tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-62327242219491428582024-03-13T05:23:47.056-07:00allioops...Allisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09506545046625209553noreply@blogger.comBlogger48125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6232724221949142858.post-44129273879299430372012-09-23T15:12:00.000-07:002014-02-20T22:02:13.131-08:00My creative self...I think that is a huge thing missing in my life right now. When Kris was here, he would tease me when I would create what I felt was a work of art, but he would always encourage it, whether my medium be words in short stories, paper in scrapbooking, or some form of craftyness like a family tree we make together, or some killer decorations for an upcoming holiday we would get excited about, even in my dancing, if was was particularly proud of something I choreographed, he would be behind me encouraging me, pushing me to my limits and beyond through some creative means... And lately that has been lacking.<br />
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I decorated early for Halloween knowing I would not have time later and discovered many of my favorite decor was things I made with Kris or my mom... I lost my partners in creativity.<br />
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So now that I have realized something that is missing in my life, how do I find time in a busy schedule to recapture that again? Do I set aside non existant time to enter online scrapbook challenges? these give me a deadline, which I find I usually need. Do I do what I am doing now, embrace my random impulses and express it then (Like now through my blogs)? Or do I push through the never ending list of obligations until time allows me to do something?<br />
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Well for now I think I am going to do what I have planned, focus on homework and cleaning and other obligations... and if impulse hits and time allows, splurge on my small remaining doses of creativity.Allisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09506545046625209553noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6232724221949142858.post-656220549843384282012-08-01T19:23:00.001-07:002014-02-20T22:02:13.176-08:00Boycotting boycotts...I am really tired of everyone boycotting everything, Chick-fil-a, Oreo's, Target, JCP, Starbuck's, etc. Someone will always disagree with your opinion, but why boycott? How is that truly going make any positive change? Fight intolerance with intolerance? When did that ever work? The only people it hurts are the individual owners, employees of a franchise, and maybe you because you are missing out on your favourite restaurant, treat, store...<br /><br />Starbuck's entire reason for being boycotted proves my point exactly! The reason people are boycotting them is because of a story that troops requested they send them some coffee overseas while they are serving, Starbucks refused claiming while they appreciate them serving, they do not support the war. What an perfect example of who boycotting hurts. Because they oppose war they won't sent coffee to our troops, how does that hurt the government who sends the troops into war? It doesn't, they will continue sending troops until they, the government, end the war... not starbucks. But because of this it hurts our troops, the little guy who has given his freedom for ours.<br />
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SO Target and JCP support LGBT, and have gay and lesbian models in their ads, so not shopping there is going to stop them from being gay? Of course not, but if enough people stop shopping there it will lead to lay offs of employees both gay and straight.<br />
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Chick-fil-a's CEO supports family values between a man and a wife... he has every right to say that, and sure you have every right to not shop there, but really the only ones it hurts are the small franchises if they lose customers, and that is not going make the CEO suddenly support same sex marriage.<br />
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ANd if OREO makes a rainbow cookie, and shows love for gay/lesbian rights, why can't you still enjoy the cookie with your family, husband, wife, etc? is it going to turn you gay? OF COURSE NOT.<br />
