - charcoal

73. For someone who bakes use a cake pan as a "basket". Fill the pan with: pot holders - decorative frosting set - assorted sprinkles and nuts - baking recipes - cake server

74. For someone who travels by plane a log. Fill a travel bag with: travel pillow - travel alarm - flight schedules - gum - magazines or novels - toothbrush

75. Create a Christmas box. Fill a decorative Christmas box or tin with: assorted home-baked cookies - assorted chocolates - Christmas ornaments (better if you made them yourself) - pre-recorded Christmas music - tuck in some candy canes or foil wrapped chocolate Santas for a finishing touch

76. Create a night in, in a basket. Fill the basket with: - wine - wine glasses - pre-recorded movie - candle - candle holder - romantic pre-recorded music - appetizers: cheese and crackers, olives, something you've made yourself

77. For the crafter, create a project in a box. Use a rubber/plastic storage box as a "basket". Go to our Christmas craft project list and select a project you like. Use your Browser's PRINT function to print out the instructions and any patterns that accompany them. Purchase all of the materials need to complete the project and put them in the box.

77'. Crafters Gift Basket. Use a rubber storage container with: Glue gun and glue sticks - Acrylic paints - Assorted brushes - Craft knife - Craft supplies - Craft patterns or how-to books - Craft papers - Scissors

78. Create a kid's bath set. Fill a basket with: bubble bath - no-tears shampoo and conditioner - bath crayons (they let kids write on the tub or the wall, then they wash off) - bath toys - bath mit or decorative face cloth - printed towel - robe - slippers

79. For the teenaged girl, fill a cosmetic bag or cosmetic tray with: - assorted makeup in the latest fashion colors: lipstick, blusher, eye liner, mascara - cotton swabs - makeup sponges - nail polish in the latest colors - nail file - facial cleanser - facial moisturizer - eye makeup remover

80. For the computer game player. Fill a decorative box with: membership to an online gaming WWW site - computer game CDs - joy stick - mousepad - shareware games on diskette

81. For campers, use a backpack as a "basket". Fill the backpack with: tent pegs - compass
- sharpening stone - mosquito repellant - tent patch kit - campers cook set - utility knife of swiss army knife - campground guides

82. For thelover of spicy foods, use a chili pot as a "basket". Fill it with: spices: cayenne pepper, black pepper, white pepper, dried red peppers, chili powder, paprika - hot sauces like chili sauce
salsas - hot pickles (pick them up from an Asian food store) - fresh peppers - pepto bismal recipes

83. For the sci-fi fan. Fill a basket with: Science fiction novels - sci-fi movies - collectible figures (you know, the plastic ones modelled after TV and movie sci-fi characters) - Spock ears - books about their favorite shows or authors - tickets to a sci-fi convention

84. For the engaged couple fill a basket with: wedding planner - unity candle - garter - cake knife - honeymoon travel information or tickets - wedding decorations - wedding album

85. For someone who works out at the gym fill a tote bag : towel - water bottle - workout tapes or magazines - power bars - sports drinks - sports socks - gym membership

86. For adults only. Fill a basket with: scented candles - massage oil - lingerie - wine - wine glasses

87. For the jigsaw puzzle lover. Fill a basket with: jigsaw puzzle - puzzle mat - coffee mug - magnifying glass - gourmet coffee

88. For the naturalist. Fill a knapsack with: binoculars - bird watching guide or wildlife or wildflower guide - log book and pen - maps - trail mix

89. A small twist on the usual coffee gift basket. Fill a basket with: gourmet coffees - coffee mugs - novels - chocolates - decorative bookmark (why not make one yourself) -

90. For someone who ison their feet all day, use a rubber tub as a "basket". Fill the tub with:
epsom salts or bubble bath - towel - pumice stone - foot lotion or foot powder - comfortable slippers - nail clippers

91. Create a kid's craft kit. Fill a rubber/plastic storage box with: coloured paper - crayons
stickers - pipe cleaners - buttons - pom-poms - white glue - kid scissors - wooden shapes -
wobbly eyes - kid sized craft apron - sparkles

92. For little students fill a children's lunchbox with: pencil toppers - decorated pencils - colored pencils - rulers - plastic stencils which let them draw stars, circles, etc. - stapler - children's scissors - water bottle in a shoulder or waist holder

93. For someone who likes needlepoint fill a basket with: patterns - canvas - assorted thread - needles - thimble - frames for finished work

94. For the movie buff, fill a basket with: pre-recorded movies - movie soundtracks on CD or cassette - batteries for the remote control - head cleaner for the VCR - movie tickets or gift certificates - popcorn

95. For someone who like to walk or jog, fill a tote bag with: pedometer - sweat band - tapes and batteries for the Walkman - shoe laces - sport socks - personal alarm - t-shirt - water bottle in a shoulder or waist holder

96. For the electronics hobbyist. Fill a plastic box with: resistors - capacitors - wire - pliers - soldering iron and solder - light bulbs - LED lights - printed circuit boards - project books - wire cutters - electrical tape

97. For the chocolate lover. Fill a basket with: chocolate cookies (home baked is best) - chocolate bonbons - chocolate sauces - chocolate syrup - chocolate dipped coffee spoons (see the instructions in our project sections) - Hot chocolate mix - chocolate covered coffee beans - chocolate flavored coffee beans - chocolate recipes

