Squidoo : Lenses by azpoppy

Miniature Quilts - Tips, Tricks and Free Patterns

Wed, 16 Nov 2011 00:10:50 -0600

If you have never made a Miniature Quilt, why not try one for a change of pace? You can make a miniature quilt for a dollhouse bed or larger doll cradle, a decorative wall-hanging for the holidays, or even a lap quilt or small throw to match your furnishings. The miniature quilt shown to the left is 8 1/2 inches square and is appliqued and embellished with embroidered details.

Free Christmas Quilt Patterns

Wed, 16 Nov 2011 00:16:00 -0600

There are tons of free Christmas quilt patterns on the internet, but they are spread out everywhere. To simplify things, I have organized the numerous free Christmas quilt patterns and directions into various categories to make it easier for you to find exactly what you are looking for. The available free Christmas patterns will be divided by project type, assembly method and theme. Some patterns will inevitably duplicate because they fit into multiple categories. For example, an appliqued Christmas tree block will be listed in both the applique section and the Christmas tree section. I hope you enjoy these free Christmas patterns!

Rag Quilt Directions

Tue, 18 Jan 2011 00:25:21 -0600

Rag quilts are fun, easy quilts to make that are quilted as you go so once you are done sewing, you just have to snip it! When they are made from flannel, they are especially soft and cozy and they make wonderful gifts for loved ones. I, myself, have made 18 of them over the years for the kids (and a few adults) in my family and it is wonderful to see something that I have made be so well loved. One great thing about rag quilts is that they can be made out of different combinations of fabric to create the perfect look. You can use cotton prints, flannel, denim, minkie fabric, or chenille. For the boys' quilts, I recycled jeans and alternated denim and flannel squares which made a nice weight blanket that is sturdy and masculine looking. A number of different rag quilt directions are available on the internet and I have linked to a number of them below for your convenience. So, buy some flannel and batting and get going. They are so quick and easy to make, there is still plenty of time to make them for holiday gifts!

Bargello Quilt Patterns

Fri, 05 Aug 2011 01:36:46 -0600

Bargello quilting is a quilting technique that is actually inspired by a style of needlepoint embroidery that was used during the Renaissance and possibly much earlier. The name Bargello was given to both the quilting and embroidery technique because the revival of the technique was inspired by a set of chairs found in the Bargello Palace in Florence, Italy that date to the 17th century. Bargello experienced a revival in the 1960s in needlepoint and the technique soon after was translated into quilting and is popular with quilters today. The Bargello style is characterized by a stepped progression of color in a geometric pattern that is very beautiful. Bargello quilting is the perfect way to showcase the beautiful, colorful quilting fabrics that are available to us. If you are interested in making Bargello quilts, below is a list of free Bargello quilt patterns.

Best Chocolate Truffle Recipe!

Mon, 15 Feb 2010 23:31:45 -0600

The first time I tried a chocolate truffle, I was about 17 and was out shopping with some family members. We walked by a candy case that was filled with different types of truffles. Since I had never had one before, my dad offered to buy me one. It was so hard to choose a flavor - there were milk, white, and dark chocolate coatings with dozens of different flavored centers. I ended up selecting a coffee flavored truffle and I still remember how it melted in my mouth and how rich the taste was. I have loved truffles ever since. Amazingly, truffles are surprisingly easy to put together and people are always impressed when you make them from scratch. Scroll down for an easy and scrumptious recipe for chocolate truffles!

How to Make a Dish Scrubbie

Wed, 30 Mar 2011 01:53:37 -0600

My grandmother has been making these for years and taught me how to make them when I was in my early teens. They make wonderful little holiday gifts and party favors. In fact, the summer before my wedding, my mom, grandmother and I sat and made more than 50 of these in several shades of pink for the guests attending my bridal shower. They were so pretty sitting on the tables in baskets. They are easy and inexpensive to make and are my favorite tool for cleaning dishes and they do not scratch non-stick pans. I have also been told that they work wonderfully on stoneware such as that sold by Pampered Chef. I have a craft bag that I keep next to the couch filled with pre-cut strips of netting and pieces of string so that whenever I sit down on the couch to watch TV, I can make a few here and there to keep my supply from running out.

