CraftingWithRHINOS

Have a cup...with a little "extra"

2011-05-18T21:51:00.003-05:00

I have to share these with you. I love them! I actually won them in one of those "white elephant" gift exchanges at Christmas. My brother and his wife got them with some flavored coffee as a gift. Apparently, they were too much for their tastes. So they put them in the gift exchange (which was supposed to be gag gifts). I jumped at the chance to have them, and they even came with a bottle of Bailey's! (I gave the Bailey's to my dad, I can't stand that stuff).

How can you not smile when looking at them? They're so darn cute!

toodles....Sandi

5 days

2011-04-13T10:45:00.001-05:00

Have you ever wanted to fall on your knees, cry and beg God for answers? That's where I've been frequently over the last 5 days.

I know He has a plan, and it's not our place to question that plan. But I'm not perfect, and I'm questioning that plan. Does it make me a hypocrite? I don't particularly care at this moment.

I have seen unspeakable things in 5 short days, but I to speak about them to you. My heart is breaking, and I need to get some of this out before I shatter.

I held the hand of a 12 year old girl, as she sat stoically and explained how she became pregnant by her father.

I held a sobbing, shocked and angry mom as she tried to listen to that girl. She is still terrified that she "let this happen" to her baby. No one knew, until I asked the girl where her bruises came from, and why she looked so sad.

That mom and daughter? They are facing years of questions, emotions, stares, nightmares and therapy. What will become of the baby? I don't honestly know, because its fate has yet to be determined. What will happen to the "father?" a few years of prison, maybe. MAYBE.

I will NOT tell you the graphic things that I WANT to happen to him. He doesn't deserve that much of my time.

And we've all been reading about the mom who drove off of a bridge, killing herself and 3 of her kids. Tragedy seems to be leaking out of the deep lines carved into the canvas of mother nature's ancient trees.

To add a massive dose of tissue filled crying to your otherwise "normal" day, this morning I received a phone call. A pastor asked me to sing at a funeral. Gratis, because I refuse to take money for giving of the gift God gave me.

And then, he told me it was a baby. A little boy. Let's just let that sink in a moment.

I'm not going to give details on why this precious child passed, privacy and respect for the grieving family are paramount. But it's very, very sad. And I couldn't say no.

These are all things that make me want to hold my little boy. I want to keep jim home from school, and never let him out of my sight. Five days of heart squeezing, cheek kissing and hand holding...to help heal what's been broken.

I know that five days of smothering my child with hugs and kisses will not change the last five days, but I'm holding on to it. I'm holding on to the hope and love he brings me. And I'm holding on tight.

--Sandi

OKLAHOMA!!! (beware of boobie pics)

2011-03-29T16:36:00.002-05:00

Spring Break this year took MrZ and I to Oklahoma. He had a blast. He asked to do 2 things: milk a cow and go exploring. Right away, I called my mom (who we would be staying with) and let her know his hopes. She called around, and found a friend of my uncle that owns a dairy farm. This was exciting news for him! He was able to feed some calves from a bottle of milk. They were so adorable. We toured the barn that housed the milking machines, and got up close and personal. I'm so glad my nipples don't droop like this:

We also stopped at Bedre Chocolate Factory. This place makes chocolate covered Pringles people. Let me say that again, so it can roll off my tongue...Chocolate covered Pringles. MMMMmmmm So good.

Mom's house is in the country, and was covered with wildflowers, and gorgeous scenery.

And MrZ was able to use his "exploring" binoculars and compass to roam around the acres of land that Mom lives on. He had so much fun, and is counting the days until he can go back. So am I....So. Am. I.

It was a great Spring Break!

toodles....Sandi

Take The Pledge with me!

2011-03-27T00:23:00.005-05:00

I'm taking the pledge. I haven't been attacked on my blog. But I have read many comments on blogs that I follow that left me truly shocked. Here is the pledge (started by Elizabeth from: the Elizabeth Flora Ross blog):

I am a proud Mommy Blogger. I will conduct myself with integrity in all my blogging activities. I can lead by example.

I pledge to treat my fellow moms with respect. I will acknowledge that there is no one, "right" way to be a good Mom. Each woman makes the choices best for her family.

I believe a healthy dialogue on important issues is a good thing. I will welcome differing opinions when offered in a respectful, non-judgmental manner. And will treat those who do so in kind.

I stand up against online bullying. My blog is my space. I will not tolerate comments that are rude, condescending or disrespectful.

I refuse to give those who attack a platform. I will remove their remarks from my blog with no mention or response. I can take control.

I want to see moms work together to build one another up, not tear each other down. Words can be used as weapons. I will not engage in that behavior.

I affirm that we are a community. As a member, I will strive to foster goodwill among moms. Together, we can make a difference. *

Many of these statements can be applied to every day life. Like the issues that I am having with the PTA at my son's school. Many of you who follow me on Twitter know how awful and downright rudely I have been treated by those ladies. It's not the same as the mommy blogger problems, but I feel like I can relate. I don't want anyone to feel as angry, sad, disturbed, hurt, or shunned as I have been made to feel.

SO I AM TAKING THE PLEDGE!!!

*the pledge is an excerpt from www.efloraross.com where more information can be found

Toodles....Sandi

My Goodness! I'm not here!

2011-03-17T03:24:00.004-05:00

Ladies and gentlemen, I am sending you over to Jami's blog: BoyCrazedMomma. I am guest posting for my very first time while she is on vacation! I'm so excited! Go see how badly my kiddo drives me insane sometimes. I got a little "out there" when we were stuck with cabin fever!

Funny stuff! Enjoy peeking around on her blog, her little boy is a-dor-a-ble! I am so stinkin' freaked out that she let me guest post for her!

And look for a post about my little one getting to milk his very first cow. I hope it sprays him in the nose (giggle).

toodles....Sandi

Happy Birthday

2011-03-10T11:10:00.001-06:00

Today is my gorgeous sister's birthday! She's one of the most beautiful people that I have ever had the pleasure to be related to. I hope she has a wonderful day, as she truly deserves it.

She's a great mom. She's a loving wife. She's a steadfast friend to those lucky enough to have her as one. She's a caring daughter. She's a sweet sister. She's an aunt that is simply adored.

Happy birthday Sis!

Toodles....Sandi

I had NO idea water could KILL me!

2011-03-03T19:54:00.004-06:00

That's right, I said it could kill me. You see, a little over a month ago, I was diagnosed with Acute Kidney Failure. Along with the kidney stones I had to pass, painfully.

I learned all kinds of things from that damned nephrologist. Such as: my kidneys were not processing potassium, or water. I had to start taking phosphate blockers. I had to limit the amount of liquids I put in my body, because my kidneys were apparently opposed to filtering those fluids so the pee can flow. These were among the many things that I set upon, at the doctors insistence.

No more beef, chicken or salmon....too much protein.

No more high potassium fruits or veggies.

No more high sodium foods or liquids...they make you retain water.

I was so limited on water/liquids, that I started every day with a set amount. When that ran out, I went to bed, lest I be dying of thirst. I had sugar free hard candies (to deter thirst). I was told to brush my teeth every couple of hours (to deter thirst).

Life pretty much sucked. Until I was told it was a misdiagnosis. Yes, you read that correctly. They missed what was causing my symptoms, and the slight blood work alterations. It was something else altogether. I don't want to get into that one...its another post entirely.

I just wanted you to know that I am ok...now. And I can drink all the water I want to again. I missed it. A lot.

toodles....Sandi

This post is part of the TRDC writing prompts.

The assignment:

Water gives life. It also takes it away. Write a short piece - fiction or non-fiction - inspired by one or both of these statements.

Revenge WAS sweet!

2011-03-02T09:53:00.002-06:00

I have been battling with a neighbor that lives behind us (and a couple houses down) for weeks now. She likes to blow an air horn when dogs bark. I have personally let her know on several occasions that what she is doing doesn't make her any better than the dogs.

She's been ticketed by the Po-Po's for "disturbing the peace," and yet she continues to blow that horn. My hubby and I passed out air horns to all of the neighbors surrounding her, you know, because we are sick of her. When we all started blowing horns at her...I know she wet her pants. Or her Depends, who knows. Our dog doesn't even bark, but she blew that thing at us. Well, she blew it at MrZ, when he was being "too loud" on his trampoline. I am not sure that she is all there in her head. Or maybe they pull too tightly on that hair when she's getting the OLD-LADY-PERM.

I digress.

I am a little devious, I admit it. I'm actually kind of proud of my insane antics. It keeps me young, and happy. So, after the neighbors and I blasted her a few times with our spiffy new air horns (which obviously didn't work), I came up with a new plan.

You see, my hubby has these EYESORES in the pool room:

I'm pretty sure that I know how bad you want them in YOUR house. They are loud. VERY LOUD. Pictures fall off of the walls if you turn them up half way. (We tested them once.) I can sense that you know where I am headed on this path. Good for you.

I had the hubby move them out to the back porch (he he he he!), and I let all the surrounding neighbors know what was about to happen. I downloaded 20 or so irritating noises off the Internet, and burned what I like to call: "TAKE THIS OLD AIR HORN LADY."

Then, I sat patiently on my lounger next to the stereo, and waited. Of course, she delivered. Some poor dog a few houses down yipped a sweet little tune, and the air horn hag burst out her back door, tootin' her horn.

I hit play.

OH WONDERFUL sounds of fingernails screeching down a chalkboard. The DELIGHTFUL music of babies wailing at the tops of their lungs. Some LOVELY musician trying unsuccessfully to play a trumpet. I could go on, but I think you understand. Every. Single. Time she blew her horn, I accompanied her in a symphony of irritating racket.

I know she called the police, her next door neighbor reported to me. But apparently, they don't believe her. I don't really care either way. I'm happy, for now. She hasn't blown that damned thing all day! But I will be ready if she does. BWAHAHAHAHHAHA!!!!!

toodles....Sandi

Room-mom: Calling out Cupcake Cuties!

2011-03-01T14:53:00.001-06:00

It's officially my time to shine! March 7th is my son's school's Open House, and the school is having a contest! As room moms(or dads) we are being asked to bring fabulous desserts that will represent our student's classrooms.

I have no idea what the prize will be, but I don't really care about that. I want to win, as MrZ's mom! So, because I desperately want to use my new cupcake carrier (thanks Dad and Elaine), I decided to bring cupcakes.

Of course, by making that decision, my brain officially went on vacation. Just when I needed ideas the most! That's why I want your help! What are your favorite recipes? Where do you go for confectionary inspiration?

Help a girl out!

Toodles....Sandi

For Sale: Bag Full Of Hair! CHEAP! (o.b.o.)

2011-02-24T23:30:00.000-06:00

Craigslist ad:

For Sale: Hair, 1/4" or smaller pieces of men's facial hair. I'm willing to let this collection go for a mere $30! (o.b.o.)

What you get: 1 gallon size Ziploc baggie full of discarded men's facial hair. These neglegently thrown, dropped, swiped and shaven hairs have been the bane of my marraige. I became so tirelessly striken by cleaning them off the bathroom sink, counter and floor, that my husband and I constantly fought about them.

They have led us to separate...bathrooms that is. I kicked him out of (what was previously) our bathroom, and made him move all of his personal hygeine belongings to our son's bathroom. They can be gross in there together.

The final straw came when I had to have one of those hard, and very sharp evidently, hairs removed surgically from the bottom of my foot. I was not a happy girl. When that happened, I started collecting them as I cleaned up after my husband, and diligently stored them in a bag. I just knew somebody would want them.

Suggestions for use:

-create your very own buzz cut wig!

-give them to kids with glue and make furry monster pictures as a craft

-use them as stuffing for a pillow

-put them in the bottom of your hamster's cage for warmth

-I do NOT suggest attaching them directly to your head with super glue!