98. For the young at heart. Fill a basket or a small toy box with: - silly putty - assorted magnets
- magnifying glass - yo-yo - paper airplane kit - kite - kaleidoscope - puzzles

99. For the health food buff. Fill a basket or a mixing bowl: brown rice (in a bag tied with a ribbon or in a glass jar) - other grains like quinoa, spelt, bulgur, etc. - all natural candy bars
- tofu in aseptic packages (so it doesn't need refrigeration) - assorted dried beans (black, black-eyed peas, chick peas, lima beans, Java beans, etc.) - assorted spices - all natural skin and body care products (find them at your local health food store)

100. For the someone who never has enough time. Fill a basket with: coupons for your babysitting time - cookbook featuring meals in 30 minutes or less - daytimer to help them organize their time more efficiently - watch - information about or coupons for a shopping service which will do their shopping for them - coupons for other time saving services like dry-cleaning, tailoring, take-out food, car washes, etc.

101. Create a Chinese food "basket". Fill a basket a wok with: Chinese tea set - package of green tea - cook book - cleaver - chop sticks - package dried black mushrooms - bottle of soy sauce
- other sauces like plum sauce, Szechwan sauce, teriyaki sauce, etc.

102. Gardener's Gift Basket. Use a clay plant pot, bucket or watering can with : Gardening gloves - Hand tools - Vegetable, flower seeds - Liquid fertilizer - Kneeling pad - Gardening book - Subscription for a gardening magazine - Plant markers - Heavy Duty Hand Lotion

103. Photographer's Gift Basket. Use a basket or a camera bag with: Film - Coupons for picture developing - Camera Filters - Lens cleaner - Lens cloth - Photo print paper - Picture frame and matte - Picture Album

104. Holiday Entertainment. BasketUse a nice holiday basket with: Holiday Napkins - Holiday Plates - Holiday Cups - Whole Mixed Nuts - Nutcracker - Cookies or baked goods - Holiday floral picks or ornaments for decorating - Cheese ball or Sausage stick and crackers

Finishing Touches

Fillers for Your Baskets :

Once you have obtained your items here are some fillers to put around them: coloured cellophane "grass" - crumpled tissue paper - Piece of fabric - Shredded paper, newspaper or colored paper - Straw - Easter basket grass - Tissue paper or newspaper comics - Raffia - Colored towels or cloth napkins - Cedar shavings

Finish up by tucking in:

For Christmas : candy canes - foil wrapped chocolate Santas - other foil wrapped candies - small pine cones - a bunch of cinnamon sticks tied with red ribbon - Christmas ornaments - lots of small bows - mandarin oranges - nuts in the shell - small scented candles - Christmas baking (wrapped in cellophane) - Candles - scented or unscented, votive, tea lights or tapers - Pine cones - Cinnamon sticks tied with red ribbon - Greenery : spruce, pine, cedar, holly branches

For any occasion : Potpourri - Hot cider, special tea bags, special coffee or cocoa mixes - Mandarin oranges, tangerines, oranges or apples - Unshelled nuts or packets of roasted nuts -
Wrapped candy or baked goods - Small toys or puzzles - Sample hand creams - Lip gloss or Chap-stick

Wrapping Your "Basket"
"Baskets" that are in actual baskets do not need to be wrapped, but if you wish, you can wrap them in cellophane. Simply gather the cellophane around the basket and tie at the top with ribbon.
This method also works for "baskets" made with hats, boxes, bowls, pots, plant pots, etc.
Decorative boxes and tins usually can stand alone without wrapping.
Rubber storage containers can be wrapped in cellophane as above or can be wrapped with wrapping paper.
Some "baskets" like tote bags, backpacks, shopping bags, etc. are best left unwrapped. Instead, finish them with colourful bows and ribbons.

Beautiful findings !

2007-11-14T10:39:00.000+02:00

I just ran through the Cox and Cox site via cuteable blog,

I found some very nice ideas, which I am posting some of, right here... My favorite is the weddings section !!!

That is the sweetest idea for a Valentine Chocolate box :

Classy table display

Chinese fortune sticks :

Another one of my favorite, the heart sugar block !!! Adorable !!!

Candle votive : to do ...I guess it's easy and do-able...

Button heart :

Gift tag or place cards ideas :

Table clips :

Candle-minis :

Candle:

Baby Scrapbook

2007-11-07T16:58:00.000+02:00

A scrapbook of my nephew.. He's our cute little star, that was at the age of 2 or 3 months old !!! He was our star until my Joey was born...I still loooooove my nephew and adore him, but I guess it's normal... now my son is my priority...
hehehe all mothers think their babies are the best !!! and the cutest...don't you ??!

Sleeping princess

2007-11-05T12:21:00.000+02:00

A scrapbook of my friend's daughter !!!

Scrapbooking

2007-11-01T08:57:00.000+02:00

My first first scrap-booked page, which by the way I don't like at all. Back then and as a first trial, it was a big accomplishement !!! I think the only thing I am not satisfied with is the journaling box !!!

