Cards4ubyLouise and Other Treasures

♥A Valentine Gift for Him♥

2012-02-13T09:40:00.000-08:00

This is the Valentine gift I am giving the husband tomorrow, hope he likes it. A "heart box" which I got at Archivers a month or so ago, bought $10 worth of Valetine's product......that was not a hard challenge at all!!! Give me $100 and I could spend it in no time flat...lol!

So I thought it would be fun to decorate, this is what I came up with. My next challenge was trying to figure out what I wanted to put in it, no candy, no nuts, no cookies, no chocolate...........Finally came up with the answer! JP is into dried prunes, yes you heard me, they are individually wrapped, so this will work out well. They are actually VERY healthy, packing in lots of anitoxidents....more then blueberries AND they give you a GOOD constitution!!!!!

Back to the heart construction........wrapped and glued lace around the heart then covered it in red cardstock. Covered the edge with red spickles, then white spickles, sparkly red and gold heart-shapes, lots of bling and a red bow and an old-fashioned Valentine from the 50's. On the base of the heart...(which you cannot see, stuck the sparkly red and gold hearts around the base of the heart. (JP and I went to an Antique store and someone was selling some old valentines, wish I had gotten a few more. But, Valentines is almost over.....maybe next year that antique store will have more.)

JP's gift to me was a brand new pair of slippers......my old slippers were getting hole-ly and dangerous to wear, cause I was tripping over them.....time to go in the garbage, they only lasted 12-15 years or so. A gift from my mother.

JP and I went out to eat after church yesterday.......to the Express Diner (used to be a George Webbs) we got breakfast, buy one, the second one is free. Two eggs over easy, hash browns and rye toast and jelly........very good meal. We also got 6 hambergers for $5 for dinner along with homemade soup I made on Saturday....Italian Wedding Soup. Oh delicious!!!

So I think I will close this blog for now.......wishing you all a Happy Valentine's Day, hope it is really special for you.........enjoy. Keep looking up for your redemption draweth nigh.

Cheers ~ Louise

♥A Very Vintage Looking Card♥

2012-02-08T09:57:00.000-08:00

Isn't this a pretty card.......wouldn't mind someone sending a card like this to me, I really like it. JP and I went on a date Saturday and I found these reproduced vintage replica cards - 9 postcards for $.50 and thought they would make a nice card. Needed to send an anniversary card and put this one together last night......yep, think I will make some more like these. Simple to make and put together for one of those quicky cards, yet very elegant and that needs to go out by the next day. I ran off a couple of cards on my printer, soooooo can make lots of them. The postcards are not a "copywrite" so it is legal for me to copy.

Going to add a few cards to my Etsy store today after I finish this blog....more St. Patrick Day cards. Another 4 card set for $10 + postage (just $2.50 for each card - a special for St. Patty's day) Check out my store at http://www.cards4ubylouise.etsy.com/ Had a good start for the year, having 3 Etsy sales......hope that is a good sign for the rest of the year. My husband said it takes a good 5 years to get a business going, been on Etsy since 2008..........this is my 5th year, I hope he is right. Hope, hope, hope!!!!

Well, I need to close this blog for today and go on to Etsy. Then, get working on my income tax.....uge! I have till March 2nd to put it all together. Our accountant likes that I organize everything so he just has to look at it and zip, zip, zip it is all finished. We are hoping to get some money back as JP's car broke down and we could not get it fixed, needed too much work. So now we are down to just one car and that puts quite a kink into my schedule. If I have shopping to do, I need to be home in time for JP to go to work....not fun!

Well, you all have a great day and keep looking up for your redemption draweth nigh!!!

Cheers ~ Louise

♣Some New St. Patrick Day Cards♣

2012-02-06T23:30:00.000-08:00

Added some new cards to my Etsy store today. Here is a sampling of them. The two Irish boys were made last year, had never put them in my store. Must have made them after St. Patrick's Day. The two new ones on the right were made in the last couple of days. The card on the bottom, right, I found in an Antique store, in a packet 9 postcards $.50 and marked "reproduced vintage replicas"....thought they would make a nice card....I was right. After embellishing it with more shamrocks and a gel pen, think I will make some more, thought they turned out rather fun!!!

Will be adding another set of 4 cards on Wednesday and possibly a third set on Friday. Hopefully they will sell. The price of each set is $10.00 + 3.00 postage. I am selling my cards for $2.50 a piece, that's cheap cause I usually sell my cards for $3.00.