Honestly, I don't care what you do with them. Just call me up, we will meet over coffee, and make the exchange. Cash only please.

toodles....Sandi

This has been an excercise in creative writing, hosted by "The Red Dress Club" The prompt is: Write a humorous listing for eBay or Craig's List. Talk about the history of the items, why they must go.

Wordless Wednesday Vol. 2

2011-02-16T22:00:00.001-06:00

My "MEN" working together.

toodles...Sandi

One Day

2011-02-07T10:10:00.004-06:00

One day, I will learn to appreciate the nutritional value of asparagus.

One day, I will miss the loud laughing and toys flying by my head.

One day, I will clean the kitchen and it will remain that way for a whole day.

One day, I will finish the laundry.

One day, my dog will stop snoring when she sleeps. Its just not lady like.

One day, I will wake up to coffee and breakfast already made.

One day, I will walk up and down a flight of stairs without pain.

One day, I will have earphones implanted in my inner ears, so I can listen to music all the time.

One day, cabbage won't stink while you cook it. I love cabbage, I just refuse to cook it at home.

One day, I will have an enormous statue of a rhino in my front yard. Yes. I. Will.

What are your "One day" wishes?

Toodles....Sandi

Rabbit? Me?

2011-02-04T23:08:00.005-06:00

Why on earth did I go searching out what animal I am for the Chinese calendar? Don't answer that. I just found out I am a RABBIT!

According to the Divine Answers Blog, I need security and tranquility. What? I am not, by any means, a tranquil person. I like loud music. I like my craft/art room messy. I KNOW where everything is. It doesn't bother me when my hubby and son run rampant through the house with NERF guns firing off darts at each other's heads.

What Chinese Zodiac are you?

I think it's a little wrong either way for me to be digging into this. I'm certainly not Chinese. Does it make me wrong to be looking to see my Zodiac?

The better question....WHY? WHY am I stuck on this?

It isn't pertinent to my life, in any way.

It isn't part of my religion or heritage.

I already know I'm a taurus. And I honestly don't care about that either. It doesn't mean anything to me, because I don't believe in the astrology and fortune telling.

So, what brought all of this on? My husband. He asked me which one I am. I told him I didn't know, and he laughed at me.

Why should I know?

The only thing I gained from this whole experience: a fabulous wallpaper for my computer from Zastavki. It is so darn cute. I almost want to be excited that I'm a stupid RABBIT!

toodles....Sandi

My 1st Wordless Wednesday

2011-02-02T00:15:00.002-06:00

Do You KNIT RHINOS????

2011-01-27T22:46:00.002-06:00

Nicole (one of my twitter friends) asked a question that I often get asked today: @knitmyrhino do you really knit rhinos?

Of course NOT! Although, if I could, I definitely would. I have yet to master the double ended needles it would require to knit a rhino amigurumi. I do, however, love to knit. It is a very relaxing thing to do with your hands. And I am most certainly not a person who can relax if my hands are not occupied.

I have been knitting for years, and crocheting for decades. Mostly as relaxation. Very rarely do I knit something large or extremely detailed, so I routinely turn to wash cloths or baby blankets when I am de-stressing. Knitting a sweater or socks (using a pattern) would take away too much of the relaxing that I need the knitting to give me.

I also love rhinos. They are beautiful creatures. They persevere through any challenges to protect their own, and that is something I admire. I have survived through many things in my life thus far, and there are many more challenges awaiting me on the horizon. Rhinos remind me that if I stick up my (hypothetical) horn and charge strait forward, keeping a positive attitude, I shall overcome.

So, its fairly simple. When I wanted to come up with an email, blog name and twitter @ I combined the things that bring me what I need. Knitting for relaxation, and rhinos for perseverance. Its not exciting to most, but it serves my needs. And I like it.

Enjoy your day!

Toodles....Sandi

Name Zentangle COMPLETE!!!!

2011-01-20T21:53:00.004-06:00

Holy Guacamole! I thought I would NEVER get this darn thing done! The sense of accomplishment that has taken over my whole being at this moment is incredible.

Remember this post? I told you I was going to try it. I made a few changes in how I drew it though. I also added hidden objects. Lots of things that MrZ loves, or has loved. (Being only 6 tends to wear on his attention span for adoration!)

Tell me what you think?!?!?!

Toodles....Sandi

An Apology

2011-01-20T19:23:00.003-06:00

With everything going on around the country, it makes me sad that I let myself get pulled into my own pity party recently. People are dying needlessly and viciously, and I was complaining about feeling helpless with my son being sick.

I apologize. I apologize to those in Arizona, who lost someone they love. I apologize to those who read my blog, and could have spent those few precious moments doing something more important that listening to me whine. I wish I could say it won't happen again. But I am human (I think), so I will probably make more mistakes. Actually, I will, you can count on it.

Let's Move on...

I hope everyone has a great week. Enjoy my flag picture above if you need one for whatever reason. I spent a good 15 minutes on the ground, in my dad's front yard, under his flag for it. I wanted some pictures for the school yearbook to accompany some "Flag Day" pictures I took for them. You should have seen my dad's face when I asked him for a towel to lay under me, because the ground was wet! But the strange looks he was giving me while I lay on the ground were even better.

That brings me to a question I have been wanting to ask. What are some strange places/positions that you have gotten yourself into to get that perfect picture? I could go on for hours with that one. But I want to hear yours!

Toodles....Sandi

Bad week

2011-01-07T21:58:00.001-06:00

As I lay here listening the bubbly sounding breathing of my little boys slumber, I cannot help but wish this week had been different. I know in my heart that so many other families are going through much worse than I can ever imagine. I just know I am so tired of dr offices.

I've spent at least 20 hrs this week in dr offices. And that does not include drive time or pharmacy time. So many awful things are happening to my body. And yet I'm laying here distraught because I'm worried that my little one is going to choke on snot. I hate it when he is sick.

It's not that I don't want to take care of him, because I do. I'm in anguish because it physically and mentally pains me to see him so puny. I want him healthy. I can't sleep, because I'm so worried about listening to his breathing. I wear myself down, making sure he is comfortable. I forget to eat trying to make sure he is taking in enough nutrition and fluids. I even force myself to hold my "bodily functions." (those of us less refined like to call it piss and poop!) I know what I am doing is wrong, I have a very painful UTI right now to prove it.

I know that I need to take better care of myself, or I won't be able to care for him. But still, every time he gets sick like with this bronchitis, I continue to abuse what little function I have left of my battered body. How do I stop this cycle? How do I walk away from him to go to the bathroom? What if something happens to him while I'm selfishly relieving myself? Should I not just suffer through it for his sake?

Give me some insight, please. I need your comments, no matter how harsh you think you may need to be. I need help. Maybe what you have to say will be the words I need to hear for a breakthrough.

Toodles....from his bedside (on iPhone)....sandi

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!

2010-12-31T23:36:00.002-06:00

I hope everyone in the world has a happy year..I know that is asking a lot. Some people just attract bad shit. They can't help it! They probably don't even know how they do it...but I still hope they have a great year! I can be optimistic for everyone.

Be merry.
Be happy.
Be giving.
Be thankful.
Be compassionate.
Be congratulatory.
Be TRUE.
Be graceful.

Those are my hopes and wishes for everyone.

toodles....Sandi

Getting to know me Part2

2010-12-23T11:01:00.001-06:00

Have you ever been so entirely frustrated that you wanted to scream at the top of your lungs at nothing or nobody in particular?

I spent a great portion of my life that way. I was so angry at everyone in my life for so long, I made myself miserable. I was blamed for things, some of them I did.. Many I did not. But because of my history, I was never given the benefit of doubt. I brought that on myself in many ways, whether it was fair or not doesn't really matter at this point.

I've grown a lot since becoming a mother. I've learned to let things go. I've learned what battles to take on. I had to make choices that were hard, but simplified my life in many ways. My son has driven me insane, made me ecstatically happy, frustrated me, and made me so proud. He has taught me that you have to live each day in the moment. You have to love with your whole heart.

I've learned a whole new meaning for patience. I always have to put him first. When someone makes me crazy, and it funnels into my home life, It is time to cut the strings. Or at least put the strings in a drawer for a while.

I learned a wonderful trick from a friend that uses her art for therapy. I doodle all the time now. My sketchbooks are full of sketches, doodles, and journal entries letting out my frustrations. If you have angered me, you probably have something colorful drawn just for you!

That's all I'm posting for today...more to come in the next edition of "Getting to know me."

Merry Christmas!
Toodles....Sandi

Getting to know me

2010-12-12T12:25:00.001-06:00

I thought that I would give all of my new friends a chance to get to know me! I get a lot of questions about my Twitter name (@knitmyrhino), so this post is going to explain that and give some insight as to who I am.

First, the knitting part comes from me loving to knit. I've been crocheting since I was a little girl, my mom taught me. She's awesome like that! But when I was pregnant with MrZ, my best friend and I were making baby blankets (I was crocheting, she was knitting). I immediately wanted to try knitting. I bought a book, and taught myself to knit! I love it!

The rhino part comes from my fascination with rhinos. I've been collecting them for a long time. To me, they are beautiful and strong. They are non-aggressive, unless they feel threatened, then they are fierce. They can't see well, but when they charge, they point their horns in the direction of what they are attacking and charge until they accomplish their goal. They represent perseverance to me. They are absolutely amazing.

I'm a mom, wife, daughter, sister, granddaughter, aunt and cousin. I love my family, even though I am not always their favorite person. I have tendencies to be opinionated in controversial matters. I just don't see anything wrong with that, and it tends to get me in trouble. Even now that I'm an adult, I still get the child treatment, in that I apparently can not make decisions on my own. I choose to blatantly ignore those that make me feel like less than a person.

This is me! Hope you stick around, I would love it!

Toodles....Sandi

Wood, Markers & Glue....Oh My!

2010-12-05T15:42:00.002-06:00

Thrift store finds of little pieces of wood, markers, fake gems, glue and crayons. Wonderful afternoon of entertainment for kiddo, acheived! MrZ voiced an interest in making Christmas ornaments this year, and I am all about making stuff, so we got messy! I collect little bags of wooden pieces from thrift stores through the year for occasions such as these.

Give a 6 year old some wood, glue and markers...and you have all kinds of interesting things happen. His creativity soared through the roof, and he came up with a cute little ornament stating he loves Jesus all on his own! My heart melted!

I even got in on it and blinged up a wooden cross that was in the mix of little pieces.

These precious moments make having little kids so worth it! I could not be more proud of my little boy!

toodles....Sandi

My favorite Cards to Make...Ever!

2010-12-04T17:12:00.002-06:00

After buying up scrapbooking supplies through the year(cause I wait for specials), I'm not even using them this year! Usually, well for the past few years, I make my Christmas cards. Because we can't afford to buy presents for everyone in our families, making special cards for those I adore makes me feel better.

I started doodling the other day on a paper towel, and loved the design! Not to mention, how absolutely zen-like I felt while doing it. So, I decided to start trying it out on the special Christmas cards. They are coming out beautifully! Although I only have iPhone pics right now (camera went kaput), I thought I'd share a few of them!

So many more to calm me still to go!

Toodles....Sandi

Advent...at last

2010-12-01T17:31:00.001-06:00

This unfinished wood sleigh has been the bane of my existence for three years. The first year I bought it, I managed to paint the red basecoat. The second year I got around to painting the first coat of green on half of the drawers. This year, I FINALLY made myself finish it.

This year, my (now 6 year old) son will actually have an advent calendar I decorated for him!

I just need to call Santa so he can fill it!

Toodles....Sandi

Move over English Almond Toffee...there's a new love in town!