Anyway here we go again with the pearls ... I wore pearls for my wedding, and my first scrapping layout was pearl based :)

That's my second scrapbooked layout... the second scraobooking trial wasn't that good also... but I am just getting better and better, don't u think ?
That was a pic from our trip to Turkey... I don't know why I chose this pic, even though that was our worst trip ever !

My "Accessoires beauté"

2007-10-30T15:08:00.000+02:00

Ribbon and black beads necklace and bracelet :

Sometimes I wear this as a pendant, sometimes I use it as a key chain, sometimes use for my bag zipper...

Flower necklace :

Table decor

2007-10-30T09:44:00.000+02:00

This is an article I wanted to save since everytime I invite some friends over, i forget most of the details... However, this post sums it up !!!

Pics of napkin rings I shall use :

For a beach party theme, use brown paper and some polo...

Ummmm Lavendar, could use any herb used in the food u r serving !!!

My Placemats !

2007-10-29T12:10:00.000+02:00

This is avery easy project to do for ur home decor !!!
The idea just came to me as soon as I saw those placemats, which I liked a lot, they might not look nice in the pics, but actually they are very nice !!! no they're not seagrass mats :) even thought they look like it...

So anyway, I am known for my love to pearls... I adore pearls, they're classy and elegant, and most of all classic !!! Classic that I actually don't wear pearls, I am a bit more funky in my choice of jewelry... But I do include pearls in my home decor, because they add class to my very modern taste of accessories !
Therefore I chose to add pearls to the placemats, but for a change, u can add any kind of beads, ribbons, pipe cleaners, buttons, even pompoms are good ... anything that comes to ur mind or matches ur theme party !!!

Get the cheapest placemats u can find on the market these ones are for 1 $ !

Pick whatever beads u have, pearls, buttons, etc...

ur needle and a fishing line, so that u sew these to the placemats in a discrete classy way...

Et Voila !!!

My friend just fell for these, she wants me to change the pearls colour to match her decor !!!

Enjoy it and remember if u happen to like it and wanna do ur own, please post ur pics to my blog comments so that I can get inspired back !!

My denim flower !!!

2007-10-29T11:03:00.000+02:00

This is my first denim project, I got inspired by this tutorial, and came up with the second pic. You just rip off a strip of ur old denim jeans depending on the width of the flower u want ! Use a needle/string to sew the center of the flower, the longer the strip, the fluffier the flower !

That was my first test, I think the next time I will use a longer strip to make the flower more dense...
You can then use an old button and sew it to the center of the flower !

The flower can be used as hair ornament, bag, necklace, hair pin, brooch...

Personally, I will use it as a door knob for our new-handmade-totally-completely-designed-and-made-by-me-and-my-husband closet !!! Will post pics of it later

Enjoy the project, and don't forget to post ur pics to the comments when u do ur own version !!!

Light garland - Guirlande de lumiere

2007-10-26T15:53:00.000+03:00

2 weeks ago, while I as looking at one of the book stores to get my dad a retirement gift, I found a craft book about garland... in french it's called "guirlande lumineuses" or "guirlandes de lumiere". I couldn't get to translate it properly, so i made my seraches on the french topic, and here's what I got... I've been longing to do that project, and was looking for inspiration...and now is the time to do the serach... I hope somehow someone can direct me to a turorial for those interesting projects, and if I can get a a copy of the book, I'll post some of the projects, which are very interesting.

Her are some of the ideas that can be done :

I think this one is a bit diffcult since I have to reproduce the pattern on a piece of papaer and cut it..it's gona take a lot of time to be finalised ! Yet I ma still not sure which paper I should use for this project :

This one is very easy, I guess... I'll just bring the organza fabric which is very cheap too, and cut long strips of it and do as illustarted in the jeans flower example :

This one is also easy and cheap to do, however I guess the difficult part would be the border and how to make it look neat, because when cut, this kind of fabric is not solid.

The feather's type is the easiest ever !!! and cutest for a girls room :

This project can also be done with the organza fabric. Cut a wide strip of the organza, fold in half and gather it randomly around the cord.

A tutorial I got from someone using the comic book to create a light garland ! very neat !

Another tutorial I found for paper based light garland, in this exmaple u can use any paper u like to make the garland :

Here's a tutorial also in French that I found on the french carft website :

http://www.teteamodeler.com/vip2/nouveaux/creativite5/fiche1077.asp

Another project I found with terra cotta pots !!!

http://www.thecreativelife.tv/projects/projectsdisplay.asp?search=category&show=joy+of+junk&item=20040505153111

Home DIYs !

2007-10-23T09:55:00.000+03:00

Homemade Glass and Window Cleaners
Ingredients:

1 part vinegar
1 part alcohol
1 part water

Directions:

Combine in a spray bottle. This can be used on windows, mirrors, appliances, faucets, etc. I find that it works better (read: less streaking) than store bought.

Homemade Holiday Air Fresheners

Holiday Spice
Apple Cinnamon
1 cinnamon stick
1 apple cut into fourths
Bring ingredients to a boil and simmer. If liquid gets too low, add more water.

Citrus Cinnamon
1 cinnamon stick
1 orange sliced into fourths
Bring ingredients to a boil and simmer. If liquid gets too low, add more water.