Can't think of too much to write tonight......so I think I will close......you all have a great day and keep looking up for your redemption draweth nigh!!!
Cheers ~ Louise

Fabio's Italian Wedding Soup.........mmmmmm

2012-02-04T10:24:00.000-08:00

Made this soup last night......out of this world!!! Only thing I changed is that I used ground turkey for the meat balls and added dried Basel after the soup was cooked. Oh yeah, breadcrumbs instead of panko, noodles instead of orzo.....geeez, guess I changed alot of things, sorry! It still turned out really, really good though, you will have to try it, was alot of fun to make and one bowl was just not enough. No telling what the # of calories were, or sodium mg's or carbs count were.....just was plain good to the last drop. Fabio's directions were really easy and he is a kick to listen to, if you want to watch his video just type in "Fabio's Italian Wedding soup" click on one of the links and that will take you to his video. I tried to get his video on my blog, but could not seem to get it........oh well.

Here is the recipe: 1 c chopped onion, 1 c chopped carrots, 1 cup chopped celery, saute in extra virgin oil, cook on high till caramelized. While cooking make meatballs.

1 lb ground beef or ground turkey, 3 T Parmesan cheese, 1/3 c panko or breadcrumbs, 2 eggs, salt and pepper to taste. mix with hands and make balls bite size or 1/2 in. in diameter. Bake in oven 10 -15 minutes at 375 degrees.

Add 3 qt. chicken stock to chopped and saute' vegies, 3 handfuls of baby spinach, 1-2 cups orzo (I used Penni noodles, guess you can use whats on hand) Add your meatballs and simmer for a while........if you can wait that long, I also sprinkled some basil and salt and pepper to taste.

Well, these are the ingredients I wrote down watching his video, you can get better instructions from him or from http://www.cooks.com/ or http://www.recipe.com/ or any other cooking site. You probably will find there are many different ways to make Italian Wedding Soup.......But Fabio does a great job and he is fun to watch, plus it was very simple to make and very delicious too!!!

Working on some St. Patrick cards, hopefully will have a set up by this week-end. JP and I are going on a date later on today........going to the antique mall to look at clocks and bowls for his cousin Doug. Have a great day and keep looking up for you never know when your redemption will draweth nigh.

Cheers ~ Louise

Ground Hog Day and a "Thanks" Card!!!!!!!

2012-02-02T09:19:00.000-08:00

Yep.....it's that day of the year that we find out if we have 6 more weeks of WINTER!!! Personally, I am not really caring.......if the groundhog sees his shadow or not. Guess it depends on which groundhog you are talking too.....hahahah......and which one saw his shadow, the one in Wisconsin or the one in PA, Ohio, Ill or Mich. (Note: just on the news....a couple of them did not see their shadow, does that mean an early spring????? whatever). So many people seem to think they know how to predict the future in some way or another......hummmmmm.....me thinks no one knows the future except God!!!! For isn't His ways higher then our ways and His thoughts higher then ours??????? "If God says", I will tend to listen to what HE says and not man or groundhogs.....so there!!!! I have no pictures of a groundhog.....they aren't that pretty or cute like my puppy dogs..........soooooo this may just be a picture less blog for today. Who knows maybe I will come up with something as I write.

Some bad news yesterday.....we had to get rid of our second car, had too many things wrong with it, needed brakes, new fuel lines, rusty lines, tyrods, etc. would cost more to get it fixed then what it is worth....junk yard paid us $400....that was good. Paid part of our bill at Van Linn's, the rest will go towards another "old car" and more bills till that one wears out and becomes "undriveable".
Here's a picture of a card I made with my new Cricut machine, (used this picture in a previous blog) I really like my Cricut, it's fun to play with. It is a gift from a friend. Bought some new mats on Etsy, ordered them on the 28th of January and they arrived yesterday......gosh that was fast delivery. Have an idea for a St. Patrick card, "Kiss me I'm Irish" card. Really need to get some more cards in my Etsy store for St. Pats......sort of lagging behind. But I did notice that last year, this time I sold some St. Pat's cards, 4 of them, starting the 21st of February.......soooo, guess I have a little bit of time to get some cards made and up in my Etsy store. Take a peek, go to http://www.cards4ubylouise.etsy.com/

Hope you all are having a great day with better days ahead and keep looking up for your redemption draweth nigh!!!
Cheers ~ Louise

Monday ♥ Funday!!!!

2012-01-30T11:55:00.000-08:00

So I have not decided what this cute little puppy is saying, is he sad? Embarrassed? Sorry? Maybe his toy was taken away or he is being hollered at????? Who knows, just thought his cute little face said it all. Anyways it is Monday and a Funday......not sure what I will be doing. Maybe take down my little Christmas tree and village......guess it is about time. YES, I still have some Christmas stuff up yet.......don't want to rush it you know!!!! Takes too long for me to put it up, then to take it down within the month of December? Naw.....have to enjoy it a little bit more then just one month!!!