Hawaiian Quilting

Thu, 04 Nov 2010 18:00:19 -0600

Hawaiian quilting is different from other traditional forms of quilting. Originally, the native Hawaiian population was introduced to quilting in the early 19th century by visiting missionaries who attempted to teach the traditional method of piecing. This method however, was contrary to the cultural style of the Hawaiians who viewed the cutting and re-piecing of fabric to be a waste of time and materials so they modified the technique to fit their style. Below, I will explain a bit more about the Hawaiian style of quilting and the customs that have accompanied the development of this unique quilting tradition.

Jewelry Organizers

Thu, 28 Oct 2010 14:09:53 -0600

My trouble really began when I started making my own beaded jewelry about two years ago; as a result, my jewelry collection has grown exponentially since then and this is what I was having to rummage through each morning. In need of a jewelry organizer, I looked around online for different options to better organize and store my jewelry. I was surprised at the variety of styles available, many more than I had anticipated finding. There are wall-mounted jewelry organizers, hanging jewelry organizers, and jewelry drawer organizers and each has their own benefits depending on where you prefer to locate your jewelry and what kind of jewelry you need to store.

A Vegetable Spiral Slicer Can Help You Eat More Veggies!

Thu, 19 Aug 2010 08:30:46 -0600

Never heard of a vegetable spiral slicer? I hadn't either until a friend recommended it to me. It is a neat little kitchen gadget that cuts various firm vegetables or fruits into continuous slices or spiral julienne strips that resemble thin noodles. With a spiral vegetable slicer in your kitchen, you can create all sorts of healthy vegetable based dishes that you and your family will love.

Frog Eye Salad Recipe

Fri, 22 Jul 2011 19:22:45 -0600

I take this sweet salad to almost every potluck or party I attend. When people ask me what it is and I tell them, I almost always get a double-look like they think I am crazy. Then, they peer suspiciously at the bowl. But, once they try it, they are smitten! If you make this salad and take it to a party, be prepared to be asked for the recipe. I try to remember to have a few cards with the recipe on it in my purse ready to go.

Quilting Techniques: An Introduction

Wed, 30 Mar 2011 01:52:30 -0600

In its most basic form, quilting consists of three layers, a fabric on top and bottom with a batting layer in the middle. This "sandwich" is then stitched or tied through all three layers to keep them from shifting. Beyond this basic three layer concept, quilting varies widely in technique, and most quilters prefer one technique over another. Below is a brief summary of some of the different methods with links to additional information.

Heart Quilt Pattern

Sun, 27 Dec 2009 21:31:57 -0600

In honor of Valentine's Day, I put together a quick foundation pieced heart that can be made into a wall hanging, a table runner, or if you like, you can just add it to your library of paper pieced patterns. I made the sample that you see here with scraps of assorted pink fabrics from my stash. This is a fairly simple pattern - there are sixteen pieces and it is pieced all in one segment. There is some bulk at the two seams where the points all meet that you do need to watch out for when you sew over them. Finished size is six inches. If you want a larger or smaller block, use a copy machine to reduce or enlarge the pattern.

Halloween Costumes for Dogs

Fri, 11 Nov 2011 11:15:28 -0600

As you can see from this picture, my dog Sydney was not thrilled in her role as a dragon sidekick (my son dressed as a knight that year), but everyone who saw her loved it. I made this costume myself using a commercial pattern and had fishing line attached to the wings so I could make them flap as we walked along. It was hysterical. She felt less than dignified though, and it showed. We still have the costume, and when she sees it come out of the box, she heads in the other direction. Any direction, as long as it is AWAY from the foul thing. There are tons of costumes available for your dog to wear in all sizes, shapes and themes. Below, I have grouped them into categories so you can find just what you are looking for. Be sure to scroll down to see the knight vanquishing the fearsome dragon!

Dog Toys Without Squeakers

Thu, 11 Mar 2010 00:58:38 -0600

Whenever I visit the pet store, I stop by the stuffed toy racks and squeeze a few to see if I can find one without the evil squeaker. You see, my dog, Sydney, loves soft stuffed toys and carries them around in her mouth all the time. She likes to greet us or our visitors at the door with something in her mouth, usually whatever she can quickly find. Because we prefer her to bring us toys rather than dirty socks or other unmentionables, we have always kept a large stash of toys around the house so they are handy and easy for her to find. The problem is that she HATES squeakers so we have difficulty finding stuffed toys without them. So much so that we have had to resort to buying regular stuffed animals on occasion to keep her supplied. This can be a bad idea because regular stuffed animals are not made with dog safety in mind and often have hard glass/plastic eyes that could be a choking hazard. Sydney happens to be fairly gentle with her toys and has a couple that are over 10 years old so it has worked for us so far but I am always on the lookout for actual dog toys without squeakers. Here you can see her sleeping with her beloved floppy eared bunny. I call it Frankenbunny because he has been repaired more times than I can count. I have been on an internet hunt for squeaker-free dog toys so I thought I would share what I have found for those of you also struggling to buy toys that your pet will enjoy playing with.