My Tech.Box

2007-10-22T11:06:00.000+03:00

I always keep our old mobile phones, headsets, batteries, catalogs, cables, Driver CDs, USB cables, etc... coz I usually use them one day...However, it is always the case, when i do need them, I can't find them, or I find the one item that I don't need this time...
I realised actually that the problem is that I keep moving them from drawer to drawer, from box to box, and they're not gathered in one specific spot...
Moreover, I have many boxes, each with its own device...
So I finally decided to gather them all in 1 box, saving space, time and stress !!!

I chose the biggest of the boxes, and of course threw away all the rest...
I covered it with papers from one of the catalogs that had to be thrown away since it's in Japanese, and I don't know yet how to read Japanese...
I glued the ripped Japanese papers all over the box... I guess there were 4 or 5 layers of ripped papers...no pattern, no order, just overlaying them !!!

Then I used a pen to punch 2 wholes in the box, Brought old satin ribbons , knotted them at one side and entered in the holes, then added to the other sides of the ribbons 2 wooden beads...and Voila...
My tech.-archive-box is here !!!

Now that I look at it... I think it needs more embellishement... will probably add some glittery parts, or collage letters from old magazines...

Beautiful readings !!!

2007-10-19T14:13:00.000+03:00

The following are readings I found while I was looking for texts and reading for my wedding, eventually I didn't include them in my wedding, since they are in English and I felt the'll loose their charm if I translate them ... So I just hope to use them for a wedding gift for my sister !!!
I really adore the blessing said here ...read and enjoy !!!

TRADITIONAL IRISH BLESSING

May the road rise to meet you
May the wind be always at your back.
May the sun shine warm upon your face,
the rains fall soft upon your fields.

May the light of friendship guide your paths together.
May the laughter of children grace the halls of your home.
May the joy of living for one another trip a smile from your lips,
a twinkle from your eye.

And when eternity beckons,
at the end of a life heaped high with love,
may the good lord embrace you
the whole length of your joy-filled days.

May the gracious god hold you both
in the palms of his hands.
And, today, may the spirit of love
find a dwelling place in your hearts.

May the road rise to meet you,
May the wind be always at your back.
May the sun shine warm upon your face,
The rains fall soft upon your fields.

And until we meet again,
May God hold you in the palm of his hand.

May God be with you and bless you;
May you see your children's children.
May you be poor in misfortune,Rich in blessings,
May you know nothing but happiness
From this day forward.

May the road rise to meet you
May the wind be always at your back
May the warm rays of sun fall upon your home
And may the hand of a friend always be near.