Not too much happening, not doing too many exciting things. I always thought January and February should be times of REST and just do not much of anything, sort of like hybernate like the animals do. Sounds good to me, Spring comes fast once the snow disappears. We had the roof fixed last fall, so maybe spring won't be a frustration to us. This year we have to think about getting the ceiling fixed.....AFTER....we see if it is not leaking.

Been working on making some cards........made a few more Valentines cards last night, then on to St. Patrick cards and get some into my Etsy store and on to this blog. I am always so amazed how some of my fellow bloggers can get a card up everyday. I have this one blog I like to go to every day to see what she has made..........such good ideas they are always so fresh looking. She tells alittle about how she made it, and what stamps she used. Here is her address: http://scrappinandstampiningj.blogspot.com/ went to her blog and got the right addy! Hope this take you to her blog. Enjoy!!!

Guess I will close for now, keep looking up for your redemption draweth nigh!!!

Cheers ~ Louise

♥A New Addition to my Card Making♥

2012-01-25T22:50:00.000-08:00

A new "cricut personal" die cut machine has been added to my card making tools of things to use making a card. Still pretty much a novice using this machine, but did make a card and took a picture of it, tried downloading it into the computer and it seems now my camera is giving me a problem.............geeeeezzzzzz, if it's not one thing, it's another. I just don't know what the problem is right now, but will try to remedy the situation. This is a must, can't upload pictures to Etsy and sell my cards...........ggggrrrrrrrr!!!!!! Okay........figured it out, it was the time and date setting which kept coming on.....hopfully it is set properly, for some reason I was not able to download the pictures I took, into the computer....AFTER the time/date was set, I was able to download. Figure that one out?!?! I did lose all my pictures in my camera........oh well, they are in my computer, wonder if I can put a few pictures back into the camera......something to try when I have nothing to do.

Going to close for now. You keep looking up for your redemption draweth night.
Cheers ~ Louise

PS.......Thank you Sandi♥

♥Friday Funday♥

2012-01-20T09:29:00.001-08:00

"Life's like a box of cereal.....the surprise is at the bottom!!

Ah thinks ah gots it"

Going to close this blog for now, have some company coming. It's one of those surprises in the box. She is giving me a cricket "Sure Cuts A Lot" die cutter and putting the program in my computer. What a nice friend!!!! (I am back, not long though, just long enough to report that this new journey will be exciting........so many things I will be able to do. Watch for a creation next week, once I learn the process!!)
Cheers ~ Louise

♥Some New Valentine Cards♥

2012-01-16T22:11:00.000-08:00

Been working on some new Valentine cards the last couple of days. Saw this idea on one of the blogs I visit, thought it was a good idea.... of coarse I changed it around a little bit. I will give her kudos after I finish this blog and direct you to her blog so you can see her cards also. Here is the address: http://understandblue.blogspot.com/2012/01/with-apologies-to-lionel-richie.html well hopefully this will take you to her blog.
It's a pretty easy card to make. Ran white cardstock through the cuttlebug. Sponged red or pink ink around the edges. Punched out the heart, then punched out a little heart within the large heart. Layered them with pop-up tabs. "Sending Happy Thoughts" was layered on top of red and pink cardstock. Red and pink ribbons embellish the cards. Probably will make enough of these to put in my Etsy store, there's still enough time to get the cards up and selling before Valentine's Day. Hopefully they will sell.

This is going to be my fun week. Tomorrow I go stamping at Betty's house, she teaches us how to make 4 different and unique cards. I saw 3 of them, will take pictures and put them up on this blog on Thursday or Friday. Thursday is stamping at Sandi's, "Girls Night Out." We bring a card to make plus the makings for that card for 6 ladies to make. It's kind of fun, but sometimes I dont' feel like I am a good teacher. Saturday is the Secret Stampers Revealing Potluck dinner. I will find out who has been sending me my cards. I have been sending my cards to a lady in Colorado, so I guess she won't be at the potluck.....oh well, I usually never see the cards that I have sent to my secret stamper, they either live too far away or just don't come to the revealing party. The food is usually good. We are allowed to bring old stamps to sell, so I end up selling a few stamps but buy a few stamps too. So this week is my "learning" week and I get a few new ideas in making cards.....always looking for something new.