2010-11-23T15:55:00.003-06:00

Oh my goodness, me! I have been drinking coffee with International Delight'English Almond Toffee Creamer in it for a while now. However, if you follow me on Twitter @knitmyrhino), then you probably have read two or three tweets where I was complaining about my husband breaking my coffee maker.

It's not rocket science to use a generic GE coffee maker people, but apparently it was completely over his well-meaning head. I do have to give him props because he broke it "trying" to make me some coffee.

I digress.

I do that. A lot.

So, back to the here and now, I remembered that I had my little 4cup coffee maker packed away, from when I was living alone(over 7 years ago). Score! I could now make coffee, albeit more often, but I could make it!

You see, we are going through a really tight spot these days. Between my doctor visits, and meds.. and Mr Z's (my little boy)....we have been dishing out some serious cash lately. So, buying a new coffee maker just wasn't in the cards. I knew when I didn't throw that little coffee maker out that it would come in handy!

To celebrate my awesomeness, I decided to get a different flavor of creamer this time. I'm a creature of habit, when it comes to coffee. So, naturally, I went looking at International Delights, because English Almond Toffee has never done me wrong.

I came across something I considered new, only because I had never seen it in my grocer's dairy case: White Chocolate Mocha. Nom. Nom. Nom. Nom! I love white chocolate, how could it be bad?

It is better than awesome, that is my humble, coffee-loving opinion. My first drink was like witnessing fire-works for the very first time when you are a child. Seriously, if the hubby would have been there, I would have jumped him and made some fire-works of our own. It was THAT DAMNED GOOD!

I went to the International Delights website to grab the pics on this post. You have to know, I am not being paid for this post. I have not recieved any type of compensation...and most likely never will. I just wanted to share a little bit of goodness that entered my crazy life.

Each picture links to the International Delights website, if you want to go see all the wonderful (or not so wonderful) nutrition information on the creamers. They have recipes, coupons, flavor descriptions. I want to try the Marshallow Mocha....I wonder if it tastes like caffeinated hot chocolate? I could definitely go for that! There is even a 55 cent coupon for it on the website!

I told you guys I was gonna break away from only blogging about crafting! I do have some awesome Christmas crafts going on right now with MrZ and his little hoodlum friends though....coming soon!

toodles....Sandi

Im so pretty!

2010-11-14T23:55:00.001-06:00

Isn't it cute?!?!?!

The loverly team at www.Doodlekins.com were so sweet in coming up with this avatar for me on Twitter! Did you know I'm on Twitter? Well, I am... I love it there! I met @doodlekins there about 6 months ago, and they are fabulous! They have the cutest address labels, book labels, bags, etc. The program they have for designing your characters is so easy to use. And being the great people that they are, their artists designed a special hair choice for me! Because, I have VERY strange hair, they fixed me right up! Hair clip and all!

Now, don't think I am being paid to tell you about them, I'm not. I just adore them, and have purchased their product. And I love to tell people when I find something wonderful!

The other thing I love about them, is that they are very involved in charities of all kinds. Megan, the sweetest lady ever, is always trying to get the word out about children's and animal charities on Twitter.

You should follow them on Twitter, and Facebook (you can find out about incredible sales on Facebook), because they are truly an excellent example of how generous people can be!

Toodles....Sandi

I'm changing up my blog!

2010-11-09T10:43:00.001-06:00

I've been contemplating changing what my blog is based on for a while. Mainly because my life is changing dramatically. Although I would love to spend hours every day crafting; as a busy wife, mommy, friend, PTA board member, daughter, and community activist...crafting has taken a dramatic back seat to life.
I will, however, try to make time to get my craft on! There are not enough anti-depressants out there to keep me sane if I don't continue to have some sort of artistic outlet. I promise, as your rhino-lovin' eclectically ADHD artist, that anytime I have a new project completed I will photograph the Watusi out of it and post it here for everyone to gawk at. Even if that revelation turns out to be a dud!
That being said, I'm changing up the content basis of my dear blog friend to an "in the moment" mommy blog. I know there are thousands of these out there. And I am not doing this to make any kind of money, or follow the pack. I simply want to be able to write down my story, and share it with those whom I adore.
We all have busy lives, and the one question I get asked without fail is: "What have you been up to?" I could spend hours calling and writing and visiting each and every one of my family and friends, keeping everyone up to date on what's happening in my little family of 3. We are so busy these days making sure MrZ (that's my AKA for my little 6 year old boy) is having memorable moments as he grows into a strong, well-rounded young man. He is having the time of his life, with all kinds of bumps and bruises along the way.
I have so much to say, but I don't want to drag this out. Long winded blog posts are hard on the brain.
Just be on the lookout, I have been deciding on what my "new blog face" will look like, and it is promising to be all kinds of fun!

Toodles...Sandi

Updating

2010-10-27T20:32:00.001-05:00

just a liitle note that changes are coming!

Toodles....Sandi

Nametangles?!?!?! Awesomeness

2010-08-25T10:50:00.003-05:00

I was perusing my Google Reader this morning, and guess what popped up?

Isn't it awesome? TeachKidsArt has a tutorial up for how to teach kids how to make these! She is so awesome! Kids-Schmids...I am going to try it myself.

Oh, wait, I am just a big kid!

Toodles!

Sandi

I Made This!

2010-08-14T16:39:00.002-05:00

I realize that I told you I would post this picture a few weeks ago. I make no excuses, I am a slacker. At least I think I am! I made this hat...

...In a few hours. And I took forever to download the picture. That's my beautiful niece in that hat...that I made!

I'm excited about it, too bad it is too darn hot in Texas to wear it right now.

Toodles,
Sandi

My First Attempt

2010-07-23T23:25:00.002-05:00

Ever since I read a post last year from Barb at Craft Therapy on Zentangles, I have been doodling away at them. This just happens to be the first one I have finished:

I love Barb's zentangles, and if you want to see some really awesome ones, visit the Zentangles website. There are some incredible examples of what they are, and lots of really fantastic information!

Toodles!
Sandi

San Antonio/Sea World Vacation 2010

2010-07-08T15:44:00.004-05:00

We survived a family vacation to San Antonio! More like "I" survived. Big MrZ and the hubby thrived. MrZ keeps talking about going on vacation again, but not unless MeMe goes (one of my moms-I'm fortunate enough to have 5 that I call "mom" in some capacity or another-but MeMe raised me, so I am thankful for that). Being that she lives in South Carolina instead of Texas, and that her making this trip with us was a last minute decision because she was visiting Texas, I don't really know how that will work out. But if he really wants her to go, I'm sure all he has to do is ask again. She's a sucker for her grandkids, but aren't most grandmothers that way?

MrZ loved the rides, and was truly disappointed when he was too short to ride some of the bigger roller coasters. He did let me take his picture on a demo seat for the Great White roller coaster, and he even managed a scared pose!

He was able to feed the dolphins, and pet them. But he will be the first to tell you that touching dead fish to feed the dolphins was disgusting!

A big thank you has to go out to Teresa (MIL) for letting us crash at her place to avoid paying for a hotel. I am all about saving money, but I really felt like we were making her feel cramped. Thanks Teresa!

Toodles,

Sandi

The Junk Pile Scores!

2010-06-29T17:19:00.002-05:00

Hey there crafty/not so crafty peeps! It has been a doozie of a summer in Texas so far. But in case you just were "dying" to know, I have been crafting/repurposing along with working diligently on my yard.

I love to drive up and down the streets at the end of the month, when people make huge piles in their front yards for bulk pick-up day. Lucky for me, I didn't have to go far for this treasure! Just 2 doors down and across the street!

The chair was sitting there in a pile of its mates, looking sad, and not nearly as broken as the others. So, because I was on my way to a dr appointment, I called up my Dad (who lives conveniently across the street) and asked him to snag it for me before somebody else did.

It was sun dried almost white wood, until I sanded it...and gave it a few coats of red spray paint. Now it sits happily on my front porch, in contrast to all of the earthy tones I have sitting there. It sticks out like a sore thumb, but I love it!

Toodles,

Sandi

Let's Try This Again

2010-06-23T20:55:00.003-05:00

I have no excuses. I have nothing to say, except...I'm sorry. No way should I have forsaken you, my bloggy friend, for so long. It's pathetic, when I have the time to do it, and I don't actually follow through. I will understand if any of you want to quit being a follower, but that does not mean I will not stalk you (picture me laughing here). Ok, so stalk is a strong word. Unless you are jannypie, then I have to stalk...she makes me laugh.

I've been spending a lot of "quality time" with my yard this summer. Which can loosely be translated as: I've been sweating and dirty for most of the summer. My grass is finally getting more ground coverage, though. And I have a whole new hatred for weeds.

I'm one of those wack-o's you see sitting on the ground pulling weeds by hand, in a never-ending battle. I have this voice in the back of my head that screams every time the hubby suggests spreading weed killer. I think I've seen too many medical dramas where weed killer caused an extra toe to grow on a child, or some poor woman grew a penis from over exposure to weed killer.

My imagination is finally being tamped down, after growing 5 blisters on my left hand from all the weeds. I agreed to let the hubby buy some organic weed killer. Is that an oxi-moron? Organic suggests that it is natural. And weeds are natural, albeit not as pretty as St Augustine grass. Who knows, maybe I'll grow a penis and won't need my hubby any more!

Toodles,
Sandi

Yipeeeeeeee!!!

2010-02-19T14:50:00.001-06:00

It's official! I just got a new computer! Once everything is hooked up, I have so much to show you! Oh, how I have missed putting terribly photograghed proof of my lackluster creativity! I know, you, my blog, think I'm fabulous.

The only place I can come to, to be excited with my attempts at being Martha Stewart, and not being mocked. I love it here. You know, blogosphere, you have cut deeply into psycologists pockets all over the world! Thank you!

Spread the news my dedicated 12 (ish) followers...in April I turn 35, and whoever posts comments on my bloggy-baby on the day of my birthday will be in the running for a chance to win 350.00 bucks in yarn, and 35 shopping totes from various retailers that I will be acquiring from now until then!

Toodles....sandi

Obsession #424

2010-02-01T19:15:00.001-06:00

I had to go back a bit in my memory for this one, so naturally I gave it a lower number. Don't glare at me with your brows knit like that, this is my bog, and I fully intend to explain the obsession!

It's tax season, I'm sure you know this, and we are all getting paperwork gathered for our submissions to the IRS. That's when The hubby sent me on a scavenger hunt for all of the medical receipts so we could file our taxes. He sent me because we keep stuff like that in (sometimes around) my desk in my art room. You see, he's scared to go in there. Who wouldn't be scared to go into an artist's room, if the fear of having fingers sawed off with rusty blades from an electric knife loomed over your head? Am I right? Its my domain. My sanctuary. I know where everything is (at least I did before the surgery), and can usually tell you exactly where to find something. That is not the case anymore. Grrrrr!!!
He decided I should go hunting, because he already made me mad by destroying my sense of organization in there.
This occured from stuff constantly being piled up on work areas, on floors and pretty much anywhere convenient. For some reason, still unclear to me, my art room became a dumping ground during my infirmary period. Don't get me wrong, because I am forever greatful that the hubby stepped up on the cleaning stuff when I couldn't look to the right without vomitting. But he made piles of stuff he didn't know what to do with, and just started stacking it in my art room. And now, he wants ME to go in there and find the receipts!
So I go in there and start dredging my way towards the desk, and I came across a big bag full of lots of little bags of all colors of felt! Felt, I love felt! I had this grand idea when I thrifted some really low priced felt to embroider some simple book covers for some avid readers in the family. This had been a plan for some Christmas gifts, I'm pretty sure you know by now that Christmas has already passed. I love that my plans were totally screwed up for making stuff this year by a need to have organs surgically removed from my body. I really love it! (If you believe that crock, I'm sorry you must not know my wicked sense of humor)!
So, obsession #424 is felt, or maybe it's book covers, I can't decide.