May green be the grass you walk on,
May blue be the skies above you,
May pure be the joys that surround you,
May true be the hearts that love you.

``````````````````````````````

APACHE MARRIAGE BLESSING

Now you will feel no rain,
for each of you will be the shelter for each other.
Now you will feel no cold,
for each of you will be the warmth for the other.
Now you are two persons,
but there is only one life before.
Go now to your dwelling place
to enter into the days of your life together.
And may your days be good and long upon the earth.

Treat yourselves and each other with respect,
and remind yourselves often of what brought you together.
Give the highest priority to the tenderness,
gentleness and kindness that your connection deserves.
When frustration, difficulty and fear assail your relationship
- as they threaten all relationships at one time or another -
remember to focus on what is right between you,
not only the part which seems wrong.
In this way, you can ride out the storms
when clouds hide the face of the sun in your lives
- remembering that even if you lose sight of it for a moment,
the sun is still there.
And if each of you takes responsibility for the quality of your life together,
it will be marked by abundance and delight.

Napkin for kids parties/showers

2007-10-19T09:29:00.000+03:00

Here's a very fun project for all ur kids parties, showers, birthday, etc...

It's cheap, creative, customisable and upgradable...
- Cheap beacuse you only need paper napkins...
- Creative because u can come up woth any shape u want, shirt, pants, dress, t-shirt, etc...
- Customisable because u get to choose the colour, design, and shape u want that matches ur party (i.e. I did these to match a clown theme, for my friends shower (jungle theme) we did a kaki safari suit, we used the same tutorial below, but folded the sleeves and the pants to make it look like a safari suit, for a beach theme, u can also make a sailor suit !!!)
- Upgradable because u can add to it any items u like, buttons, ribbons, felt... name tags, belt ribbons, etc...

Below I will try to show how to make them... Please bare with me, and for additional information, please email me...I will be more than happy to help.

A) u may use the small or larger size of any square napkin :

B) Start by folding each side of the napkin in the middle, and make sure to fold in the direction shown on the following pic:
Side 1 :

Side 2 :

C) You should have this shape :

Now open the napkin in the center where the red arrows are pointed (don't let the thumb direction mislead u-just open it at the center).
U should have the following shape :

D) Now again fold the centers of each side :

until u get the following final shape :

E) Now remove one of the folded layers which will make the sleeves :

Now there are 2 types, if u wish to make a full dress, just cut a horizontal line shown as a blue dotted line in the pic below:

If u wish to make a shirt and a pant, cut 2 horizontal lines, one at the blue dotted level (for the shirt sleeves) and one at the red dashed line (for the pants):

In both cases, once u cut the horizontal lines, fold back the layers underneath as shown in pic below:

Now u will need a sticky glue, just to glue the folded sides on the back, u will figure out which sides need to be glued there's no rule, I usually glue the back of the shirt and dress, and sometimes I glue the inside of the shirt so it doesn't flip-flop when picked up by the guests.
example: glue this part :

Dress :

Shirt :

For the pants, once u cut the horizontal line (dashed in red), also cut a vertical line (shown as a dashed red line), and fold back the layers underneath (as shown in pics above):
then u'll have 2 leg of pants, fold the cut sides inside, and glue each leg, then glue both legs on top if each others :

Eh voila :

You can also cut diffrerent shapes of sleeves or legs :

In all cases, after I glue the "flippy" sides, I usually iron the "outfit" to have the folds smoothed.

Don't forget if u like what u see, and u decide to make ur own version, please post pics to my post comments,

Enjoy it !!!

Crochet

2007-10-18T16:09:00.000+03:00

Here is one of the nice articles I had saved earlier, and which I will post (as per the previous post):

15 Creative Ways To Use Crocheted Motifs

1. Attach motifs together to form curtains, scarves, pillows, bedspreads, tablecloths and table placemats.

2. Make a satin pillow the same size as motif, fill with potpourri, sew motif onto pillow for a nice decorative scented pillow that can be used to scent closets, drawers and cabinets.Purchase a journal or small notebook, cover in attractive cloth and sew a motif on the cover to make a wonderful gift.

3. Frame a motif for an attractive wall hanging.

4. Laminate a motif and glue cork to the back to make attractive coasters.

5. Attach a magnet on the back for attractive décor for your fridge.

6. Embed a motif made of sewing thread into a bar of soap for attractive bathroom décor that will amaze your guests. Instructions for embedding in soap can be obtained through the free "Scents And Beauty Business Course" at http://www.lyciall.com/beautycourse.htm

7. Sew a muslin bag the same size as motif, leaving one end open. Attach a motif to front and back of bag, attach Velcro for a closure and crochet a nice handle to make a sweet purse that any little girl will love.

8. Sew a motif onto the back pockets of jeans for a decorative touch that will always be in style. Add extra flair by sewing several motifs around the bottom of the jeans legs as well.

9. Glue 2 used CD’s together using rubber cement, with the shiny sides facing out. Glue a motif on each side, thread ribbon through the CD hole and hang in your car or by your window for an attractive sun catcher.

10. Dip a motif lightly in scented wax, lay it on waxed paper to dry, hang anywhere you’d like a freshening scent.

11. Cover an empty can with wallpaper, or attractive cloth, glue a motif onto the can for a decorative pencil holder.

As usual, if you're inspired and would like to make one of these crafts, kindly post the pics back to my blog post comments.

Enjoy !!!

Blogspot lifetime

2007-10-18T15:59:00.001+03:00

OK so I will try to include here, everything I had gathered from here and there, and whenever I have time, I'll try to post articles or projects I had stored on my laptop. I think it hepls me get back extra space on my PC, however are we sure things posted here are not erased? are they really really very well protected? Do you really think I should delete them from anywhere else ?

I hope the Blogger doesn't have to shut down 0ne day, or just close up or anything like that. I already had a bad experince with the "ultimate wedding" website/chat section, it was an awesome community I joined, and which was afterwards closed !!! I had saved there, everything I looked up for weddings !!! beautiful pics, and projects and crafts... and suddenly it has shut down and I lost it all... Hope Blogger doesn't get the same problem...

So is there anywhere to save these posts ???
Please anyone reading my blogs, answer this !

A layout I just scrapped for Wakuri !

2007-10-18T11:52:00.000+03:00

Umm...So I just wanted to make a thank u certificate for Wakuri, and I scrapped this layout... In fact, it's an easy one, since I already got the paper template from Tia Bennett Kit at 2peas... I just looked for the Bookplate from my old kits (I really can't rememebr who's kit it is)... And I looked up Wakuri blogspots, and found the pic... Wakuri, if u send me a pic of urs, I can replace it in the scrapbook !!!

Again thank u !!! hope u like it !

Bookmark this day :)

2007-10-18T09:32:00.000+03:00

Browsing other people's blogs, appreciating their work and reading comments that follow each post, really was the booster to create a blog of my own.... I was always not-so-well-accepting the fact that I post verything I do on the internet !!! But then I looked at other poeple, much more talented than me, much more productive than me, and here they are sharing everything... so I thought well, I should do it... I might help someone, somehow, just like billions others have helped me while I was browsing their blogs... The worst thing about me, is I forget the source, never rememebr to save it and give people credit, but I will start doing it , I promise ...

So anyways, the reason why I am saying this, is that because today is one of the most important days in my blog's lifetime :) ... coz my blog has had his first "fan" :)

Someone has linked to my blogspot...someone liked my work ... someone appreaciated my posts :) Hourrrrrrrrrrrrayyyy I am really proud of u bloggie !!!

To Wakuri, thank you for the interest you gave to my blog... I hope u always find somethign intersting for u in my blog...

I know it's still in its very early primitive stage... it doesn't look anything like ur nice charming blog... but i am working on it ...

As soon as I figure out how to put that thing with the links to other blogs... I'll link to ur blog :) So how do we do it ? :)

Wakuri, Arigato gozaimashita, thank you very much !!!

(Thank you --> どうもありがとう。 Dōmo arigatō. )

Love texts I like !

2007-10-17T11:45:00.000+03:00

L'amour

L'Amour est patient,

l'amour est serviable,

l'amour n'est pas envieux,

il ne se vante pas,

il ne se gonfle pas d'orgueil,

il ne fait rien de malhonnête,

il n'est pas intéressé,

il ne s'emporte pas,

il n'entretient pas de rancune,

il ne se réjouit pas de voir l'autre dans son tort, mais il se réjouit avec celui qui a raison ;

il supporte tout,

il fait confiance en tout,

il espère tout, il endure tout.

L'amour ne passera jamais.

(1ère lettre de Saint Paul aux Corinthiens 12, 4-8)