Easy Clean Toilet Seats Make Cleaning Easier!

Sat, 20 Feb 2010 22:38:52 -0600

These easy to clean toilet seats are a wonderful addition to your household! With a quick twist of the wrist, the entire toilet seat comes off the toilet so that you can easily clean the area around and underneath the toilet seat more quickly and with less hassle. In about 15 minutes, you can remove your old, germ-infested toilet seat and replace it with an Easy Clean toilet seat. Once you do, you will wonder why you didn't do it sooner!

Melting Moments Cookie Recipe

Wed, 21 Oct 2009 01:58:04 -0600

This is one of my favorite cookie recipes. I received the recipe years ago from a coworker and just recently found it again when I was organizing my recipe files. Is is interesting because one of the ingredients is cornstarch which you do not typically see in cookie recipes. They are frosted with a simple lemon juice and powdered sugar glaze that perfectly complements the cookie.

Carousel Horse Christmas Ornaments

Thu, 28 Oct 2010 14:03:01 -0600

My mother-in-law loves carousel horses so I am always on the look out for new items for her. This year I have been looking for an ornament for her Christmas tree. I found a nice selection available on-line. Now, all that is left is to decide which one she might like!

Women in History - Amelia Earhart

Fri, 26 Mar 2010 17:13:20 -0600

Amelia Earhart is fascinating to me not only because of her achievements in the field of aviation, but because of how she lived her life during a time when women were just beginning to speak with a louder voice and gaining the ability to affect public policy. Here is a brief introduction to her life and accomplishments. "The most difficult thing is the decision to act, the rest is merely tenacity. The fears are paper tigers. You can do anything you decide to do. You can act to change and control your life; and the procedure, the process is its own reward." ~ Amelia Earhart

Turkey Treat Dog Food Recipe

Fri, 02 Dec 2011 00:44:36 -0600

Share the holiday spirit with your furry family by making this delicious and nutritious dish with turkey, cranberries, carrots, green beans and sweet potato! They will love it! Making your own dog food is a way of guaranteeing the quality of the food your beloved pet consumes. Many commercial dog foods are full of chemicals and worthless fillers that do nothing to promote your dog's health. Look at that face - doesn't she deserve the very best food that I can provide for her? With just a little extra time in the kitchen, you too can make delicious dog food that will provide optimal nutrition for your dog. Be sure to scroll down to see a cute video of Sydney in action!

Quilting and the Hopi

Fri, 16 Sep 2011 00:50:27 -0600

Introduced to the Hopi by missionaries in the 1880s, quilting has become a fixture in Hopi society over the last century. Quilting, along with other domestic skills, was taught to Hopi women in the hopes of anglicizing them. Instead, the women adapted quilting to their own customs to the extent that handmade quilts have been incorporated into one of their most important religious rituals. The photo is a collage of images of Hopi people taken between 1893 and 2003. The woman at the bottom right was the first American First Nations female GI to die in combat.

The Best Iced Tea That I Have Found!

Fri, 01 Oct 2010 02:02:46 -0600

If so, then I have the tea you have been waiting for! Several years ago I discovered the best iced tea made by Tazo, a product that far surpasses any other tea that I have ever tasted! This tea is made from a perfect blend of black teas and natural flavorings with subtle citrus notes. It is refreshing and bold without any bitterness. I am not the only one that thinks this tea is wonderful. It has received more than 250 reviews at Starbucks.com and has an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 beans. I have never seen this product for sale in a store so it appears to only be available for purchase online. It is packed as large tea bags that make a gallon at a time.