Toodles....Sandi

Obsession #907

2010-02-01T18:43:00.001-06:00

...gel pens.

Yeah, just enjoy the words rolling off of your tongue. Gel pens. Who doesn't love gel pens? I love them all, some write smoother than others. Some have better ink flow than others. They come in numerous shapes and sizes. I don't even want to guess how many different colors or variations there are. You can get neon, metallics, glitter, puffy, glow-in-the-dark.

It does not matter to me, every time I go to the craft store, I drool. I have thousands, well maybe just hundreds, but I always have the urge for more.

I bought a 50-pack before thanksgiving, with very spcific intentions of filling up a sketchbook. I wanted to fill a sketchbook with nothing but ink drawings. I love drawing with ink, it's finality is like a drug. I just wanted to have something collective with all different types of sketches put together.
Now ask me if I ever even started the sketchbook.

Yeah, definitely obsession-blog worthy.

Toodles....Sandi

Obsessions part 799 & 845

2010-01-21T01:55:00.001-06:00

I am alive!!! Yay God!!! I am such a baby, I had a serious case of the "I'm gonna die in surgery." Wow, I guess I should tell you what happened.
I have been really sick for a while now, never knowing from one minute to the next if I was going to be blowing chunks. I don't want to go into all of the details because that is for another post. Just know, I was not okay, and I was not dealing with it in a very healthy way. I ended up having to have my gallbladder and a few nasty gallstones taken out on Tuesday. That being said, I was fortunate enough to have a couple of people care for me during this ordeal that really made a difference in my life.
My obsessions (I'm taking my creative license and running blind with it here) for the last two Mondays are both linked in use and because they stem from my need to say thank you to those special people who made my illness bearable. I have decided to make homemade cards to express my gratitude to them, and have found some new (to me) goodies to obsess over in the process.
Have you heard of Zots? If you are a craft-o-holic, you know they are cute little glue dots that make cardmaking such a joy! They come in different sizes and shapes, I don't know why I resisted them for so long! That's my first obsession, for this blog post, my second is the awesome little Zot-runner I found that let's you make lines of the Zots for larger pieces! I mean, seriously, what was I thinking not wanting to try these?
When I finish the cards, I will take pics and post them, names withheld for privacy of course. So, there's my Monday post, written on a thursday, and two of them wrapped into one. Maybe now I can get my life back together after having an organ literally sucked out. What are you obsessing over?

Toodles....Sandi

Obsessions part 787 jingle bells

2010-01-04T14:45:00.001-06:00

...but only because I'm so lofty in the brain these days. Everything could be an obsession if you talk to other compulsive crafters. I decided after much thought that I wanted to start listing what I obsessed with "currently" that obtains to crafting. The plan is to do this every Monday, so I can look back in a couple of months and say, "wow, that was why I bought that (enter obsession here)" thus being able to remember what my plans were. I am hoping to get more unfinished projects finished this way.

Don't laugh, no matter what my good intensions may have been, I have so much junk in my craft room. And truly do not have room to walk. My prayer to the glue-gun angels is that they will intervene with God on my behalf, asking for my pack rat ways to be forgiven, so that next Christmas I have a gigantic stack of homemade items to gift. Do you think I will get some divine intervention, along with a little inspiration to go with the tremendous task I am undertaking?

I hope so, and I hope all of you other pack rat crafters will jump in and leave comments with yours, or better would leave links to your posts about unfinished projects. I'm not picky, but I would love to know what you are obsessed with!

This weeks obsession is little tiny jingle bells, I have been especially fond of the decorated ones that have been on the shelves at most hobby stores for the holidays. At first, I bought some to make a jingle bell necklace with, then the ribbon and jingle bell writing pens. I think I have approximately 100 of them collected. What would you make if you had that many tiny jingle bells?

Toodles....
Sandi

Trying something new

2009-12-31T14:41:00.001-06:00

Ok, I finally gave up my Blackjack for this iPhone, and I really loved my blackjack. I thought I would really hate this thing. The ole hubby has had his for a year or so, and every time I tried to use it, it frustrated me.
I have been playing around with mine for a couple of weeks now, and honestly I still love my blackjack more. It was easier to type on and to find any information I was working with at the time. This iPhone does have it's perks though, like the full Internet and being able to make stuff bigger and easier to read. And now that I found this blogwriter app, maybe I will be able to post more on my blog. We shall see!

Toodles....
Sandi

What We Did When Mr Z had the H1N1 flu.

2009-11-19T12:27:00.002-06:00

First, don't run screaming to the comment line to let me know I haven't blogged in a while. I am fully aware that I am a slacker. I even have a T-shirt that says so. Most of you know already that I have been really sick. For those of you who don't, I'm sick. I don't want to bore anyone, and I don't really want to go into detail about it. I don't feel good. I haven't felt good in a while. And it is NOT going away anytime soon. There. That should suffice. If not, tough.

So anyways, about a month ago, my little Mr Z broke down and puked all over anything made of fabric he could find one night. Where all the puke was coming from, I am not quite sure. I am pretty sure that instead of calling it H1N1 (come on, what kind of stupid name is that? or swine flu...it didn't come from pigs...WTF...REALLY????) they should have called it the ALIEN FLU, because UFO's truly take over and make things come out of kids that should not be there.

Back to the puke, he really did puke everywhere. My house reaked, everything was dirty, and once he was tested for the H1N1 (he had other symptoms too), I wouldn't let him play with any of his regular favorite toys. I was too busy sanitizing everything. So, going back a few years, I remembered how much he loved playing in boxes. And I needed him to be still for a little while, so confining him to a box was genius on my part (thank you very much...takes a bow). What the news stations are not telling you, is that if you catch this flu early enough with Tami flu, THE KID IS FINE AFTER 48 HOURS. I am serious, FINE, and full of energy. What sucked was, I had a lot of cleaning to do, and because we had to report his positive test to the school, I was stuck with him. In the house, not being allowed to touch his toys, and full of energy FOR FIVE DAYS.

He is FIVE people....FIVE! He didn't come with an "off" switch either. Not even a "slow down" switch. It is just wrong. So, I made him a rocket ship from a box. I ordered up every On Demand show/movie that had anything to do with outer space or aliens, and he was happy:
He was so happy, I was able to wash 3 comforters, 6 blankets, curtains from 3 rooms, 4 sets of sheets, 8 pairs of pj's, around 30 towels/rags/hand towels, pillow cases galore, and several pillows. That doesn't include all of the "normal" laundry. Did I also mention I had to scrub carpets, walls, bed frames, dressers, and floors? I had to bag up toys spray them down with Lysol (I went through 8 cans of Lysol...and 4 tubbies of throw away Lysol wipes). I did all of that, still not feeling well myself. And managed not to kill my hyperactive five year old. SEE:

He is still alive, barely.

toodles,

Sandi

Vintage Felt Radio

2009-08-22T12:18:00.001-05:00

Vintage Felt Radio, originally uploaded by Eloole.

I would love to tackle something like this for my dad. He is a collector of vintage radios. I painted a rock to look like one for him as a gift one year. Am I mentally challenged that I would prefer to "make" a "fake" radio? Just askin'.

Free Crochet Pattern 70705AD Amigurumi Holiday Santa : Lion Brand Yarn Company

2009-08-20T16:27:00.001-05:00

Free Crochet Pattern 70705AD Amigurumi Holiday Santa : Lion Brand Yarn Company

Posted using ShareThis

Twitter Twit

2009-07-25T13:22:00.002-05:00

It's official, my husband hates Twitter. I don't use it much on the computer, I don't have to! I have my favorite Twitter Pals tweets sent straight to my phone! I don't know if he is jealous of all of my fabulous friends, and how much I laugh at my phone...or if he just doesn't "get it." Truthfully, I don't get it either. I just know, it is a wonderful day when I laugh at somebody else's weirdness, so I don't have to feel so bad about how weird I am.

Lately, with the ComicCon going on in San Diego, there have been so many hilarious tweets coming across my phone. I literally swallow whatever I am drinking at the time (in fear of snorting it), or make sure I am close to a bathroom (in case I feel the urge to pee a little). Between Jimmy Fallon and FunnyorDie...I have been laughing a lot the last few days.

Then there are the ones that I like to call "friend," even though I have never actually met them. I like how I can just throw a thought out there, and get responses that make me feel like I am not alone in this world. With the kiddo (who will be 5 next Friday, BTW) always making me question my decisions as a parent, and the constant hallucinations of Spider man eating spaghetti...I like having people that can relate with the touch of 140 or fewer buttons. Those "friends" are going through similar circumstances, they understand the regret that comes with deciding NOT to spank the living crap out of that kid that threw a ball at the back of your head whilst you drove in 5 o'clock traffic. They know the feeling of 10 minutes after the incident, still being mad at the kiddo, but the kiddo has thoroughly moved on and doesn't even have traces of his actions in his face or actions...but because you are still mad you think about how you should have spanked his little white as milk hiney until it was bright red. Then he laughs at something random in that unmistakable pure laughter that only kids truly produce, and your heart melts and forgets the, wait...what was I mad at?

Those are the friends that I treasure and thank Twitter for.

Twitter has also brought me a few friends that share my demented sense of humor. Not many, mind you...but a few. That's what this blog entry is really about, thanking them. For making me feel normal, or at least as normal as I can possibly EVER be. Not that normal is a good thing.

Thanks for making me laugh Jannypie.
Thanks for making me laugh Mamakatslosinit.

I know that I normally post about craftiness, but I am having issues with that lately. Let's just leave it at: My body is rebelling against me, wants me to be in pain and is laughing, but not "out loud" at me all day and night.

Soon, I hope to conquer the pain, defeat the evil goblins taking over my life and body. I WILL CRAFT AGAIN. I WILL. AND YOU, my BLOGGY BLOG BLOG...will be the first to celebrate with me.

toodles....Sandi

Jenny ROCKS!!!!

2009-07-10T00:54:00.003-05:00

I am gushing with pride for Jenny S Stitcher! Over the 4th of July weekend she dove right in and got herself acclimated with crocheting granny squares! I have to admit, I was proud of myself when I finished my very first granny square, but I think she took being proud of one's self to a whole new level!

This one is her first.

This is what she finished over the weekend. Words are failing me. (That's kind of hard to do....I love to jibber on and on and on about crafting.)

Congratulations Jenny! You have every right to be ECSTATIC!

Mammatalk: Those dog days....

2009-06-26T13:28:00.000-05:00

I can not remember if I have introduced you to Mammatalk or not. If I have, suffer...you could use a reminder of how great she is. If I haven't, I strongly encourage you to visit her blog. If just out of curiosity, or because you need a reminder that parenthood is something that your are not going through alone. There are Billions of people getting through it.

She never ceases to crack me up. You should definitely take a little time and browse through Mamma's archives. She has such an extraordinary talent for writing, and explaining "just what parenthood is like" in the most perfect way. I love her.

Mammatalk: Those dog days....

toodles....Sandi

R2D2 my dear

2009-06-13T21:23:00.001-05:00

R2D2, originally uploaded by sugarbottoms1.

I love R2D2. Ever since my very first veiwing of "Star Wars" (episode 4, of course I am that old), I have cherished his little beeps and whistle sounds. Now that my little boy also loves him, we are all about these shorts. I bought the yarn for them a while back. I think these are going to be my first project once I get my fingers back into the swing of knitting. I have a lot of use with them so far...soon R2...soon.