``````````````````

Aimer c'est la petite lueur d'une bougie dans la nuit qui nous éclaire et nous réchauffe quand il fait froid ....

````````````````

Marry me under a garland of stars, conifers silent witness to night wind's echoed vows.

Bearing our promises upward through universal whiteness to the sepulchre of God.

Touch me once for all time, all lives that are to be. Our love enshrined.

Marry me under the gaze of stars. Celestial concourse, bless our joy now and forevermore.

```````````````

Above you are the stars

Below you are the stones

As time passes, remember...

Like a star should your love burn brightly,

Like the earth should your love be firm.

Be free in giving of affection and of warmth.

Have no fear, and let not the ways or words Of the unenlightened give you unease.

For the Gods are with you, Now and always!

My Toothpicks !!!

2007-10-17T09:08:00.000+03:00

So while I was planning my wedding, I was addicted to a wedding site, a great one, where all members used to post so many inspiring ideas...One of them was a beach theme wedding, where even toothpicks were matching the theme...Toothpicks ends were small shells !!!

I wanted to make the same for my weddings, with pearls, since my wedding was pearl based, sort of... However, I didn't have time to, so I thought it's gonna be a good idea to use at home... and still didn't get the time to make them until now, since I had some extra beads, I didn't know what to do with... So I thought the best thing is to glue them to the toothpicks ends... or just stick them to the toothpick end if the hole is small enough... and here is the result !!!

A classy way to display toothpicks, and match the theme ! you can always replace those beads by any matching item from ur theme, or colour etc...

My Accessoires beauté

2007-10-15T16:30:00.000+03:00

These are pics of flowers I did last month inspired from a photo on flickr... In fact I had the pic and wanted to post it, but my Pc is over its capacity and I ma trying to delete some unwanted pics, or completed projects...therefore the pic is gone, only the result is here :)
Still I don't know what to do with it ... a ring? a brooch ? a hair pin ? a bag accessory ? a shoe accessory ?!?! Well, as soon as I come up with the final result it'll be posted !

Well that for sure is a hair pin !!!
The bigeste succes in my jewelry career ehehehehehhe ... No, really i like it !!!

This is a necklace I did 2 years ago... inspired from a lday i saw in a theater play... hers was white pearls and gold, I replaced the white pearls with one of the black beads I had ... I love those long necklaces, which u can control...long, short...1 round, 2 or more, depending on the outfit !!!

Craft Ideas - magnets

2007-10-09T16:04:00.001+03:00

Found this tutorial while I was lookign up Alesha's scrapbooking blog :
http://aleshawalls.blogspot.com/2007/05/itty-bitty-magnets.html

I liked the idea of giving it as a gift to a kid who recently learnt to spell...
As soon as I have time to do these magnets I'll post the pic. Meanwhile don't hesitate to do ur own and post the links to my blog.

My Earings !

2007-10-09T10:29:00.000+03:00

The pair of earings I ma the most proud of !!! It took me more than 5 min. to finish them :) COz there' are several chains and beads added, which should be done equally on both sides... It also required many trials to come up with that last combination of beads... But again I am really proud of... I finally gave'em to my mom :)

These are also one of my favorite ones... I am liking this thing a lot...but due to lack of time, I can barely come up with a new pair each week... well I've done 2 pairs of these, one for me one for my sis. People are so much liking them that my sis didn't have the courage to admit I did'em :)

I got those beads 2 years ago...but with my pregnancy and problems I went through, i haven't touched my bead box until last July, when I came up with these designs...

However, I wonder how can I improve the pics? They don't actually show the perfect view of the earings and don't show the real piece of art Hahaha... Gotta go look up some online photography courses !!!

Scrapping - Past Christmas themed

2007-10-08T10:52:00.000+03:00

Below are scarpbooks realted to Christmas, I made last year :

This is a scrapbook I did for my friend at the occasion of her frist baby's Christmas :

This one is our last year's greeting card, I was 7 months pregnant, the pic is taken next to our Christmas tree, which we made for the 1st time at our new house.

This one is my brother's greeting card, I made for him also last year, their baby boy was 2 months old, but the pic is taken at Georges 1st month.

My scrapbooks !!!

2007-10-05T12:23:00.001+03:00

The following are digiscrapping of my own...The remaining scraps I do which I won't post here, are a re-production of layouts or scrapping I found and liked...
These ones are exclusively my own design (+ the Hala scrapping I posted before).
I know I still need a lot of practising but I am already proud of what I am doing...