Canyon de Chelly National Monument

Wed, 21 Oct 2009 01:52:21 -0600

There are experiences that stick in a person's mind and stay with them for the entirety of their life, however insignificant they may seem at the time. One of those moments for me occurred one day in the early summer of 1979 in a remote place in northeastern Arizona. That May, my mother was grieving because her last remaining blood relative, her mother, had died of colon cancer in March. Our family was also still coming to terms with my parents' recent divorce. One weekend in May of 1979, in an attempt to distract us all from the pain we were feeling, my mother piled one of my brothers and I into the car and drove us north toward Canyon de Chelly National Monument. Why she picked Canyon de Chelly, I don't know, but I am glad that she did. Canyon de Chelly National Monument is one of those beautiful and transcendent places that makes one speak in hushed and reverent tones. Even as a child, I intuitively sensed this and to this day cherish the memory of the blessing that was bestowed upon me during that visit. Read on to learn more about Canyon de Chelly National Monument and why it holds such a special place in my memory.

Chicken-Free Dog Treats

Thu, 03 Dec 2009 00:59:03 -0600

My dog Sydney is allergic to chicken so I have to carefully read the ingredient lists on dog food and dog treats to make sure they do not contain any chicken or chicken by-products. Chicken is a primary ingredient in a majority of consumable products for dogs so it can be difficult to find treats for her that do not contain chicken in some form. On top of this ingredient limitation, she is a bit picky and dislikes many hard biscuit type of treats. No Milk Bones for her Highness. Do you know how embarrassing it is to take her into a pet store and have her spit out the treat that the cashier so kindly gives her? She prefers meaty type treats. In fact, before we discovered her chicken allergy, her favorite treats were the strips of freeze-dried chicken. Now, I have to purchase treats made from other protein sources such as venison or salmon. Unfortunately, these types of treats tend to be on the expensive side. Fortunately, many healthy chicken-free dog treats can be ordered on the internet at a cheaper price than at your local pet store. Below, I have linked to some chicken-free options that I have found for sale at Amazon.com. Sydney would like one of each!

Insulated Glasses

Tue, 22 Dec 2009 00:43:27 -0600

I drink a lot of water and iced tea during the day and prefer it to be very cold, over ice. The downside to that is that the outside of my glass is always covered in condensation which then drips all over me and my paperwork when I lift it to drink. I sometimes rubber-band a paper towel around my glass which does help, but it is not a very classy look. But, thanks to the internet, I have discovered insulated glasses! These glasses are made from either glass or plastic and have a double-walled construction that prevents the condensation buildup. They also help keep your drink from warming up as quickly. If you too are tired of damp, drippy glasses, here is your solution. Scroll down for a selection of the best insulated glassware on the market.

Carousel Horse Gifts

Sat, 09 Jan 2010 14:36:12 -0600

For children and adults alike, the carousel or merry-go-round is a favorite ride and most people have happy memories of riding the carousel. The love of carousel horses is an enduring one and they make lovely decorations for the home. If you or someone you know loves carousel horses, you will want to take a look at the selection of gifts I have found below.

Australian Shepherd Collectible Gifts

Thu, 28 Oct 2010 14:19:20 -0600

My love affair with Australian Shepherds began in the fall of 1996 when I laid eyes upon the little ball of fluff you see in the photo here. This is baby Sydney shortly after we brought her home from the puppy store. I knew nothing about the breed and in fact, was over looking at the poodle puppies when my husband held her up and I was a goner. She is now 13 and has been an amazing companion over the years. In this lens, I have compiled a selection of gift items that would be wonderful for other Aussie lovers! As for myself, I will take one of each, please!

Quilting in the Middle Ages

Wed, 23 Dec 2009 16:57:02 -0600

Did quilting exist in Medieval Europe? The answer is yes, but that is just about the only thing that is certain, and as such it is different from what we consider quilting to be today. Because quilted items were made to be used and because fabric is a fairly fragile medium susceptible to damage from vermin, light, and body oils there are few existing examples of quilting that have survived over the centuries. Therefore, most of what we do know is derived from surviving artwork. For example, if you look at the man at the far left of this image, you can see that he is wearing a quilted garment under his breastplate. In this lens, I introduce you to what we do know about the quilting process during the Middle Ages. Image from St Ursula Shrine, 1489; Gilded and painted wood, Memlingmuseum, Sint-Janshospitaal, Bruges