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So there is my opinion on the silly boycotts... I hope I haven't offended any of my friends or family, I love you all and respect your views, as I hope you respect mine... I just had several questions about a FB post recently about what it is regarding and wanted to clarify on my own page, to avoid hurtful things said on my facebook page.Allisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09506545046625209553noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6232724221949142858.post-34103002470770532482012-03-18T15:39:00.000-07:002014-02-20T22:02:13.119-08:00Lost motivation...I have so many things running through my head lately that I want to write on. So many things I need to do to clean up the house. So many things to do to catch up on school. So many things to do to work on for work. So many projects I want to attempt. SO many things I want to implement for my kids. But alas, I make no effort, no change, I have no motivation... if you find mine, or have some extra, please send it my way!<br />
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(Oh and after I irrationally condensed blogs... I realized there really was a good reason for the separation... and perhaps I need to separate again)Allisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09506545046625209553noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6232724221949142858.post-21444500107664065022012-02-28T12:30:00.002-08:002014-02-20T22:02:13.107-08:00Epiphanies...In the last couple of days I have had many epiphanies concerning various aspects of my life, and thought I need to blog this, make note of it, tell someone, do something with these insights I found... and yet I did nothing. So now I sit trying to recall ANY of these and I am failing miserably. I am hoping I have learned my lessons and will take the 2 seconds to jot down something I want to say next time inspiration hits. I hope I keep a pen and paper closer on hand, and can write something down, at least enough to jog my memory a little. So until that time when I will once again be graced with a clear thought, and the time to follow up with it I offer this advice, take a second to jot down your thoughts and ideas, before they leave as quickly as they came...Allisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09506545046625209553noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6232724221949142858.post-67384085877199562902012-02-26T08:49:00.000-08:002014-02-20T22:02:13.178-08:00Blog addicted...At one point I had 7 different blogs...<br />
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A blog with my family pictures and events...<br />
A blog for my creative writing...<br />
A blog for my academic writing notes...<br />
A blog to publicly post my goals in hopes of actually accomplishing them...<br />
A blog for letters to never be seen (I write letters to people I am mad at and delete them, great anger management)...<br />
A blog that was my "grief journal" when I lost my husband...<br />
and this one, A blog for my creative endeavors...<br />
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I have deleted my blog for letters to not be seen, there is a reason you delete them, so you no longer hold that anger, and keeping them on record, even if just for my eyes, only rekindled that anger each time I opened it.<br />
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I am going to lose my academic blog, and just merge it with my creative writing one... I like writing, but the only reason for academic is for teachers, not myself.<br />
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I am going to keep my family one with pictures around, but make certain it remains private. that if for my family to see, not the whole world. I am open with enough of my life, my children need to be private... Kris preferred it that way.<br />
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So that brings me to the point of this post. I have had many compliments on my writing, suggesting I do more with it, pursue it somehow. I have found a few online blogs that pay for writing, I have even found a few published journals to submit to. But I have found it harder and harder to decide "where" to write my thoughts, my widow blog where I am much more open? But lately it has turned into more of a life blog including dating and other aspects. My goals have not amounted to much at all... usually just another place to vent. And let's face it in the past year while I miss being crafty, raising 4 kids alone, and working, and going to school, and trying to fit in a date here and there has been more than tricky. However, I like the "title" of this blog the most, and feel it encompasses all my passions, reading, writing, crafty, my random thoughts on life, goals, tips I happen to pick up along the way... so here is my plan. I am cutting my blog life to 3 blogs. My private family one, my school and creative writing, and this. My place for creativity, my place for thoughts on life, my goals... I am also going to subscribe to ads on this one because then I can perhaps make something of it eventually. I will keep my other blogs up... but more for my own eyes. But please pass along this blogs for others to see, and I hope to be able to add it more frequently without having to decided which blog to write on.Allisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09506545046625209553noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6232724221949142858.post-71450032667999200982011-03-18T07:45:00.000-07:002014-02-20T22:02:13.192-08:00Scrapbook kitSo I had started this back in October... and I have loved it. I got it each month from Heartfelt Creations in Sandy, and had to make a 2 page layout with what was given to me. I have kinda been slacking on posting pictures... but here a few.