The first one is a gift I sent to my friend in Canada, who sent Joey the "Sleep in progress" pjs he's wearing... Actually Joey asked for a friend by that time, now she's pregnant !!! I think it's a pic of Joey at 3 months...

This one is a recent pic of Joe...it was taken on September... I just love watching him sleep peacefully, and actually yes i do feel tempted to steal a kiss but I don't... I wouldn't dare wake him up !!!

This is a layout of Joe, cousin and uncle (my bro)... Joey is 2 months old, already holding his cousin's hand who's 4 months older than him !!!

The following is a layout I just finished and I really liked... the journaling is in French, it's in fact a poem of our very famous writer Gibran Khalil Gibran,

This is the translation :

On Children
Kahlil Gibran

Your children are not your children.They are the sons and daughters of Life's longing for itself.They come through you but not from you,And though they are with you yet they belong not to you.
You may give them your love but not your thoughts, For they have their own thoughts.You may house their bodies but not their souls,For their souls dwell in the house of tomorrow, which you cannot visit, not even in your dreams.You may strive to be like them, but seek not to make them like you.For life goes not backward nor tarries with yesterday.
You are the bows from which your childrenas living arrows are sent forth.The archer sees the mark upon the path of the infinite, and He bends you with His might that His arrows may go swift and far.Let our bending in the archer's hand be for gladness;For even as He loves the arrow that flies, so He loves also the bow that is stable.

My very first designs...

2007-10-04T09:29:00.000+03:00

So I don't know why this post got deleted and now I am re-posting it... I don;t know why i ma having all this trouble uploading, posting, modifying and working with the posts !!!

Anyway, so that's my first ever made necklace...quiet simple I know, but back then i was very proud of it !!!

That's my very first earings design !!! I made also 3 other in smaller and simpler versions which I gave to my nieces.

My "accessoires beauté"

2007-10-03T09:50:00.000+03:00

The crochet flowers are not my own Diys, they're rather my mother's ...I learnt to crochet when I was little, but I forgot...My mom herself even fogot, she didn't have time lately to do crocheting, until I asked her to make some flowers for me...well she remembers beautifully !!! I only added the crystal sparkling dots which I think added a modern look to the crocheted flowers.

Found those metal parts at an accessory store, so I made a set of earings and necklace... very nice, no ?

Now that required some combination skills :) Those r beads I have from my engagement bou-k, which my DH sent me back then ... I added string, knots and other parts and came up with this ...voila :

Not really proud of these, but I made them anyway...I think i should remove one pearl out of each..buti liked the combination as is !!! well, I am still puttign them from time to time ...

Cute quizz site !!!

2007-09-27T10:00:00.000+03:00

http://www.brainfall.com/

What kind of car? I ended up as Hummer stretch...it's the car I hate the most :) Ummm, I wonder if people do the test for checking the rsults or just time-killer !!!

Baby's Bedroom DIYs

2007-09-26T14:43:00.006+03:00

Our baby's room was completely decorated, designed and done by me and my DH. DH painted the room, i made the carpets, the wall drawings, the growth-chart, the door-signs, the curtains, etc... Here are my inspirations versus my DIY projects (whenever inspiration pics available) :

Door signs :

Curtains :
Bought plain white fabric and added coloured ribbons

Door signs :

- created on photoshop printed and glued to cardboard

Wall Decor :

Hand painted

Growth Chart :

Inspiration :

Versus reality :

- wall painted

- Measurements hand drawn with a black marker pen

- Animals and numbers are clipart/fonts printed on paper and glued to the wall

Inspiration :

Versus reality :

Different views !

Baby's tooth chart !

2007-09-26T12:25:00.000+03:00

Found that interesting tooth chart which I will print and hang on one of Joey's room walls :

My kitchen recipes !

2007-09-24T09:37:00.000+03:00

Found these on the hp website, I used them to create my kitchen recipes...added photos for each food category : chicken, salad, meat, rice, desserts, etc....

The cookbook : http://h10050.www1.hp.com/activitycenter/us/en/maker/heirloom_cookbook.html

The holiday recipe sampler :
http://h10025.www1.hp.com/ewfrf/wc/acProject?lc=en&cc=us&extcat=holidaygiftsdecorations&dlc=en&project=worldholidayphotorecipecards

The everyday recipe sampler :
http://h10025.www1.hp.com/ewfrf/wc/acProject?dlc=en&project=kitchendecorphotorecipecards&lc=en&extcat=invitationsstationery&cc=us&extsubcat=alloccasion&jumpid=reg_R1002_USEN

Addicted to it?

2007-09-19T17:16:00.001+03:00

Am I just getting addicted to looking for crafts, scrapbooking, recycling, netting and everything else related or is it normal and happens to anyone else? well I guess not... I actually have zillions of project ideas and stuff to make which I might need 30 years to afinish, and yet I still look more, and don't get enough time to actually put into action. Well actually I do craft a bot in the evening, when my husband sits in front of the Tv, and after I give my babay his shower, his meal and tuck him to bed, I just sit and work !!! I like it ! It feels good...at least for me...
Well as for the digi-scrapping, I can work one or 2 during my lunch break....