Build Your English Vocabulary by Learning Latin Roots

Wed, 30 Sep 2009 12:04:05 -0600

Though classified as a "dead" language, meaning that it is no longer spoken as a native language, Latin does live on in the words that we use every day in our written and verbal communication. While there is continual debate regarding the actual percentage of English words that are derived from Latin, it is without question, a substantial amount. In fact, in just the last two sentences, 14 out of 21 of the words having more than one syllable are descended from Latin. Pretty interesting, eh? I took three years of Latin when I was in college, and I was amazed at how much more extensive my vocabulary became during that time. While it is hard to quantify that, the telling point for me was not having to consult my thesaurus as often while I was writing my term papers. That may sound like a minor issue, but the last thing you want to be doing at 2 am is paging through Roget's yet again. Not that I was ever up doing papers at the last minute, of course. *cough* In this lens, I will give a brief introduction to the different word parts (prefixes, suffixes and roots) and explain how learning some common Latin derivatives can greatly increase your vocabulary. This is especially important to those studying for college entrance exams (SAT, GRE, MCAT, etc.). Even if you are not studying for an exam of some sort, it is still useful to expand your language skills and keep your mind actively learning. For others learning English as a second language, familiarity with common Latin roots and affixes can help speed up the process of language acquisition.Carpe Diem!

Butterball Cookie Recipe

Fri, 08 Jan 2010 11:34:41 -0600

Every year I make cookies around the holidays to give away to friends and family and this recipe is one of my staples. My mom and I made these together when I was a child and they remain one of my favorites today.

The Sweet Smell of Christmas Golden Book

Thu, 28 Oct 2010 15:10:17 -0600

This is a charming little book written by Patricia Scarry and illustrated by J.P. Miller, originally published by Golden Books in 1970. To the delight of 30-somethings everywhere, it was reprinted in 2003, smelly stickers and all! It tells the story of a bear family preparing for Christmas. Little bear knows Christmas is coming when he smells things like gingerbread cookies, minty candy canes, the pine aroma of the Christmas tree, steaming hot cocoa, and yummy hot apple pie fresh from his mother's oven. The story is simple enough for even the youngest of children to enjoy listening to while the novelty of scratching and smelling the fragrance sticker is appealing to older children (even those of the 40-something variety). When we found the new printing in our local bookstore in 2003, my husband was thrilled and insisted that we purchase it for our five year old. We keep it in one of our Christmas decoration boxes (along with our other Christmas books) and read it every year. I am not sure who enjoys it more, my son or my husband. While the fragrance stickers will eventually wear out, the memories of reading the book as a family will remain forever.

Best Strawberry Cake Recipe

Thu, 11 Mar 2010 01:07:44 -0600

This is one of my tried and true recipes that I make when I need to take a dessert to a party or potluck. It is consistently good and everyone raves about how wonderful it tastes. And, did I mention how easy it is to make? You throw the batter together and bake it, let it cool, and then frost with whipped topping. I don't know about you, but I am not a big fan of making frosting and I find the canned topping to be too sweet, so I love being able to skip that step on this cake. I also like that it uses frozen strawberries so it can be made any time of year.

MailWraps Magnetic Mailbox Covers

Thu, 28 Oct 2010 14:07:43 -0600

Are you tired of looking at your drab mailbox every day? If so, there is an easy way to decorate your mailbox that requires no painting and no screwdrivers. In just a few minutes, you can change the look of your mailbox using MailWraps magnetic mailbox covers. And, don't worry that you will be left out if you have a plastic mailbox because there is an Adapter Kit for Plastic Mailboxes. They are inexpensive and so easy to use, you will want one for every season! There are hundreds of beautiful designs to choose from. Make going to get the mail fun!

Fabric Dyeing

Wed, 23 Dec 2009 11:18:58 -0600

Have you ever drooled over those beautiful hand dyed fabrics at your local quilt shop and then dropped your jaw at the price? I know that I have. I also hate to pay a high price for things that I feel that I can do myself and a few years back, I found a basic fabric dyeing kit that you can purchase from Dharma Trading and decided to try it out for myself. In this lens, I will share the results of the experiment. Perhaps you will be motivated to try it out yourself! It was a lot of fun and I ended up with some beautiful fabrics some of which you can see in the photo here.

Make Quilting Easier - Tools of the Trade

Sat, 08 Oct 2011 14:21:50 -0600

While you can quilt armed with only a needle and a pair of scissors, there are many quilting tools and supplies that you can use to make quilting easier and faster. Having the right equipment allows you to focus on technique and improve your quilting skills.