<br /><br />Allisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09506545046625209553noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6232724221949142858.post-53430737271806294112010-11-30T22:47:00.001-08:002014-02-20T22:02:13.145-08:00All Scrapbook Steals Challenge<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_RJ5zD04Bq4A/TPXv-jigfQI/AAAAAAAAAnE/lkb-EVAHoTI/s1600/DSCN4943.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 384px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_RJ5zD04Bq4A/TPXv-jigfQI/AAAAAAAAAnE/lkb-EVAHoTI/s400/DSCN4943.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5545602374147538178" /></a><br />This contest was extended, so my sister and I entered it, it had some great prizes... so wish us luck. (Something to keep me busy)Allisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09506545046625209553noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6232724221949142858.post-79948531120286505832010-10-14T14:07:00.001-07:002014-02-20T22:02:13.210-08:00NaNoWriMo<a href="http://www.nanowrimo.org/eng/user/249777"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_RJ5zD04Bq4A/TLX0PFYzZhI/AAAAAAAAAmY/6BLqEzEG_as/s1600/nanowrimo.bmp"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 121px; height: 91px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_RJ5zD04Bq4A/TLX0PFYzZhI/AAAAAAAAAmY/6BLqEzEG_as/s400/nanowrimo.bmp" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5527592657648576018" /></a></a><br /><br />Here it is my writing blog. I am starting this blog for NaNoWriMo. What is that you ask? Well if you can see this here blog odds are you already know, cause you are doing it too. If not it just means you were curious about this other new blog of mine and wanted to check it out... So NaNoWriMo is National Novel Writing Month. It happens each November and you sign up and try to write a novel, 50,000, in 30 days. Sound hard, it is, I have tried it for 3 years now and have yet to accomplish this. <br /><br />I am once again going to attempt to accomplish, and start anew with a big goal in mind and a desire to get it done! After this I am going to transfer all my writing onto this blog and cut out my extra writing blog on my former class site...<br /><br />Wish me luck and if you would like to attempt NaNoWriMo Click on this here link and sign up, and add me as a buddy!<br /><br /><a href="http://www.nanowrimo.org/eng/user/249777">link</a>Allisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09506545046625209553noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6232724221949142858.post-59937413272834774672010-10-10T22:39:00.000-07:002014-02-20T22:02:13.156-08:00Another night out with girls...<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_RJ5zD04Bq4A/TLoona7WYAI/AAAAAAAAAm0/mXXV1zC-Jc4/s1600/DSCN4902.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_RJ5zD04Bq4A/TLoona7WYAI/AAAAAAAAAm0/mXXV1zC-Jc4/s400/DSCN4902.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5528776150258966530" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_RJ5zD04Bq4A/TLoom8YXhbI/AAAAAAAAAms/2R9rUoKCT4U/s1600/DSCN4903.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_RJ5zD04Bq4A/TLoom8YXhbI/AAAAAAAAAms/2R9rUoKCT4U/s400/DSCN4903.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5528776142059177394" /></a><br />I am loving scrapbook weekends, I get a few things done, and I do it with friends I love! So I only got like 2 pages done, but that is better than nothing right?Allisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09506545046625209553noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6232724221949142858.post-9121220900623761872010-10-06T21:57:00.000-07:002014-02-20T22:02:13.240-08:00Layout kitThere is this great scrapbook store that started this great kit club, where you get all the things you need to create a great two page layout each month. I found it was even more of a challenge, because you could not add and extras to it. I was struggling at first, but then had fun with it. I usually struggle with my own writing for titles, but decided I liked that personal touch. I made lots of the water distressed flowers to make it have that "garden" feel (see previous post for link to a tutorial on these flowers). I am very pleased with how it turned out, and I can't wait for the next one. Let me know what you think, and then check out <a href="http://heartfeltpages.com/blog/">Heartfelt creations</a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_RJ5zD04Bq4A/TLonA_Rd0sI/AAAAAAAAAmk/1wjXUEXzIBA/s1600/DSCN4901.