So anyway, here a link to a very cute site, which i'll try to draft a pic of me and post it on my blog...

What a coincidence !!!

2007-09-18T10:32:00.001+03:00

A week ago, I was looking for themed food ideas to serve for my baby's first tooth gathering. Among others I remembered the cocoa-and-co. 's designs. It's a very unique cookies/cake design shop which I ran through during several exhibitions and shows I've been to. I looked for the business card, I browse the website and call the number... A lady answers, saying Hala is not available, got transfered to a guy, to whom I explained what I want, and he proposed to look for the designs on the website to get inspired of what I really want. I hang up... continue my search... well, to cut it short, about the themed food I decide, I'll pass on the cookies designs.

So anyway today while I was checking one fo my favorite website recyclethis, I came across a comment from a lady who said she lived in Lebanon !!! Being a Lebanese myself, I felt proud and curious, and went to her blog, there I saw a card entitled Hala...Hala is an arabic name...again curious as usual from link to link, from blog to blog, I realised Hala the cocoa-and-co creative cookie maker is the same halakemia whose friends are eagerly trying to cheer her up...

Hala I don't know u, I just took a glance at what u make, it's so beautiful ... Oh how life is unfair ! for someone bringing so much beauty and joy to people's special occasions does not deserve pain and sadness but more beauty and joy from people she even doesn't know...

So that's all I could think of doing (being a digi-scarpper addict myself) ...

Here's a card for u and ur friends, I know they're doing their best to cheer u up and u can always count of them...
I hope I did cheer u too :-)

I do need a CODIR !!!

2007-09-18T10:17:00.000+03:00

How easy is it to choose a template for your blogspot...Well yes it is easy...However it took me almost half an hour to decide !!!
OK so I am a bouncer when it comes to decision-taking, and yes I do like to hear other opinions...and yes I need a CODIR for every small and tiny decision I make ... CODIR is my husband sarcastic answer to my zillion questions of "what do u think i should do ?"...

CODIR used to be the COMITE de DIRECTION, the highest level management meeting in the company we used to work for... so critical decisions needed CODIR...
and that's what my Husband thinks of me... So what's wrong with me taking my time to choose ... Better think ahead, then regret it bad :-) (I just came up with this, I guess there's a quote about this, I should look it on the web)

2007-09-17T15:44:00.000+03:00

That is the sweetest bridal gift I ever saw :

Make a Kitchen Maid or Mate
This is adorable! If the bride is a good friend, you will know what household items to use in creating your custom-made Kitchen Maid.

And today, some couples have joint wedding showers, so you can also build a Kitchen Mate for the husband-to-be. Here's how:

- Begin with an ironing board to be the body of the Maid or Mate.

- Tie an apron with pockets around the middle to make a waist. Fill them with smaller kitchen items, utensils or tools.
- Attach a plunger on one side of the back of the ironing board as an arm and a toilet bowl brush or feather duster as the other arm.
- Add a dustpan at the wide end of the ironing board for feet or set the ironing board on top of a vacuum and bind with several elastic cords under the apron (as we did in the photo).
- Secure a string mop as the head of hair to the back of the ironing board with the mop portion flopped over the top narrow end of the ironing board.
- Create a face with nylon net scrubbies for the eyes, a small sponge for the nose and a nailbrush for the mouth.

Use your imagination to make this an amusing, but useful, addition to the wedding shower party. Just remember to make the Kitchen Maid or Mate with anything you think the bride or groom will need for their new life together.

By Momof1 from Wilkesboro, NC

http://www.thriftyfun.com/images/articles26/kitchenmaid133x300.jpg

A hell of a weekend !!!

2007-09-17T11:46:00.001+03:00

Wasn't one of my best weekends...It should have been...Spending it at our friend's house in a northern village Kartaba...
Planning a prayer eve, climbing the mountain hill to the cross... And that's where it all started and ruined the weekend.

I survived it, yes...but as usual...the damages done to me and I do to others, especially my loved ones is huge !

I'll let it go... and move on...work on my baby's "1st tooth" party.

I started working on the bowl... glass bowls which I will paint in "vitrail" technique.
Will get the pics as soon as I have some. Working is not as easy as i thought... The lines are not thin and easy to manage, and they're taking much time !!!

I made a search on the glass painting technique and found this article http://www.hobbycraft.co.uk/tech_pages/tech13.htm
throught the craftz.org website.

A new blog on the block !!!

2007-09-14T11:24:00.000+03:00

So this is it !!! I am in... I created my 1st blogspot...
I wasn't much into blogspotting, until I recently realised I need to get a "lighter" solution to my "THINGS" as my Husband calls them !!!
So I thought I should give it a try... at least I get to centralise them all in one place and I keep track of everything I want to remember...
Remember...
Yes I had a journal when I was a kid... I wrote bits and pieces... I even still have a bunch of letters piled from my teenage years... when life seemed different, new, and... unfair...

So anyway, getting back to nowadays, and remembering ...oh yes do I need a blogspot...
I do work 9 hours a day, have a busy life, and a newbaby of 6 months old, who's my passion, my life, my everything...next to his dad akid :)

Anyway to cut it short, I desperately need that blogspot...

So here we go !!!