Well, it's pretty late now, time to go to bed and get some sleep. Keep looking up for your redemption draweth nigh.

Cheers ~ Louise

SMILE ♥ you'll feel much better!!!!

2012-01-14T15:22:00.000-08:00

Found this little guy on the internet.........heehee.......what a mouth full of teeth! I think that is a smile, he makes me smile, so it must be a smile.

Moved the frontroom furniture around today.......looks good, less crowded. I heard that if you move your furniture around means you want to go traveling or take a vacation. Yep, I am ready for something, but alas, no $$$$ to go. So I will just move the furniture around and paint a few rooms. Yes, I think that is what I will do.

I wrote JP's blog today, go take a peek. http://goodnewsministriesinc.blogspot.com/ Changed the font in the title and added a few gadgets, connected his blog with my facebook and twitter accounts. Maybe he will get more traffic. We'll see.

Going to close my blog for today, have to get back to work and finish cleaning house. Want to work on some cards tonight, got an idea from another blog and want to try it tonight. If they turn out, I may use it as my "make'n take" at "Girls Night Out" next Thursday.

Keep looking up for your redemption draweth nigh.

Cheers ~ Louise

Computers and Cards

2012-01-12T09:58:00.000-08:00

Put this set of cards up in my Etsy store the other day. Did them along with the "special order" of 12 cards that went overseas. Received an exciting bit of new this morning, sold another Valentine card to a customer in New York.......There goes another Etsy tap dance!!! Hope these tap dancing shoes wear out from so many sales..........YES!!!!!!

Went through some frustrations with my computer..........computers are like men you know, "can't live with them and can't live without them" Yep that's true. When I went to shut off my computer, the screen came up saying it was going to do some updating, not to shut off or unplug, the computer will do that automatically.............yeah right! 30 hours later it was still doing summersalts!!!! I asked on Facebook if anyone knew what was wrong...........one person said "that was not normal and that I must have something wrong with my computer" oh well, so what else is new. Asked a salesman at Walmart, he said I could shut it down, but he really did not know either. Then I called Office Depot, where I bought the computer, she said shut it down but then it could be in the middle of updating something important, call Milwaukee PC. So, I called, left a message and they called back this morning.....................he said, shut it down, it got stuck. MAN, if I had known that I would not have been so frustrated. In the midst of all this I had gone to the library, went on their computer, overstayed my time and received a $5 parking ticket from the friendly Appleton Police..................ggeeerrrrrrrrrrr I was a little upset!!!!

Not only was I facing the fact of possibly losing my computer and having to get a new one (with no money) I got a ticket on top of it..................life is just unfair, isn't it????? Well, that delima is over, just have to pay the ticket before the 21st otherwise it will be $20 then after that $32 if any later...................computers, computers, do they save us time or do they run our time???? I sure did feel cutoff from the world for 30 hours that was for sure!!!!!

Well, I shall close for now, have to go over to my Etsy store and leave a convo for my new customer that the card will be in the mail by Saturday latest, after this snow storm passes. We are to get anywheres from 4-9 inches with blowing snow. YIKES!!!!

So you all keep looking up for your redemption drawth nigh!!!

Cheers ~ Louise

Getting Ready to do the Etsy Tap Dance

2012-01-08T22:03:00.000-08:00

Been working on a special order of 12 Valentine Cards this weekend. This is the end product. I liked the idea so much, made these cards in red also. Probably will put them in my Etsy store as a set of 6 (3 in red and 3 in blue) for $18 + postage ~ that would be $3 a piece. I am pretty happy that these 12 cards are finished and ready to be sent, as they will be going overseas to a military base someplace.
It's been a very busy weekend. A friend called me to see if I would like her 3 year old couch and chair and lazyboy.........YES I said.......Out with the old in with the NEW........well, it's new to me. Soooooo, I cleaned all day Saturday, moving and rearranging things. The old couch went out on the curb, sometime during the night it took legs and ran off to some far off destination. I hope it serves its new owners well, with much comfort and pleasent sleep. If you will read my previous blog, I mentioned in one of my 2012 resolutions "This might be a long shot, but I would like to get a new/used stove and a couch". I wonder, does God read blogs??? Cause just a few day later, after I wrote that thought, the friend was calling to see if I would be interested in her couch. She said she had not even read my blog. Will wonders ever cease? I hope not!

Tomorrow, I shall take some pictures of our new frontroom furniture, as soon as I move the furniture around again. Well, I guess I will close this blog for tonight, as it is getting sort of late and I want to watch another episode of "Up Stairs Down Stairs" Cheerio ~ Chaps!!!