New England Christmas Villages

Fri, 29 Jan 2010 19:48:47 -0600

The New England Village series by Department 56 has captured the spirit of a historic small town in New England during the 1800's. There are scenes depicting the annual set up of the town Nativity scene, the local church, a hunting lodge, as well as places of business. If you enjoy the old fashioned look, the New England series may be just what you are looking for! I have linked to some of my favorite buildings and characters below.

Create a Family Tradition with Christmas Villages

Wed, 19 Jan 2011 23:42:50 -0600

It begins with unfolding the long buffet table and shaking out the sheet of faux snow. Then we begin to unbox the various village buildings and accessories that we have accumulated over the years. My son loves to arrange everything just so. Among other buildings, we have a candy store, a skating pond, a bakery, a fiber-optic fountain along with figures of Santa with his elves and reindeer. Once everything is in place and plugged in, we turn out the lights and enjoy our holiday scene. I have been exploring options for expanding our village this year and thought that I would share them with you as well.

My Antique Baby Quilt

Sun, 27 Dec 2009 21:08:54 -0600

Shortly after my son was born, my grandmother gave me a baby quilt that her mother had made in preparation for my father's birth in 1937. It was painstakingly hand pieced out of one-inch squares cut from discarded clothing. This quilt means a great deal to me because my great grandmother died from tuberculosis when she was forty-seven, several months after my father was born. I can picture her, old before her time and bedridden, stitching these tiny squares together for a grandchild that she probably would not even be able to hold due to her illness.

Build a Disney Christmas Village!

Wed, 28 Sep 2011 00:53:51 -0600

Dept. 56, well known for their high quality holiday buildings and figurines, has created a series featuring Mickey and Minnie Mouse and their friends engaging in holiday activities. If you love Disney characters (and really, who doesn't right?), you can build an adorable Christmas village with scenes such as Minnie's Bakery and Pluto's Pet Shop, among many others. These modules also make wonderful gifts if you are searching for something special for a Disney lover.

How to Make a Flower Lei

Mon, 01 Mar 2010 14:06:10 -0600

Forget those scratchy, smelly plastic things from the party supply store! If you are lucky enough to have flowers growing in your yard, you can pick your own and string them to make a fragrant conversation piece. Fresh flowers are also available at florists or online. If fresh flowers are absolutely out of the question, you can also make flowers out of paper for stringing. In the picture you can see the lei that I made in less than 10 minutes from fresh-picked plumeria blossoms. My tree has the white and yellow blossoms and my neighbor let me pick some pink blossoms from her tree so I mixed those in.

Easy Peasy Pie Crust

Sat, 25 Sep 2010 01:10:05 -0600

Follow my easy steps and overcome your fear of homemade pie crusts. It is not as hard as it looks and the extra effort is truly worth it! Making pie crust is an easy way to impress your friends and family! If they knew only knew how easy it actually is. I once sold pies to my co-workers and made 32 pies in four days. Whew, that was a lot of work!

Clash of the Titans Movie

Sat, 08 Jan 2011 13:06:19 -0600

The movie Clash of the Titans was originally released on June 12, 1981 and quickly became a cult classic. With a handsome hero, a charming mechanical owl, a winged horse, vengeful gods, and gruesome monsters, what's not to like? I did not see the movie in the theater, but I remember watching it over and over on HBO the following summer. I think that is why I developed a visceral fear of scorpions. ::shudder:: Incidentally, does anyone else remember the days when HBO only showed a couple of movies and reran them continuously? Bueller? I loved Clash of the Titans so when I read recently that a remake was in process, I was excited (and, obviously inspired to write this lens). Production began in late April of 2009 with the US release scheduled for March 26, 2010. I am really looking forward to seeing the new special effects with the technological advances that have been made in film making since 1981. I will be checking the news for production updates and additional information about the upcoming release. As I find them, I will share them in this lens below. To keep us entertained while waiting for the release of the new movie, we can learn more about the storyline of the 1981 movie and compare it to the mythology upon which it is based, the story of Perseus and Andromeda. UPDATE: The release date of the movie has been pushed back to April 2, 2010 to allow for conversion to 3-D

Basic Cookie Mix

Tue, 22 Dec 2009 18:30:00 -0600

Making homemade baking mixes is a great way to save money in this tight economy. In addition, many store-bought mixes have additives that you may not want your family eating. If you make the mix yourself, you will know exactly what is going into your food. This basic cookie mix is one that I have been using for years and it makes wonderful cookies. It is versatile and can be used to make ten different kinds of cookies simply by adding a few basic ingredients. Along with the cookie mix recipe, I will include a few of my favorite cookie recipes using the mix as a base.