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_RJ5zD04Bq4A/TLonA_Rd0sI/AAAAAAAAAmk/1wjXUEXzIBA/s400/DSCN4901.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5528774390488879810" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_RJ5zD04Bq4A/TK1VTeENIRI/AAAAAAAAAlk/2jcL4oiGv4M/s1600/DSCN4896.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 208px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_RJ5zD04Bq4A/TK1VTeENIRI/AAAAAAAAAlk/2jcL4oiGv4M/s400/DSCN4896.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5525166110830043410" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_RJ5zD04Bq4A/TK1VTMaATAI/AAAAAAAAAlc/LR0nauv1EqA/s1600/DSCN4897.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_RJ5zD04Bq4A/TK1VTMaATAI/AAAAAAAAAlc/LR0nauv1EqA/s400/DSCN4897.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5525166106089638914" /></a>Allisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09506545046625209553noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6232724221949142858.post-79799715774672662362010-10-06T21:43:00.000-07:002014-02-20T22:02:13.207-08:00Scraps= CardsSo I heard of a good way to use up scraps right a way, and cut down storage of usable pieces, too. After making a layout or two with the matching papers from the line you are using, make a few cards with the rest. Then you can toss the scraps with out the guilt... I still need to be better about it, I have a couple of bags of scraps I plan on using to make cards... I just haven't gotten to it yet. But here I tried out a technique I saw on the <a href="http://bobunny.blogspot.com/2010/09/water-distressed-blooms-tutorial.html">Bo Bunny blog</a> for making flowers... I tried it with this big one...<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_RJ5zD04Bq4A/TK1SnieIZrI/AAAAAAAAAlU/cO-bLTuvQtw/s1600/DSCN4892.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_RJ5zD04Bq4A/TK1SnieIZrI/AAAAAAAAAlU/cO-bLTuvQtw/s400/DSCN4892.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5525163157075027634" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_RJ5zD04Bq4A/TK1SnMTpMdI/AAAAAAAAAlM/liB5DTpfYdQ/s1600/DSCN4891.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_RJ5zD04Bq4A/TK1SnMTpMdI/AAAAAAAAAlM/liB5DTpfYdQ/s400/DSCN4891.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5525163151125459410" /></a>Allisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09506545046625209553noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6232724221949142858.post-90361546257518315612010-09-25T00:05:00.000-07:002014-02-20T22:02:13.231-08:00Night out with girls...It has been a while since I have gotten my stuff dug out and worked on any kind of scrapbook pages, but tonight my sister got together some old friends, and I dragged a couple of my dance family and we all scrapbooked for a while. While pathetic me only squeaked out a couple page layouts, I was able to catch up with friends and have a yummy dinner. So here are the layouts I got done...<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_RJ5zD04Bq4A/TK1PSBy1fMI/AAAAAAAAAlE/bjwVZGZkAlA/s1600/DSCN4895.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 204px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_RJ5zD04Bq4A/TK1PSBy1fMI/AAAAAAAAAlE/bjwVZGZkAlA/s400/DSCN4895.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5525159488991362242" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_RJ5zD04Bq4A/TK1PR5GGSDI/AAAAAAAAAk8/rRb5IJYvsE8/s1600/DSCN4894.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 207px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_RJ5zD04Bq4A/TK1PR5GGSDI/AAAAAAAAAk8/rRb5IJYvsE8/s400/DSCN4894.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5525159486656235570" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_RJ5zD04Bq4A/TK1PRgyfitI/AAAAAAAAAk0/de1_DcfUum8/s1600/DSCN4893.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 206px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_RJ5zD04Bq4A/TK1PRgyfitI/AAAAAAAAAk0/de1_DcfUum8/s400/DSCN4893.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5525159480131554002" /></a>Allisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09506545046625209553noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6232724221949142858.post-68051279998153091532010-09-07T09:18:00.000-07:002014-02-20T22:02:13.183-08:00Too busy?It would appear so seeing my lack of participation in challenges lately, or anything creative for that matter. But here is the real truth... I have NO motivation, yeah I have tons of motivation to get in there and make something creative... but I have other obligations I need to conquer first, such as a clean room and house, so I feel guilty digging into anything else until I get that simple thing done... However out of this comes a pretty good housekeeping tip!