Friday's Favorite Find...(part 10) MAYBEEEEE

2009-05-08T01:13:00.004-05:00

I want to start with...I need to change FFF to something else. When I first came up with the idea, I was a little green in the belt to the whole "blogging" thing. I had no idea how many other blogs do a FFF, and most of them in those exact words. I haven't decided what I am going to switch to, so for now I am going to show you some pictures of the hubby and Mr Z making my mother's day present. This also, it just so happens, is Mr Z's very first time being allowed to touch "daddy's big-boy-drill." With supervision of course.

Here is a close-up of the drill handling:
He was so proud of himself...he came up with the idea, decided on the size of wood, and told daddy which pieces of hardware he wanted to use to hold the pieces together.

The thing could have mold growing out of the cracks, termites infesting the core and splinters poking out of every crevice(which it pretty much does *smirk*) and I couldn't love it any more.

Here is the finished product and he even drew a picture of the hubby, him and me to put in the frame:
I recieved my wonderful present early, because Mr Z was so proud of himself, he couldn't stand the wait. I'm not bothered by his excitement...but I still get those "OH-SO-PROUD" goose bumps all over every time I look at it.

toodles....Sandi

ps...I hope you all have a Fabulous Mother's Day!!!

The greatest things are...

2009-05-03T20:18:00.004-05:00

...those things that people make for you, with their own hands and imaginations! My hubby (with the always helpful Mr Z by his side) made me a two-sided easel on Saturday. I love it! It's made out of hard wood, so folding it up and toting it to the park for nature sketches is out of the question, but I love it just the way it is. I was so touched when I mentioned that I wanted an easel that Mr Z and I could paint on at the same time, and the hubby just popped out, "OK." He took us to the hardware store with hime to pick out sizes for the 2'x2' sheets on either side, along with the extras to put it together. When we got home they set up in the kitchen and started this:

There are actually shelves attached on each side for holding canvases or pens, etc. But I forgot to take the "finished" picture before downloading these. I figured I would take those pictures after I sand and paint it, which requires another trip to the hardware store for paint. Those will come later.

Aren't they adorable working together though?

toodles....Sandi

AMI-What?

2009-05-03T20:18:00.003-05:00

I thought that since I am currently unable to crochet (broken fingers), that I would at least let you see what I made a while back. I was trying to rearrange things in my art/craft room to accommodate for the new easel that the hubby and Mr Z made for me (yes!! I said made!!!), and I came across this:
It's an amigurumi-like crocheted pincushion. I made it with some leftover black acrylic yarn, and stuffed it with a soap-free steel sponge and some poly-fill. It's not from any pattern per-se. I just started with a magic ring and let the yarn lead me. I love it.

When I first finished it, I remember telling myself I was only going to use red pins on it...you can see how that turned out.

toodles....Sandi

Swine Flu Follies

2009-05-02T13:03:00.004-05:00

We were supposed to have a soccer game today...Mr Z was really looking forward to it after days of being cooped up inside from rain. But our local government decided to close down all public parks, in lieu of kids possibly getting the "Swine Flu." I am not totally in disagreement with protecting our children, don't get me wrong...but hasn't it been proven that the "Swine Flu" is not as bad as the WHO (World Health Organization) originally thought? I've read in many places that it is easily treatable, and not that serious for "healthy" individuals. I guess that I am just not going to get overly concerned with something like a flu, that isn't nearly as serious as it seems. (please note: this is MY opinion...you don't have to agree with it)

I think maybe my selfishness is playing a factor here, I did make this awesome shirt to wear to the game today.....

I'm not proud or anything (sniff, sniff), I just wanted everyone to know that this cutie:
He's MINE!!! I guess my shirt will have to wait until they open up the parks again...sigh. I am counting my blessings that he is healthy, and not nearly as succeptible to the flu...I don't like to see him sick. I just think there are worse things out there to worry about.

toodles....Sandi

Friday Favorite Finds (part 9)

2009-05-01T15:33:00.000-05:00

I have seen a lot of silhouette art popping up on the blogosvere, but when I started browsing the Incredible Things website I came across this:
I am in awe. I think I might have to order one of these of Mr Z's cuteness. I totally recommend checking out their website. FFF for today is definitely Incredible things, they even have crayon rings! Wait, I would probably have to share those with Mr Z. Rethinking...rethinking.

toodles....Sandi

Art....or Fashion?

2009-04-28T15:14:00.000-05:00

How about both?

"Primary Reasoning" Watercolor Crayon Art by PaulJacksonart
Design custom shoes online at http://www.zazzle.co.uk/
More Painting Keds Shoes

How cool is that???? A little pricey for shoes (for me, anyways)...but if I didn't have to pay so much in overseas shipping, I would most likely splurge! I do love me some crayons!

toodles....Sandi

DaffyCat is at it again....

2009-04-27T22:25:00.003-05:00

OOOOHHHHHH....DaffyCat is having a giveaway! I want to win so bad my arms have goosebumps....so, I am giving you fair warning: GO SIGN UP!! She hand-dyed these beautiful pieces of fabric for those of us stitchy fiends (and I totally didn't misspell friends...we ARE fiends). Aren't they gorgeous????
Head on over and post your comment, I don't want you to miss out! (or do I?)

toodles....Sandi

And the Winner is....

2009-04-26T19:51:00.003-05:00

Mr Z helped me cut up all the little papers with names on them, with his handy-dandy-safety scissors (of course).

The winner of my very first blog giveaway is....

Miss Elaine!!!!

Here is what you have won...

Handmade by me, well the stained glass representation in cross-stitch was by me, in a keepsake box. That was in honor of my birthday. She also will be receiving 4 handmade bookmarks and a green recycled shopping tote.

Thank you all for your warm birthday wishes, and for those that participated in my giveaway...many thanks. I had fun sharing my birthday along with my 100th blog post, and Earth Day!

toodles....Sandi

Extending giveaway deadline

2009-04-24T20:22:00.002-05:00

I am not feeling well, so staying up until midnight for me is out of the question (for tonite anyways). I will be drawing for my 100th post giveaway on Sunday, the deadline for entries will be Sunday at 12pm (noon)CST. Good Luck!!

Did I mention that I LOVE YOU ALL!?!?!?!

I do have some great finished projects to show you....they will be coming soon!!!

hugssss

toodles....Sandi

Good Things Come in 3's

2009-04-22T12:13:00.002-05:00

Welcome!!! To my 100th POST!!!!!

I'm celebrating today, which is also Earth Day
and also MY BIRTHDAY!!!!

That's right! 3 great things to celebrate...pop open a good bottle of bubbly... I am giving something wonderful away! Actually, I am giving three things away!

First up: I finished the stained glass cross stitch I designed and inserted it into this awesome keepsake box......

Isn't it pretty???? Here is an open box view:For you, I am also putting a GREEN shopping tote inside it (to celebrate EarthDay!!)

And for those of you that know me well...you know I love to read, so I am going to put some cute bookmarks inside it for your reading enjoyment!!

Thank you all so much for your kind emails and support through my artistic and mommy adventures. I am happy that I am able to share my birthday with each of you.

Now...down to how you enter for the drawing (which Mr Z will pull out of a hat).

To enter your name:

1 entry for being a follower

1 more if you blog about my 100th post giveaway and come back and leave a comment letting me know to check it out!

and last but not least...1 entry for leaving me a comment telling me Happy Birthday!!!! I am going to leave the drawing eligibility open until Friday @12 midnight CST.

Thank you all for sticking it out with me...now go out and celebrate the Earth!!!!!

toodles....Sandi

Gossip

2009-04-22T00:30:00.003-05:00

Gossip, originally uploaded by waihey.

I think I just lost 2 hours of my life that I will never get back. But I enjoyed every minute of it. I have been browsing through the flickr pool "The secret life of toys." These collectors, comedians and artists (I say art, because some of the photography is amazing) have given me something to smile about.

It's good to laugh.

toodles....Sandi

I know it is 2009 but....

2009-04-21T23:38:00.004-05:00

I came across this zentangle:

Isn't it Outstanding? It's a limited edition zentangle that was created by Rick and Maria over at the Zentangle hompage. It was specifically made as a print that was given to each of the 2008 NECO Ellis Island Medal of Honor recipients.

Ok, my draw dropped for this one. I love the concept of zentangles, but this one had me speechless.

For more information on zentangles go here: Zentangle

For more information on the print go here: Liberty Light

and last but not least for NECO information go here: NECO

toodles....Sandi

(tomorrow is the big day..Earth Day, MY BDAY, and if I am lucky my 100th post)

Calling all socks....

2009-04-21T16:57:00.002-05:00

I am in dire need of some old brown socks to make this with:
Isn't he fabulous?!?!?! I'm not even going to make it for Mr Z...this one will be for me. For you know, those times when you need adult conversation, but there aren't any around? Why not talk to a sock puppet, right???? (did I just admit to this?). I mean, I guess I could get some white socks really really dirty...but why not just make a call out for my bloggy friends and see if they have some brown socks laying around.

So, yeah, Craft Jr. has all the info you need to make this cute giraffe sock puppet. Hop on over and check it out. Tell 'em I sent you, and that they are contributing to the crazy twitch in Sandi's eye that was caused from too much kid talk.

Anyone want to give some advise on how to make socks turn that brownish color (aside from dyeing them)???

toodles....Sandi

Mr. Tree

2009-04-21T00:44:00.002-05:00

Mr. Tree, originally uploaded by DeliciousCrochet.

I am in LOVE with DelicioudCrochet! I love amigurumi, who am I kidding? Her creations all have such character, though...don't you just want to be a tree hugger???? (he he he)

toodles....Sandi

AppleJack

2009-04-21T00:35:00.001-05:00

AppleJack, originally uploaded by MUFFA - Mariella's Unusual Fantasy Funny Animals.

This miniature sock monkey, crocheted by MUFFA (Mariella's Unusual Fantasy Funny Animals) is so cute. I would be blind by the time I finished whipping up something that small...or my hands would be all knotted up.

Now THAT is talent!!!

toodles....Sandi

Yeah!!! It's finally finished!!

2009-04-19T14:30:00.000-05:00

Ladies and Gentlemen: I finally finished my camera strap that I have been planning for months!
YAY! I knew I needed something comfortable for my camera, and I bought this beautiful ribbon a while back, with the good intentions of using it for something (I just didn't know what). Then, yesterday (during my peaceful day), visions of camera straps started wondering through my mind. I hand stitched this little cutie:
I added vintage buttons and some little bows to make it even more girlie, or maybe just because I could....who knows. I love it! Although, the stitching looks terrible, I am completely content with it.

When I showed it to the hubby, he made that face: "There is no way I am picking up that thing with that ribbon on it now." BONUS!!! It's all mine now....he he he....no sharing the camera anymore!

toodles....Sandi

Feelin' The Love

2009-04-19T10:08:00.000-05:00

Saturday was a quiet and peaceful day for me. The hubby took Mr. Z on some "manly" errands about town, so I was able to just sit and read, or do some crafting. I spent a huge chunk of the morning staring out my second-floor window at a tree. Not just any tree, a tree in my backyard..outside my craft-room window. There are three bird's nests in it! I sat in my chair, perched by the window, and watched as the different birds fended off would-be threats to their families. It was so amazing!

Later on in the day, the hubby and Mr. Z came home with goodies! I love rhinos...my collection of them is a little over the top, but they make me sooooooo happy! So when the hubby was at the sporting goods store (getting Mr Z the next size up in cleats), and noticed some sneakers with rhinos all over them...he got them for me! I love them!