Horse Music Boxes

Thu, 28 Oct 2010 14:10:28 -0600

Like many girls, I spent my adolescence dreaming of owning a horse. For many years, my bedroom was decorated with horse figurines and posters and my bookshelves were full of books about horses. I had horse themed jewelry that I kept in a horse themed musical box. That jewelry box had a treasured place on top of my dresser that I kept clear so that I could open the lid and listen to the music and watch the horse inside twirl around. If you are shopping for someone who loves horses, any one of these musical jewelry boxes shown below would be a perfect gift!

Crafts and Activity Kits for Boys

Mon, 23 Nov 2009 01:38:07 -0600

My son has an artistic and creative mind and has enjoyed drawing and art projects since he was a toddler. Even now at 11, he is forever swiping my tape dispenser and scissors. My refrigerator always has a recent creation posted on front for all to admire. I have tried over the years to nuture this interest but have been disappointed with the selection of arts and crafts projects at my local craft store since they seem to geared primarily to girls and very glittery. We have run out of family members to give the stepping stones to! Because of the lack of options in my local store, I have been looking online and have come up with the list of options that you can see below. I found some wonderful kits and activity sets including art projects, science experiments, robot kits and some plain gross fun!

Earring Jackets add Style to your Studs

Sat, 13 Mar 2010 12:14:56 -0600

If you have a favorite pair of diamond (or other gemstone) studs, you can quickly and easily change your look simply by adding a pair of earring jackets. Earring jackets are jewelry components that you add to earring studs by slipping the post of the earring through a hole in the jacket. They are interchangeable depending on the size of the stud. Some, like the ones shown here, are usable with any size of stud or pearl earring.

Delicious Pumpkin Cheesecake Recipe

Fri, 05 Aug 2011 01:32:26 -0600

I know, I know...I was a doubter too, until I tried this delicious cheesecake when a co-worker brought it to a work potluck years ago. One scrumptious bite later, I was in love. This pumpkin cheesecake has a dual-layered filling with a rich pumpkin base and a sour cream topping. If you like pumpkin and cheesecake, you will love this recipe! (photo found at JoyofBaking.com; recipe linked below)

Build a Dickens Christmas Village!

Fri, 30 Oct 2009 23:28:52 -0600

Almost everyone is familiar with the classic holiday tale, A Christmas Carol, written by Charles Dickens in 1843. This is the story of a crochety, miserly old man who, on Christmas Eve is visited by the ghost of his deceased partner Jacob Marley and the three Ghosts of Christmas. If you too enjoy the story, perhaps you would like to put together a Christmas Village with landmarks from the story such as Scrooge's house and the counting house where Bob Crachit toiled for a pittance. Below you can see some of the options available in this theme.

Holiday Lights at the Zoo

Fri, 05 Aug 2011 01:27:12 -0600

One of my favorite holiday traditions is to visit our local zoo during the holidays when they decorate the zoo and have it open at night so you can enjoy the beautiful light displays. It can also be an inexpensive family excursion and often, if you are a zoo member, the admission is discounted. Many zoos celebrate the holidays this way and have special activities that make the evening fun such as mazes or scavenger type hunts. One year, they sold these neat holographic glasses that made everything look like stars or snowflakes and last year, our zoo had a snow machine which all the kids just loved. Do understand that most of the animals are put to bed at night, so your zoo visit is not about seeing the animals, but about enjoying the lights and holiday activities. So, check out your local zoo and see what kind of holiday activities they have scheduled and gather your family and friends and head to the zoo for a night of fun and festivities! Below, I have linked to the zoos that I could locate online with holiday displays. See if your zoo is on the list.

The Hurom Juicer is the Best Juicer!

Sat, 26 Nov 2011 18:53:26 -0600

Fresh fruits and vegetables are full of nutrients that are wonderfully healthy for us. Juices are a good way to detoxify and cleanse the body while nourishing it. Done correctly, juicing is also said to help with weight loss. In order to best incorporate juicing into your life, the process needs to be simple and efficient. A Hurom Slow Juicer is the perfect solution for anyone wanting to drink delicious fresh vegetable and fruit juices.