<br /><br />If cleaning for a get together you are planning or just to get caught up, and need a way of keeping that way until the event or you finish EVERYWHERE, this tip is for you. I buy cheap masking tape... cheap because it gets kinda wasted, masking because it won't peel paint. I tape off each room as I finish it. A big x so it is hard to enter, I even tape off bathrooms... and no I don't expect the kiddos to go outside for their business, but that tape not only means keep out, it lets them know I expect it to stay that way. When The kids were younger they were under the illusion that they were sneaking in, and just leaving it clean, now they are older and know if it is taped it better stay exactly as it was when entered. Then when finished or just before company arrives, pull the tape. I like this because not only does it keep it up until you are done, but it marks progress.<br /><br />Now if I accomplish what I plan on today I will post pics of my finished rooms taped off. And maybe get a little creative project done, but if not I will for sure have a project done in a week's time... waiting on an order for something to finish it!Allisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09506545046625209553noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6232724221949142858.post-38768161228476084382010-08-15T22:12:00.000-07:002014-02-20T22:02:13.128-08:00InspiredA friend of mine posted this link a while back and I have been hooked ever since. She set up a budget of a dollar a day for a year, and finds vintage or thrift clothes to alter for a new outfit a day. How fun is this, I am so impressed by some of the things she comes up with... of course being cute and skinny helps tons. Well I think I am going to try for remaking an old dress new once a month... plus it might help motivate me to lose a little weight. I have some great plans in store... not sure when I am going to find time to do it, but it will be fun to at least try!<br /><br />Here is the <a href="http://newdressaday.wordpress.com/">link</a>, I am sure you will become a fan too!Allisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09506545046625209553noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6232724221949142858.post-7018006005016701282010-08-12T17:55:00.000-07:002014-02-20T22:02:13.189-08:00LAUNDRY<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_RJ5zD04Bq4A/TGSaKVbMSxI/AAAAAAAAAhc/gTYKsogJsPc/s1600/DSCN4830.JPG"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_RJ5zD04Bq4A/TGSaKVbMSxI/AAAAAAAAAhc/gTYKsogJsPc/s200/DSCN4830.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5504694146894154514" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_RJ5zD04Bq4A/TGSZ_AlELBI/AAAAAAAAAhU/lGFloJDzAms/s1600/DSCN4829.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_RJ5zD04Bq4A/TGSZ_AlELBI/AAAAAAAAAhU/lGFloJDzAms/s200/DSCN4829.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5504693952319859730" /></a><br />If you are a reader of my other blog you know I am going back to my original laundry solution that worked. I tried for a while letting my teenagers do it, so they would learn how, but they have failed miserably... a full day of laundry and still not caught up has proved this.<br /><br />So how did I once stay so organized you ask? I had a basket for each room, not a hamper that hid the laundry, a basket that matched cute in there. A pink one for the girls, a blue one for the boys, a white one for us, and a cream one in the bathroom. Each night I would tell the kids to collect the baskets for me, and I would sort the clothes out by colors into the baskets. Reds in the girls, Darks in the boys, Whites in ours, and lighter colors in the bathroom one. They then went to bed, I began running the loads that night and through the morning (they were fairly small since it was one days worth divided by 4)in the morning before they left for school they had to get their own basket of laundry, which I sorted back into their own baskets, and put them away before they left for school. Giving them the empty basket to fill with dirty clothes throughout the day again.