He also stopped by the hardware store to get a few things for doing some around the house maintenance, and saw these:

They are scissors that you can use for making fringe (or a mess if you let Mr Z try them out)!!! The wonderful hubby had no clue what they were for, but he thought of me! He said, "I knew they were weird, and that you would probably know exactly what to do with them." He was right, they are weird. And, I know exactly what to do with them!!!! How awesome is this man?

toodles....Sandi

The "Z" chair

2009-04-18T15:18:00.000-05:00

I have been wanting to do something with Mr Z's plain old wood chair, and it occured to me (while in the process) that you might want to see the process. Duh. Alas, I forgot to take the pictures.

But here is the finished product:

I used Mary Corbet's Flowered Monograms from La Broderie Blanche, 1912 for the "z"

but made a few modifications to give it a more tribal-tatoo-ish look. I had originally intended to do spiderman, but realized he would eventually outgrow it. I wanted to be able to use it as a decoration in my sitting room in the future, so I went with a "z."

toodles....Sandi

Long-Awaited Treasure

2009-04-17T21:12:00.002-05:00

Mr. Z has been begging me for a treasure box, but he wanted one we kept seeing in the Oriental Trading Co. catalog. I just couldn't see spending money on a cardboard box that looks like a treasure chest. (That, and he didn't need all the little toys and junk that comes inside it).

Then, last week, we were walking around Hobby Lobby (of course...where else would we be?) and guess what? All of their Paper Mache craft items were 50% off!! Oh YEAH! This humongous treasure chest was a whopping $3.50 (+tax). He wanted to paint it himself, so I let him at it with primary colors. He chose where the green, blue, red and yellow are. He even painted most of it. Then, he did't like it. So, the Paint-Fairy came in the middle of the night and did some "touching up."

He LOVES IT!!!!!

toodles....Sandi

Friday Favorite Finds (part 8)

2009-04-17T18:47:00.007-05:00

We are geitting closer and closer to my 100th post!!! I am so happy!!! I was hoping to have it coincide with my birthday (next Wednesday...yes, I am lucky enough to have Earth Day as my birthday!), but I don't know if I can get that many in without bombarding you with multiple posts per day. What do you think? Can you guys handle it?

I have some really great stuff I am giving away to celebrate, but I am keeping it under wraps until the big day. Guess you'll have to keep coming back, he he he.

So, on to Fridays Favorite Finds. I love me some Mary Corbet's Needle N Thread (if you have been reading a while, you have seen me feature her before). On Wednesday, she posted about something that caught my eye. It's called The Online Needlework Show, and it is like eye candy galore for the embroiderer, cross-stitcher or basically any form of needlework (including knitting and crocheting). I literally got lost clicking throught page after page of various vendor's works.

Two (or three, I lost count) days later, I had to just say NO!!! I have spent so much time browsing, drooling and coveting the massive amounts of things to add to my "MUST HAVE" lists. There are patterns, completed works, tools of every needlework trade...all waiting to deplete my savings. Though I will undoubtedly continue to visit the site, and all the various vendors sites as well...I had to promise myself that I would walk away. FOR NOW.

But, I did bring a little eye candy home for my loverly friends!

The first is gorgeous, and that just barely begins to touch on its beauty:

If you visit Gitta's, you will come across that wonderful Family Tree. Just sit back, take a deep breath, take in the awesomeness. When I first got a peek of this tree, I imagined all the family member's names stitched on each little picture...all the extra details and scrollwork. The plethera of locations in my home as well as my mom's house, my dad's house, my sister's house. There are so many inspirations being caused by this tree, it's unfathomable...the daydreaming involved.

Then, of course, was this wonderful example of Quaker samplers from Monasterium:

The different seasons, the colors, the design...breathtaking artistry (of course, these are my opinions-if you don't like them, I apologize for monopolizing your time).

I encourage you to visit The Needlework Show. But make sure before you do, have a drink ready (and maybe even a snack, depending on how often your body needs nourishment).

toodles....Sandi

Birthday WISHES

2009-04-13T11:27:00.000-05:00

First.......
I got bored, and made something up on PAINT for my bloggy friends.

Second: My birthday wish is to pile up every crafty friend I have (including family) into the soccermom suburban and take a day to go here:

Sometimes, I just can not help my dorkiness.

toodles....Sandi

HOPPY EASTER!!!!!!!

2009-04-12T11:34:00.000-05:00

Here is a little glimpse of my Easter decorations:

My neighbors actally have green thumbs. I....DO NOT. But I love flowers, so I marched right up to their front door and asked if I could (trample) AHEM...I mean walk in their garden and take a few pictures:
and of course I drug Mr Z along, he thought it was a man-eating flower at first.

I hope you all have an uplifting Easter, remember the cost....and that Jesus loves you.

toodles....Sandi

Some Picture Sharing

2009-04-11T18:20:00.002-05:00

A few weekends ago, we took a drive up to visit my mom. It had been so long since I had been up there, I had forgotten about the little treasures she has all over her house. Her kitchen is a little bit everything, but there were some needlework and antique gems I just had to share.

This first one is framed, so I couldn't find out who the artist was. It is kind of a mix between emboidery and crewel. I love the colors, but most of all the prairie girl:

Then not too far from that was this little beauty:

I love the vintage untencils. They have old wooden handles, that were at one time painted red. I bet they were fun to collect. If you look closer, you can see what they are hanging on is an old iron rake (not on it's handle of course). Isn't it fabulous??

Of course under the shelves of tea cups and saucers were these adorably appliqued vintage dish towels!!! I love them....almost as much as the visit!!!

There is just one more thing I wanted to share, last week before going to church I took a snapshot of my cuties (hubby and Mr Z):
If I could stand the hunt-n-pecking for much longer I would share more....but I have reached my limit! Thank you all for you emails and comments of support, I am so mad at myself for being so clumsy, but your encouraging words have been extremely helpful!!

toodles....Sandi

A little "break"

2009-04-11T13:04:00.002-05:00

It has taken me two days to try and figure out how I am going to do this whole blog thing with one hand. Yes, I said one...I closed my left hand in a garage door. Two broken fingers later, and not being remotely sure how to function, I am more frustrated than I EVER thought imaginable.

I can't knit...ever tried that with one hand?
I can't crochet...it is actually possible, I have found, but it looks horrible with no tension whatsoever.
I can't paint...try opening a used paint bottle with one hand...it is hard enough with two hands.
I thought about just taking a break, no pun intended, from crafting. I thought I could just do some writing on the ol' blog for a bit, but hunt-n-pecking is pissing me off royally.

So, what to do while my hand is wrapped up with these metal bars????

Any suggestions?????

toodles....Sandi

ps...it just took me an hour to type this short bit!!! Ain't life peachy????

Home Hooked: Cute Monkey!

2009-04-08T21:43:00.002-05:00

OMG! This guy is so cute I can hardly stand it! In a perfect world, where I had loads of money to burn...he would be sitting on my table beside my reading chair in my sitting room! I just don't have the money to spend (at the moment). But you can go to Home Hooked's Esty store and have him sitting somewhere special that would make you smile! She has tons of cuties waiting for your home, or for your special little person. I recommend browsing through them, but be warned: CUTENESS ALERT!!! You WILL be tempted to snatch up quite a few of them!

I personally love her duck series...all kinds of characters, for the collector in all of us!

Also, check out her blog: Home Hooked You won't be disappointed!!

I hope you all have a wonderful Easter, the Easter bunny has been hard at work in this house. Unfortunately, my 4 year old is a little too smart for his britches, so the Easter bunny is having to be VERY SNEAKY!!!

toodles....Sandi

Friday Favorite Finds (part 7)

2009-04-03T14:47:00.003-05:00

It's here, Friday...and a very busy week it has been. I have a lot of wonderful things planned for you, the wonderful followers (all ten of you)! Some surprises are sneaking up as my 100th post looms in the near future. But, that is for a later date, now I bring you...Friday's Favorite Finds!

I stumbled, recently, across a truly gifted artist, JmDay. She is also amazingly crafty. She has inspired me to make this:

I have been eyeballing those ribbon storage boxes at JoAnn's and Michael's for a while, wondering to myself how I was going to make one....cause the cheapIE in me won't spend that much money on a box. Seriously, what are they trying to pull over on me? There is one that is almost $30!!! I have in my supplies everything needed to make one like JmDay has crafted, I cant wait to have the "time" to do so.

She makes the most beautiful quilts, including this gorgeous recent completion:

How could anyone not be inspired to create such beauty if they had an organized room like this:

I hope you are as inspired as I am, I don't think I will be taking up quilting any time soon, considering my fear of the sewing machine. But, I am making that ribbon box...and I might even organize my craft/art room while I am at it!

toodles....Sandi

So I did it, GET OVER IT!!

2009-04-01T22:21:00.004-05:00

I'm normally not one to care too much about what people think about how I attire myself. I get made fun of, a lot. I am asked on numerous occasions, "What were you THINKING??" In most instances, I shrug it off, and respond, "I like it!"

Truly, who cares if someone doesn't quite approve of your flowered ankle socks under your Doc Marten sandals? I don't, I love bright colors, and the shoes are the most comfortable ones I own.

Am I fashion forward? Absolutely not!

Can I tell you what you should wear to accentuate your body style or coloring? Most likely.

Just because I have the information, doesn't mean I have to use it! I like being comfortable, I hate ironing....but most of all: I DO NOT WANT TO WASTE MY TIME ON EARTH GETTING DOLLED UP!!!! What is the point? My husband loves me for who I am, and I am NOT Barbie. His favorite thing to see me wear is a pair of jeans and a t-shirt. If I add to it, bonus for him!

I don't enjoy wearing make-up, it breaks me out. I have enough going on in that department from all the medications I have to take, I do not need any help.

I hate curling irons, they were invented by the devil, and I stand by that with my whole being. Every time I pick one up, I burn myself somewhere. I even have burn scars on my legs, from dropping the damned things on me.

This brings me to my point: I cut my hair off....most of it. I sport a very short (about 1 inch long) spiky haircut. All I have to do is wash my hair, no conditioner mind you, towel dry it...and slap some hair glue in it. WALAHHH! Hair done! I could not have imagined life could be so free.

I have had this "do" for a while now, I originally got it by accident. I had taken my toddler (at the time) to get his hair cut. They offered to watch him while I got a quick trim, that didn't pan out...he rushed the stylist....the scissors attacked my locks.....the rest is history. I have since fallen in love with it, to the dismay of many around me. It is not the most flattering hair style on my chubby round face. I know this. BUT, I STILL LOVE IT!!

Back off already! I am over being made fun of, and hurt by the fact that many of those that do the snickering are my own family! Why can't you all just love me because I am always making you guys stuff? Oh, wait, I meant to say, "because I am ME???" Oops!

Happy April, my birthday is coming soon, if you hate my hair that much...go buy me a frigging wig!

Huggssss!

toodles....Sandi

(This has been part of Mamakat's writer's workshop) Your turn.

EDIT:
.....It has come to my attention that I may be hurting some feelings with this blog post. That was not my intention, I promise. This is not directed at any ONE person, and I am not in the habit of hurting those that I cherish. If your feelings have been hurt, and you have taken this personally....DON'T. I just wanted to participate in Mamakat's writer's workshop, and my hair has become somewhat of an "issue." I have been brooding over why it has become such an issue, and this seemed like a good outlet for my frustration.

Quickie Vacation

2009-03-27T10:03:00.003-05:00

I am just stopping in to let you know we (my family and I) are taking an impromptu vacation to Oklahoma to visit my mommy. I have been so busy with soccer and migraines the last few days that getting ready has been near to impossible. Today I am turning off the computer and will be off until Tuesday of next week.

Don't forget to turn off your lights Saturday night from 8:30pm to 9:30pm for EarthHour! For more information on that visit www.Earthhour.org, join up, it is a wonderful event to be a part of.