Stocking Stuffers for Knitters

Sat, 21 Nov 2009 12:32:28 -0600

Stockings are a long-standing tradition in my family. My mom says it started out as a way to keep the kids quiet on Christmas morning so mom and dad could sleep just a bit longer. However it started, the memories of opening my Christmas stocking gifts with my two older brothers are some that I most cherish. It was our special time together in the early morning as Christmas morning dawned. I have continued this tradition into adulthood with my child and husband. Sometimes finding small gifts that fit into the stocking can be a challenge so I have hunted up some items that are perfect for filling Christmas stockings. This list, here, is specifically geared for a knitter. If you are looking to stuff a stocking for a knitter in your life, these tools and notions are a perfect way to start!

North Pole Christmas Villages

Sat, 31 Oct 2009 02:02:18 -0600

The North Pole is where Santa, Mrs. Claus and the elves live, play, make toys and prepare for Christmas each year. These charming porcelain buildings and accessories are full of whimsy and bring the spirit and joy of Christmas to life in your home!

Christmas Delight Cookies

Sun, 17 Jul 2011 01:40:06 -0600

This is an old fashioned cookie recipe from the 1940s that I haven't seen anywhere else. These are crispy and gingery. If you like gingersnaps, you will love these Christmas Delight cookies. For a lighter flavor, you can use honey instead of molasses.

Azpoppy's List of Lenses

Sat, 25 Jun 2011 12:26:52 -0600

In this lensography, I have organized my lenses into lists according to topic. I am kind of a perfectionist (stop laughing mom, this I got from *you*) and I spend a lot of time trying to get and stay organized. I like making lists and alphabetizing things. This tendency is a bit hampered (read *a lot*) by my proclivity for collecting things and picking up new hobbies. Just to give you an idea of how serious this is, I currently sew, quilt, knit, crochet, bead, scrapbook, and cross-stitch. I am *dying* to try teabag folding, but have resisted the urge so far. Just what I need, more paper around here. I am also an avid reader and read several books a week in a variety of genres. Some of my favorite authors include Stephen King, Dean Koontz, Harlan Coben, Kim Harrison, Kelley Armstrong and Karen Rose. I hope the lenses below give you a little insight into my interests. I have plans for many, many more. This is my 50th lens in my pursuit of the Giant Squid title and I plan to make 50 more during the next quarter! Wish me luck. In the photo, I am riding a dolphin in Mexico, an amazing experience which was the highlight of a cruise I went on with my family in the spring of 2008. I am hoping to be able to go another cruise someday!

Christmas in the City Villages

Fri, 05 Aug 2011 01:25:47 -0600

The Christmas in the City series, introduced by Department 56 in 1987, reminds me of the lyrics in one of my all-time favorite Christmas songs, "Silver Bells." The series has miniatures representing the Christmas season in different cities across America. In honor of lively cities and their diverse architecture, the series includes dozens of places to live, shop, work, dine, and enjoy the arts. Sidewalks are filled with shoppers and carolers while sightseers occupy park benches. The overall effect is a perfect blend of holiday cheer and breathtaking cityscapes!

NOOK Color

Wed, 03 Nov 2010 13:16:47 -0600

Best-In-Class Display Technology The spectacular 7-inch VividView Color Touchscreen makes reading more engaging than ever. The backlit screen makes it easy to read day or night. Displaying more than 16 million colors in unsurpassed high-resolution, NOOKcolor delivers incredibly rich images and clear, crisp text, making your reading come to life in ways you've never experienced before.

Swarovski Christmas Ornaments

Thu, 28 Oct 2010 14:14:00 -0600

I first became acquainted with Swarovski crystals in 1988 when I was visiting Austria one summer between my junior and senior years of college. I was instantly charmed by the twinkle and iridescence of the crystal items and purchased a crystal bracelet that is one of my favorite souvenirs from that trip. Every time I clasp it on my wrist, I hold it up to the light and admire the fire and radiance that is still so prominent even 20 years later. No other maker of leaded crystal even comes close to Swarovski's quality. Swarovski also makes stunning holiday ornaments to adorn your Christmas tree. Swarovski crystal ornaments are not only a beautiful addition to your tree, but they make lovely keepsakes and wonderful gifts for your loved ones.