<br /><br />I think I can still have my teens help since they stay up later now, and get up early for school, I will just leave the basket in the room for when they get home. I had a friend do laundry similar, but only once a week, I found this left too much to do in one day, plus with my jobs I rarely have a full day off.Allisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09506545046625209553noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6232724221949142858.post-35144127215436812992010-08-09T11:29:00.000-07:002014-02-20T22:02:13.122-08:00Better than Sex Cakes...I didn't name them, I just made them! And these are soooo yummy! There is a vanilla version and a chocolate one. We had a family picnic and I made a couple cakes for it. These turned out better than I remembered! (They tasted better than they looked, so i didn't capture them in pictures, just calories)<br /><br />Chocolate Better than ANYTHING cake<br /><br />Chocolate cake mix<br />caramel butterscotch topping<br />whipped cream (cool whip)<br />toffee bits<br />chocolate chips mini<br /><br />Mix the cake following the instructions on package in a 9x13 pan. Immediately after taking it out of the oven poke holes all over it with the back of a wooden spoon. pour the caramel topping over the cake while still hot, smoothing it into the holes with a spatula. Let it cool completely. Spread whip cream over cake and sprinkle with mini chocolate chips and toffee bits. <br /><br /><br />Vanilla better than ANYTHING cake<br /><br /><br />Vanilla or white or yellow cake mix<br />1 can coco lopez coconut milk (found in the alcoholic mixers section of the store, it is NON alcoholic)<br />whipped cream (cool whip)<br />toasted coconut<br /><br />Mix and bake cake according to instructions. Immediately after removing from oven poke all over with holes the back of a wooden spoon works best. Spread the coconut milk all over the cake pushing into holes with a spatula. cool completely, and spread whipped cream over it. Sprinkle with toasted coconut for topping.<br /><br />Enjoy! (Will add a picture when I make these again)Allisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09506545046625209553noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6232724221949142858.post-70013580187798940502010-08-06T14:04:00.000-07:002014-02-20T22:02:13.186-08:00Curtains and PictureSo My daughter finally got back and I could take a picture of my pretty dining room... see post below. But here are the AWESOME valance I made for it and this cool picture holder. I had extra material from the valance I made a table runner and this neat picture frame, I framed the material in an old frame I sprayed Black, then I tacked on some pictures of my cute kiddos from various Nutcracker shows.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_RJ5zD04Bq4A/TFx5zLWPqKI/AAAAAAAAAhM/rAlLnRRprMs/s1600/DSCN4791.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_RJ5zD04Bq4A/TFx5zLWPqKI/AAAAAAAAAhM/rAlLnRRprMs/s400/DSCN4791.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5502406764866283682" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_RJ5zD04Bq4A/TFx5ysP8lzI/AAAAAAAAAhE/5tgPKuNOnYU/s1600/DSCN4795.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_RJ5zD04Bq4A/TFx5ysP8lzI/AAAAAAAAAhE/5tgPKuNOnYU/s400/DSCN4795.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5502406756518369074" /></a><br />I like how they turned out!Allisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09506545046625209553noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6232724221949142858.post-24444590046483110112010-08-03T19:54:00.000-07:002014-02-20T22:02:13.110-08:00Dining roomI am so frustrated at the moment, and have decided what my daughter is getting for Christmas... or maybe I will get it and give the old one... I let her take my camera to camp and I really want it right now. I have redecorated our dining room and I am so excited about it I wish I could show you all.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_RJ5zD04Bq4A/TFx4wz1T1qI/AAAAAAAAAg8/ivstxoK7yL4/s1600/DSCN4790.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_RJ5zD04Bq4A/TFx4wz1T1qI/AAAAAAAAAg8/ivstxoK7yL4/s400/DSCN4790.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5502405624682763938" /></a><br /><br />I even made a couple of great art pieces to add to it, but you will all have to wait until Friday to see it when she returns with my camera.<br /><br />I made a great valance and put up curtains. I painted a wall RED and made a table runner and. Now I am on to more projects... I will keep you posted.Allisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09506545046625209553noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6232724221949142858.post-82146536198655503832010-07-06T09:05:00.001-07:002014-02-20T22:02:13.219-08:00My Style?Several blogs I have read recently have been discussing their scrap booking "style" and that got me to consider mine. What is my style? I like to keep up to date on new trends, and fun accessories, but I try not to let it be at the expense of the photos. At least that was what I thought of my style up until Friday night.