I hope you all have a wonderful weekend!

toodles....Sandi

Bringing out the GIRLIE GIRL in me

2009-03-25T04:39:00.007-05:00

A while back, I bookmarked a page that was referenced to by another blog. Being the "bad" note-keeper that I am, I didn't write a note who I found it through. As such, I must apologize to anyone who reads this post, that might have originally posted about this web site before I am. Ooops! I just can not help myself, I have been saving it for Easter because I imagine if I had a little girl, I would be printing these out left and right for her Easter basket!

I may do it anyways, just for me.

Paper dolls....wait, let me relive my youth. Ok, moment over. There is a whole website dedicated to Betsy McCall Paper Dolls. They have archives of every issue organized by month ready and waiting for you to print out and play with! I must admit though, if I had any aptitude with a sewing machine, I would totally make that yellow dress for myself!

My favorite part is the note at the bottom of the pages where it says you can send it for a cardboard copy for 10 cents! I am imagining a time of such prices.

toodles...Sandi

Bunny Love Lolly

2009-03-23T09:41:00.003-05:00

I have a spring-time confession. Bunnies. I love bunnies, I want to put them everywhere. If my little one would wear a dress, he would be wearing this one:

I love Lolly, she shows how she made this cute bunny dress on her website Lollychops. She even made a matching little onesie. And, if you DO have a little girl, she has posted some freebie downloadable patterns of various bunnies! Thanks Lolly!!

toodles....Sandi

Easter is coming soon!

2009-03-21T13:47:00.004-05:00

I have my bunnies displayed, and my heart ready for Easter. Jesus is, of course, the main focus of Easter Sunday for me. But, I adore bunnies and hunting for eggs as much as the next girl. It is even better now that I have my own little one to get all fancy, and have help me decorate. I can not wait to try these eggs that Fiona Carter posted over at her blog on typepad:

They are so adorable, and she give step-by-step instructions on how she accomplished the look. Not to mention great pictures all the way through it! (Pictures help for us slower ones).
EGG-Cellent!!!

toodles....Sandi

Fridays Favorite Finds (part 6)

2009-03-20T02:42:00.002-05:00

This edition of Friday's Favorite Finds has been a result of something I stole out of the hubby's garage! I had been planning to hit up the local hardware store the next time I had a chance ,but I was waiting for the need to buy more than just this:

That's right all of you loyal Needle 'n Thread followers! I got me some, and I did NOT have to go to the MAN STORE!! If you have no clue what I am talking about, Mary (at Needle 'n Thread) recently posted a great find. She used these key tags to label and control her embroidery floss, click on the picture to go directly to that post:

Mary is a genius, and I love her tutorials, I wish she would have been my teacher when I was in school. I love her brilliant idea to use the key tags, however, I don't do as much needlework as she does. I had no need to go beyond the boring organization I already have for my embroidery floss, so the tags were hanging on my craft bench until last night. I keep everything written down, in some form or another, I have to, my mind never stops. And apparently I can't remember my last name from one minute to the next, either...ask the wonderful hubby about that argument.

So I was looking for something I had written a while back and I started pulling out my notebooks one after the other to find it. It is irritating that it is not easier to read the sides of these things when it is so easy to write in them:

Then, all of a sudden, LIGHT BULB!!!!!!! I knew I needed those key tags:

So, FFFs part 6 is definitely KEY TAGS!!!!!!

toodles....Sandi

Totally in my own little world

2009-03-19T22:53:00.003-05:00

Lately, I have been going through a lot of pictures, trying to sort them. I am undertaking a humongous scrapbooking project (of my own doing). You see, I have all of this scrapbooking stuff, and the pictures, and the room to do it in...yet it is not getting done.

Thus, the picture sorting. I am such a mushy person when it comes to my little one. Every time I start looking at pictures of him, I drift away. I can remember exactly how he felt in my arms, exactly how badly I hated being pregnant, and exactly the way he looked at me. Then I begin the whole "I wish he were that small again" process. He is getting so big now, even though he is only 4 1/2 years old, I still think he is HUMONGOUS compared to this:
That is the very first picture he ever took. You know, the one where the hospital photographer comes in and takes pictures and tries to sell you 40 million dollars worth right then when you are all sentimental. (It's EVIL!! I strongly urge you to resist the temptation!!) They know how to pull your strings. But, that is not what I am writing about. He is growing so fast, and even though I wish he were small again, so I could hold him in my arms and stare at him. I know that I would have to go through some of the more trying times all over again. Like the potty training, the food throwing, the dog tormenting...you get my drift.

And now that he is becoming his own little person, and truly testing my limitations...I still love him more than life itself. I honestly don't know what I would do without him crawling up to me in the morning with, "Mommy, get up! Can I watch cartoons?"

He is even adorable when he is dressed up as something scary:
And then he looks at me with those big brown eyes:
Life doesn't get much better.

toodles....Sandi

A few finished projects, FINALLY!!!

2009-03-17T09:36:00.000-05:00

I finally took pictures of the Yarn Ball Keeper that I made to bring along for Mr Z's soccer games that I told you about in this post. I love it so much. What is awesome, is the ribbon is interchangeable. With my ever-changing mind, this is a good thing. I have lots of different ribbon that I can use to change up the look, and most of it would look pretty amazing with red.
The top of it is like a draw-string, with the ribbon of course. Isn't the soccer ribbon adorable?

Here it is with a knitting WIP. I have been making a lot of baby wash rags lately. Not for myself of course, but many of my friends and family are sporting baby humps as of late.

I also wanted to show you what I did to spruce up my kitchen a bit. I have the fabric I used on this project in my kitchen as curtains, hand sewn by me...still with the sewing machine phobia, I know. It's a container I purchased at Target that holds dishwasher soap tabs. I love the little thing so much, I just keep reusing it. So, I thought that I would make it match my kitchen a bit more. I love me some Tacky glue, so I carefully glued some of the leftover curtain fabric on and added a little red grossgrain ribbon. Now it can sit out on the counter without being an eyesore!

I love the vintage fabric, and the whole damask look is coming back with a vengence. So, I snapped it up when I saw it, and at a really great price too!

Here is a pic of it with the lid open...please pay no attention to my badly manicured (more like unmanicured) fingers!

That is all I have for now, but I have so much more coming soon. I also want to remind you that my 100th post giveaway is swiftly approaching, so stay tuned!

toodles....Sandi

Thin Mints??? Any takers?

2009-03-16T14:51:00.000-05:00

I know of several people who will love this recipe. And if you decide to make some, could you make a few extra for me???

Little Birdie Secrets: make your own thin mints

Gotta Love Little Birdie!

toodles....Sandi

CHECK ME OUT!! I tackled HTML

2009-03-16T03:05:00.003-05:00

I took the plunge, I wanted something specific for my blog. I have been drooling over the designs over at Cutest Blog On The Block for a while now. Only problem is, I wanted some of the colors in the text, background and borders of the "body" a little different.

HTML petrifies me, it is (according to some others) a fairly easy "language." I think it is jibberish, and it gives me a headache to look at. I finally decided to figure some basics out, though. How do you like the new design for my blog? It wasn't too painful, just time consuming.

Thanks to all my friends who talked me into it!

toodles....Sandi

2009-03-15T14:52:00.001-05:00

My birthday is coming up....you know, April 22nd for those of you who are OLD and forget things! I want some of these so bad I can see them sitting around my house:

Click on the picture to visit Maya's blog, she'll tell ya when you can get em. Or go to her Etsy Shop.
I hope I can get at least ONE before they sell out! Her stuff always sells so fast when she schedules them to be available.

You know, I KNOW that some of you can sew also. Sew (he he he) you could always just make me some. Me and my WIPs would be mighty thankful!

toodles....Sandi

Earth Hour

2009-03-13T16:58:00.001-05:00

I am trying to decide what we are going to do during our celebration of Earth Hour. I am laying down the law at my house. EVERYONE that lives here will be turning off lights, and unplugging anything electric. If the weather is nice, I was thinking that sitting out on the back porch and just enjoying each other's company would be a wonderful idea.

I thought it might also be fun to set up the tent in the backyard, and live "o-naturale" that night. I am sure that Mr Z would love it, heck we might even roast marshmallows (most likely on the grill....I am a chicken about fire).

For more information on turning out the lights for Earth Hour on March 28th, visit the official website:

What are you doing for Earth Hour?

Are you even going to participate??

toodles....Sandi

Lisa Hannigan | Sea Sew

2009-03-12T18:00:00.001-05:00

I love to watch the Colbert Report. It is one of the few things that I take the time to sit and watch, aside from General Hospital. I am a confessed GH junkie, I even chose to name my little one after one of the characters. But I digress, imagine that. I saw a new artist/musician on the Colbert Report that had me in awe. She designed her album cover, which I think is amazing. And when I checked out her music, I loved her even more.

Here is a pic of her album cover:Isn't that fabulous? And her music is so soothing. Go here and check it out!

And in unrelated news, remeber the butterfly embroidery I had started sometime back for my niece? Well I had lost it, I searched everywhere. The other day I was going through my bags/purses so that I could trim them down and make some donations to Goodwill. I was at an overload, and needed to make room for more (I can never have too many). Well, the butterfly was inside one of the inside zipper compartments of one of them! So happy, I am. So, now I have another thing to finish. Ha, Ha, Ha!

Don't forget to check her out: Lisa Hannigan Sea Sew, you won't be disappointed.

toodles....Sandi

Friday Favorite Findes part 5??

2009-03-12T00:35:00.003-05:00

I have some fabulous ribbon that I get here and there (mostly whenever it is on sale). I even have some cute soccer ball ribbon that I have been dying to find something creative to make with, because you know that as a "soccer mom" I have to be fabulous. Well, I don't have to be, but I already am....so adding a little pizzaz to my outfits for soccer days will only enhance that fabulosity!

So, I am going through my google reader, looking at all the wonderful things that people are doing and reading what they are saying. Guess what I came across? I bet you have no idea, well maybe you do, because you sneaked a peek at the picture....just look at it though:

I already have the jeans picked out that I am going to do this to. So, today's FFF is definitely

turkey feathers: Tourniquet Patch. Turkey Feathers is a great crafting blog, lots of ideas, and wonderful pictures. I also realy like the layout, I don't say that often. I'm picky about that kind of stuff!

So, check out turkey feathers, and let me know if you want me to tourniquet patch a pair of your jeans with my soccer ribbon, because I think I have like 20 yards of it! I am all about sharing!

toodles....Sandi

crochet tabtop curtains!

2009-03-11T15:47:00.000-05:00

I have been so busy lately. I never imagined being a SAHM would be so fullfilling and exhausting at the same time.

On the list of things to do:
finish burp rags I am knitting up for a baby shower this coming weekend
attach buttons to pillow slip-cover I am making for baby M
finish the scarf Leanna started years ago, and never finished before she leaves for Georgia
Make or find curtains (for our kitchen/dining room that I still havent done...and we have been living in this house for a year and a half)

Seems like a lot when you add daily cleaning, cooking, teaching, chauffering, etc.

Lucky me, I was flashed at the top of my gmail with this link:
tinyurl.com/crochettabtops

They are adorable, and somewhat simple to whip up curtains. I love the style, and the way it brings the colors together. Great, another thing to add to my list.

toodles....Sandi

Random Crocheting

2009-03-09T12:27:00.002-05:00

The other day, I needed a project that was small to throw in my purse. I was going to have to be sitting...waiting (for a while). I was in a hurry, and couldn't find one that spoke to me. So, I just grabbed a couple of balls of leftover yarn from previous projects and my trusty size H hook, and out the door I went. I didn't have any particular pattern with me, or in my mind. That was when I just started hookin' it (little giggle). I had no idea where I was going with it, but I am that person that sits somewhere and has to be doing something with her hands or she will go into leunatic mode. This is the result:

Any guesses? I was about 3/4 of the way up what was shaping out to be some sort of pouch, and then I looked over to see my water bottle sitting there. That's when it spoke to me! Seriously, the thing practically begged for me to create some sort of gorgeous outfit for it. I, of course, had to add a handle for easy transportation. The water bottle was so happy! And lucky it didn't need to diet or anything, because it was a perfect fit.

It looks happy doesn't it? And it loves hanging from my arm!The best part of all, it was a surprise for me! I had no idea what I was doing when I started, and I ended up with a little present for myself! YAY for surprise presents!

Le Musings of Moi: Blogversations!

2009-03-08T01:22:00.000-06:00

Summer is great, and her beautiful boy has the most adorable laugh. Just so you don't think my video is random (like most things I do) you should go check out her take on the Blogversations Q&A.

Le Musings of Moi: Blogversations!

Blogversations Q and A

2009-03-08T01:13:00.001-06:00

Here it is Summer! It took me forever to figure out how to get this on my blog, or it would have gone up earlier (sorry). Just be forewarned, my bestest friend Leanna...she and I tend to laugh a lot when we are together. I hope you enjoy.
toodles....Sandi

Hanging rhino holder

2009-03-07T11:32:00.001-06:00

Hanging rhino holder, originally uploaded by Knitmyrhino.

I knot that this is not a FFF like it should be, but I just had to show you the cutie pie holder that I made. Who ever said you can't remake an oatmeal cannister? Certainly not me!!! I was originally going to put flowers in it, but the rhino fit so perfectly, it was kissmet!

I didn't die, I promise!

2009-03-06T02:17:00.003-06:00

I'm still here, I haven't forgotten you...my spwechiallll bloggy fwiend! I have been busy reeling in the moment around here. My bestest friend in the world (Leanna) and her daughter have been in town visiting! She lives in GA and with the money being tight in the dear hubby's wallet...travelling and visiting far off lands has not been easy.

I do have several tidbits of info for you...my dearest blog (I cannot believe I am talking to you as if you are actually a "you"....eh, whatever works).

Firstly (is that a word?)...I have decided to take part in Summer's blogversations this week. Well, not actually me, Leanna is doing it. Only she doesn't know she is doing it yet...so it's still a little iffy. But in any case, if she won't do it, my little cutie Mr Z loves to be on the videocamera...that ought to be good. Summer has listed some questions over at her blog Le Musings of Moi, that we are supposed to dupe an unsuspecting victim into answering on camera about ourselves. I don't think that is how she described making the choice of who the interviewee shall be, but that is how I like to imagine it. I can already see Leanna strapped to a chair, with the little ones surrounding her with loaded nerf guns. SAWEEEEEET!!! (That's what she gets for moving away from me.)

That should be posted Saturday sometime....no promises as to what exact time, however.

Secondly (word?)...I am chomping at the bit for Mr Z to have another birthday party for one of his little playmates to come up because of this:

Oh, heck, who am I kidding? I will be making these for any little kid that takes the chance of crossing my path...all kiddos should be given art supplies...ALL OF THEM!!!!! I saw these over at Little Birdie Secrets, crafty that one is (in my best Yoda immitation). She turned that ugly little cover on the art set into a personalized art set, for little to no money (very good thing). It makes me proud, and a little excited to see such creative and thrifty things popping up out there.

So, I am off for now, and I have pictures coming soon of Mr Z and (what I will lovingly refer to as Baby M) Leanna's little darling daughter. That little one has stolen my heart away.

toodles....Sandi

Fridays Favorite Finds (part 4)

2009-02-27T23:03:00.004-06:00

It's Friday folks, well for me it still is. I am writing this a little late, because I had very welcome out-of-town visitor today.

I hope that everyone had a fantabulous (I am in the process of writing my own dictionary) week! It has been a very busy one around here. Mr Z had 2 soccer practices this week in preparation for tomorrow's first game. I am excited about that, and maybe a little apprehensive.

Back to business, I have to say that I am happy to finally be writing about this little lady that I came across crafty blog surfing. She is creative, funny and a terrific mommy. Although I just recently added myself to her following and added her little button (see right side buttons), I have been keeping my little eye on her for a while. Her name is Tonya, and she writes 3 (yes, THREE) blogs. But my favorite is Currently Crafting.

Here is the post that drew me in... You've Got Mail. She decorated these cute little mailboxes (that she found dirt cheap I must add!) for her kiddos.

I love it, and Mr Z loves to send and receive mail, there is some fascination there that I am not entirely following. So, I think I must give this a go. Her tutorials are incredibly detailed and full of pictures. The picture thing is right up my alley, since half the time I cannot translate the written word into reality.

Let's just hope that I can find the little mail boxes as cheap as she did!

Have a great weekend y'all! (can you tell I am in Texas?)

toodles....Sandi

Controlling My Chaos: How I Organize My Recipes#c720024949307399689

2009-02-27T02:01:00.000-06:00

I am in awe of this recipe organizer:

Controlling My Chaos: How I Organize My Recipes#c720024949307399689

Guess what I am about to do?

toodles....Sandi

A Funny Lady...and a giveaway!

2009-02-26T01:17:00.002-06:00

I've been subscribed to Summer's blog "le Musings of Moi" for a while now, and she never fails to crack me up. I don't really know how I came across her blog, but I am glad that I did.

She does these "blogversations," as she calls them every Saturday. She gets on her webcam and does her blog via video. Hilarious, truly hilarious.

She has a contest going on right now that you should check out (if you haven't already). I signed up, and you can check her blog out by clicking on her button to the right. Or, you can click here.

Summer is not so much in the crafty line, that I have seen, but she is great for a laugh. She has a great bag too!

toodles....Sandi

To My Valentine...and 100th post tidbit

2009-02-25T12:34:00.004-06:00

If you are tired of Valentine's day already, I must apologize. I went a while without having access to downloading pictures on my computer. So, my Valentine's projects are being posted a little post-holiday.

I promised pics of the beautiful card I made for the hubby, here is the first one...the envelope.

I decided I couldn't just make a card, I had to decorate the envelope too.

Here is the front of the card...

And the inside....

And a top view...
I was so pleased with how it turned out, and the hubby loved it! Even though it was a little on the girly side.

Just another tidbit of craftiness:

I am totally in love with Lolly's pear designs here. I am in the process of making a mini scrapbook with them. And I am about to leave to go get some bookmarks laminated of them to give away on my 100th post! (Just one of the many things that will be in the box of goodies mailed to the winner, so stay tuned!) This is my 70th, still have a little way to go, but I thought I would start early getting the goodie box ready.

toodles....Sandi

YAY! I have pictures again!

2009-02-23T22:49:00.002-06:00

I don't know how I survived before digital photography, or scanners for that matter. I only went a little over a week without pictures to show you, and I had a hard time breathing through that.

I have a few things to show you. First, is a little heart-button and embroidered flower "thingy" that I made for the hubby for Valentine's. I know that you are probably sick and tired of the hearts that have been all over the internet lately, but I didn't get to show you mine! Suck it up!
This next one is a little doodle stitching I started a while back that I have gotten pretty far on. I found this red scarf at the thrift store (probably over a year ago), and knew I wanted to make something out of it as soon as I snatched it up. And, since I am totally into making book covers lately, I am stiching this up at random, then attaching it to some black fabric for a cover when it is done. I can not wait to see what happens.

I know you probably think I have fallen off of my rocker (which I have actually done!), but I adore the yellow polka-dots on that one's head!

Tomorrow, only one more V-Day pic...the card that I made for the hubby. I can not wait for you to see it! I am usually my worst critic, but I have to say, I did a really good job on his card.

toodles....Sandi

Fridays Favorite Find part 3

2009-02-20T20:34:00.004-06:00

I just realized that I forgot last Friday's favorite! How neglectful of me. A pinch and a knock on the noggin is in order.

I must say, a little off topic, that I am SO VERY HAPPY!! I recieved my new monitor today! This means I am back on my computer, and pictures are going to start popping up like baby rabbits in the spring. Thank you very much Daddy-O-D and Miss Elaine!

Back on topic (for now)....I am in love with the "Pounce" button on Etsy. If you don't know what Etsy is, you do not know what you have been missing! I have been a little lost the last week not having my computer, so I have been spending a lot of time on Etsy, trying to make myself feel better. Maybe not such a good idea for someone on a budget.

I came across a wonderfully talented seamstress on Etsy last week, I will give you all the info later...for now, a little story.

I have been dying to have a OOAK bag. Not just any bag, the PERFECT bag for me. I am not all that into designer purses, I mostly go for what works, and what I tend to be drawn to visually. I have to confess that I am a bit of a bag-HOG. I have "name-brand" bags/purses, but I don't think I have ever paid over 10 bucks for one though. (I am a thrift-store junkie...but that is another post all together). Where was I? Oh yes, I was looking for something that would work as an across the body style bag, that had beautiful colors and functional pockets. I wanted to be able to take projects with me everywhere, and still be able to use both hands.

So, I was pouncing along, when I stumbled upon tadalynn (otherwise known as kelie). She had sewn several stylish and colorful bags/purses that were making me think, "Hmmm, I wonder?" I sent her a question wanting to know if she could make me one similar to her birdhouse bag, but with a few modifications (most specifically, ditch the bird houses...keep the style). I told her a little about what I was going to use it for, and she emailed me back, quite promptly I must add, and gave me her thoughts about what she thought would work. We then emailed back and forth selecting colors, etc. until a final decision was made.

First of all, I was so impressed with how willing she was to work with me. Second, she seemed to know exactly what I was going for (gotta love like-minded women-especially if they agree with me all the time!). Third, the genius-artistic-wonderful-insightful (does that about explain her?) had the most beautiful bag made up for me in 2 days! That's right! She is a stay at home mom, how she found the time...I will never know. It is perfect, for me, maybe not for you...but I ain't sharing anyways.

She is totally reasonable in pricing, considering it is handmade, and very very well made at that. I only paid $30.00 for it! AND she covered the shipping! I am in love!

Therefore, I am amending FFF to be FFF'S (plural is what I am going for here).

POUNCE at ETSY.COM ... try it! It is so much fun to see all the neat things that people are coming up with. I always go for the "Undiscovered" acts...the ones that haven't made a sale yet. I want to be the one who gets them going, I am greedy like that.

and...

TadaLynn ... my newest love, move over hubby!

And without further ado, here is a pic of the wonderful bag she made for me, it looks much different than the birdhouse, cause she is good like that.....

Isn't it lovely? I love the colors! The fabric makes me smile, it fits me perfectly...and It holds exactly what I need it to! HOORAYYYYYY!!!! Happy Happy Joy Joy!

Go check out her store, and tell her I sent ya!

toodles....Sandi

2009-02-19T01:23:00.003-06:00

I don't have anything finished to tell you about, I know, such a slacker. So, instead, I am going to tell you about the funniest woman/writer/mom/wife/blogger that I have come across up to now. I can't say ever, because who knows what is out there that I have yet to discover. But she is pretty damned funny!

I was reading up on my favorite blogs tonite, and on SITS (see button to the right or click on the link provided...it isn't that hard) they were featuring Andy of the Creative Junkie. I have to say, she is an extremely talented writer. The bling board is fabulously fantastic, and my favorite post so far (I plan on reading a lot from her archives) is....Twenty Things Every Mom Needs to Know. I don't have a daughter, but I was one, and guess I still am one. Love it! I added her button to the right, couldn't help myself, she made me laugh. And anyone who knows me, knows I need a little laughter in my life right now.

I hope to make one of her "bling boards" soon. If I get it finished and take some good pictures, I will definitely share.

toodles....Sandi