<br /><br />Friday night I had such a fun time. I stayed up ALL night scrapbooking. My dear friend Amber got quite a bit done and then comment how simple her layouts are compared to mine, which where much more elaborate. That is when I learned something about my style.<br /><br />I began looking through my finished books, one with pictures and one without. I get much more complicated when I design without a picture, and simple when I design without. So I began to ask myself why that might be? I think if I don't have a specific focus, the picture, I continue to add to and embellish what I am working on, trying to fill in that void. This has resulted in my new Scrapbook goal: use the pages I have and fill in with a picture, and try to base my layout on a focus, the picture. After all isn't that the point of Scrapbooking?<br /><br />That being said, here is the layout I created that night for a scrapbook challenge at Bo Bunny... without pictures. I based my 2 page layout on this sketch...<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_zmBYqu8XDHU/TCoFkmoQO9I/AAAAAAAAADs/eTXBG13en6s/s1600/Sketch.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_zmBYqu8XDHU/TCoFkmoQO9I/AAAAAAAAADs/eTXBG13en6s/s1600/Sketch.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br />I loved this sketch, but at first it seemed a little busy and it intimidated me... but then I realized i don't need to copy it exactly. and then one page didn't seem enough. I used the sophie line and a few random embellishments I had picked up and left over from other projects. I have not yet added the pictures (nor do I know which pictures I will be adding) but when I do I will repost this. SO this is for the Layout challenge on Bo Bunny located <a href="http://bobunny.blogspot.com/2010/07/layout-challenge-friday.html">HERE</a>... check it out!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_RJ5zD04Bq4A/TDNoYFXm8OI/AAAAAAAAAdY/3R92YvwojFE/s1600/DSCN4488.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 203px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_RJ5zD04Bq4A/TDNoYFXm8OI/AAAAAAAAAdY/3R92YvwojFE/s400/DSCN4488.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5490847133662114018" /></a><br /><br />I really like how this layout turned out, and I think it is a good example of my "style" so I would like to know what your scrapbook style is? (that's you my two followers)<br /><br />Speaking of following... I like followers, it makes me feel important. I have two scrapbook kit layouts I have made for various activities. If anyone happens upon here and wants to click the little follow button and post a comment, I will send a kit to a couple of random posters! (they are a Halloween Layout and a Winter Layout)Allisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09506545046625209553noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6232724221949142858.post-63249838862138090492010-07-02T06:31:00.001-07:002014-02-20T22:02:13.162-08:00New Month New Giveaway!So once again I am trying to win the All Scrapbook Steals giveaway... since I have not yet won it I am posting to hopefully win with a second chance for posting this. So go check it out and let me know if you win... I may have to come scrapbook with you.<br /><br /><a href="http://allscrapbooksteals.blogspot.com/2010/07/july-giveaway.html">ALL SCRAPBOOK STEALS</a><br /><br />Also we are suppose to comment about our favorite summer past time may be... it would seem like it should be cleaning since that is what I am always talking myself into doing but I really like to go camping and hiking and swimming, I also love roadtrips, driving to visit family... although lately it seems like it hasn't worked out to do much of that.Allisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09506545046625209553noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6232724221949142858.post-75019327239464743722010-06-30T10:47:00.000-07:002014-02-20T22:02:13.200-08:00Bon Appetit...So in the McDonald monopoly game last year I won lots of coke rewards points... so I looked on there to see what I could do with them. My hubby likes to cook so I got him a subscription to Bon appetit magazine... and all those yummy recipes look sooo yummy... but so far I am the only one to use them.<br /><br />Sunday I made the best BBQ sauce. Kris used them on ribs and chicken and it was soo good, he took leftovers to work and they enjoyed it too.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.bonappetit.com/recipes/2010/07/bourbon_and_brown_sugar_barbecue_sauce">Yummy sauce link</a><br /><br />Then Monday I got the grill fired up and made the most incredible burgers... they may even compete with smashburger, and I love smash burger<br /><br /><a href="http://www.bonappetit.com/recipes/2010/07/grilled_burgers_with_meyer_lemon_butter"><br />Yummy Burger Link</a>Allisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09506545046625209553noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6232724221949142858.post-73145703741286101252010-06-28T17:32:00.000-07:002014-02-20T22:02:13.195-08:00Quick Easy Chicken RecipesI am not the best cook but I have collected a few tried and true recipes that are easy enough to remember and not mess up to bad! <br /><br />Crock Pot Chicken<br /><br />I love the crock pot and this recipe takes the cake for easy!<br />In the early afternoon put in the crockpot a couple chicken breasts, boneless skinless<br />a family size can of cream of chicken soup<br />a package of cream cheese<br />and a packet of dry italian dressing mix<br /><br />let it cook all day until the chicken is done, then serve over potatoes, rice, or egg noodles.<br /><br />Chicken broccoli casserole<br /><br />This was one of my mom's best! and everyone always loved it!<br /><br />start with some cooked chicken, boneless skinless cubed up, and some cooked broccoli (frozen works too, but I like fresh. The recipe also called for spears, but I liked the florets best)<br />lay these in the bottom of a 9 x 13 pan.<br /><br />cook some rice<br />mix cooked rice with a can of cream of chicken soup, mayonnaise, curry, lemon juice. spread this mix over the chicken and broccoli (It only called for a cup of rice, but I like it with more than that)<br />sprinkle shredded cheese on top (I like sharp cheddar)<br />then in a bowl melt some butter, and tear bread crumbs into butter, mix and sprinkle onto cheese.<br /><br />bake at 350 for about 20min... or until the cheese is melted and bread crumbs crispy.<br /><br />Enjoy and let me know if you have questions or if you liked them!Allisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09506545046625209553noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6232724221949142858.post-9261365978735639282010-06-16T22:12:00.000-07:002014-02-20T22:02:13.243-08:00Dad's DayI have 3 hard dad's to shop for this weekend... any brilliant ideas? My original plans have fizzled...Allisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09506545046625209553noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6232724221949142858.post-79240702995411253922010-06-14T22:54:00.000-07:002014-02-20T22:02:13.204-08:00Baby albumSo I have been a little crafty! My pile of repairs has shrunk, and I found time to make a cute baby album for a shower gift... it turned out sooo cute, I can't wait for baby to be here to fill the pages with pictures! I will post a few pics of it soon...Allisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09506545046625209553noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6232724221949142858.post-91086166705500389402010-06-06T19:46:00.000-07:002014-02-20T22:02:13.237-08:00Lack of Creativity... sortaSo I have missed challenges I planned on participating in, put off projects that have been piling up, and even thrown the towell in on my complete the craft area project... Why you might ask? It is June, which = recital, which = costume repairs, and props, and stress!!!<br /><br />(if I remember to take one I will upload a Picture of my sewing pile next time I am at work)<br /><br />But I thought I would make you a list of projects I have been planning on doing for a while now, which I can hopefully get done this summer...<br /><br />SEWING<br /><br />1-Those cute fabric headband with stitched flowers on them<br />2-try out some cute skirt ideas/patterns, for me and my girls, and my little nieces (if they turn out well I may have to try to sell some)<br />3-When the kids were little they each had these cool camp blankets, but they have all grown so I would like to make them each some bigger ones<br />4-I am wanting some comfy pj pants<br /><br />SCRAPBOOKING/ Cards<br /><br />There is an Alice in wonderland challenge on a couple different sites I would love to do<br />Bo bunny has a fathers day challenge (i missed the sketch layout one)<br />My minds Eye has one coming up again soon<br />I have a baby gift Scrapbook I want to get done<br /><br />Wood stuff/etc<br /><br />I need to make my Family sign again (I keep giving them away as gifts)<br />I want to try this cool idea for a family tree I have been planning<br />I want a cute magnet board to put up in my kitchen/hall<br /><br />BEADING<br /><br />There are some cute outfits I want some jewelery to match (I have the beads, just lack the time to get to them)<br /><br /><br />YARN<br /><br />I want to learn how to knit... my aunt said she would teach me so I would love to get over there sometime to learn (my mom could knit real well, but couldn't teach me being left handed, and I right<br /><br />I am sure there are others I have thought about, but forgotten on here... list some ideas if you have any good ones!Allisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09506545046625209553noreply@blogger.com0