Keep looking up for your redemption drawth nigh!!!
Louise

2012.........1st Post of the Year!!!

2012-01-05T09:17:00.000-08:00

As this is my 1st blog of 2012 just thought a picture would be a good starter. Lookin' through over hundreds of "funny pictures" that really did not make me laugh nor did I think they were funny. Some peoples humor goes way over my head!!!! But as I looked through all the funny pictures I began to get very drowsy and finally came to this little picture..........ah yes, this is the one, as I really do like taking naps and was about to stop looking at the "funny pictures" and shut down the computer. Well, lucky for you I didn't, cause this lovely blog would have gone unfinished.

Well, now that I have put you to sleep..........zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz!!! Wake up, wake up!!!!!!!!

Did you all make any resolutions for the New Year??? I thought about it, but sometimes they are just too hard to keep. I might just try continuing what I started in 2011.
1. continue on my journey to lose some weight and reverse diabetes.
(now these following thoughts are new for 2012)
2. paint a room or two this year....been awhile since I painted and redecorated.
3. this spring, paint the porch floor.
4. get some cards into a few beauty shops.
5. get the kitchen ceiling fixed.
6. these are long shots.........get a new or used stove and couch.
7. more mini-vacations on Lake Winnebago and a vacation this year.
8. more blogs then last year.
9. learn something new.
10. lose an old habit, what that is I don't know as yet.
11. continue on in my personal relationship with Jesus.
12. make a new friend.
13. weed through the house, get rid of stuff not used for a couple of years.
14. garage sale this summer?

Well that is 14 things to work on, there probably are more, but this is a good start. Will have to remember these resolutions are here so I can keep reading them every now and then.

Well, gonna close for now, have to get some things done, pay a few bills and go to the bank and Walmart, oh and Penzies spices for some Cinnamon sticks. (I am really liking Cinnamon tea, lowers the blood sugars)

Talk to you later and remember, keep looking up for your redemption drawth nigh.
Cheers ~ Louise

Marching on to 2012 ~ What Will It Hold????

2011-12-31T11:04:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year Everyone!

As we march into a this New Year!

I pray that your joys will be many, your sorrows and troubles very few.

May love be yours daily with many blessings galore.

Health and happiness be in your life, never leaving your door step.

A double portion of all that is good.

Finding new faith in Jesus and a closer walk with Him.

Cheers ~ Louise

Keep looking up for our redemption drawth nigh.

This could be the year....

that Jesus comes for His church!!

♥ Half Price Valentine Cards ♥

2011-12-29T18:59:00.000-08:00

Having a half price sale on my Valentine cards. Made them last Valentine's season, so I thought I could let them go for half price as a set. The whole set at regular price is $17.50, half price $8.75 + postage and shipping. If you will go to my Etsy store at: http://www.cards4ubylouise.etsy.com/ I go into more detail about the cards and what they say on the inside.

Below is a sweet little card can be a Valentine's card or Everyday card. "Tilda" is swinging on a swing which was fun to make for her. As she is stamped with nothing to sit on, so I thought a swing would be a likable object for "Tilda". The inside verse says "May sunshine fill your every moment" The card measures 6.25" tall x 4.25 wide. Will come with an envelope and clear plastic sleeve for protection. Cost of this card is $3.50. Tilda is not yet in my Etsy store, probably in a couple of days she will show up.......stay tuned.

Well, going to make this a short blog for today. Be sure to check out my Etsy store for other cards that I have in my inventory. I have some new ideas brewing in my brain. One of my gifts for Christmas was a gift card for Micheals........what a happy surprise that was!!! Anyways I got a Martha Stewart punch half price along with a postage border punch (that was on clearance), a few (1.00) stamps and liquid pearls. A fun spree indeed.....Thanks Sandi!!!

Have a great day and cheers to you all ~ Louise

"Jesus is the Reason for the Season"

2011-12-24T09:52:00.000-08:00

With all the shopping and making of cards, decorating, baking and all that is involved in Christmas.....JESUS sure can get lost in the midst of the business. Now, take a breath, take a moment to reflect, what are we doing to ourselves, why all this busy running to and fro, for what???? I know, we are celebrating the birth of Jesus but yet there stands Jesus watching us running here and there and around about him, never stopping to say what would you like me to do for you Jesus??? No, we are too busy getting everything all ready for the big day....gathering with family and friends, opening presents, eating big fancy meals, watching football, playing in the snow, playing with the new gifts.........oh yeah, some of us will still be going to church Sunday Morning. But alot of churchs have opted to not have church on Sunday - Christmas morning.....what is that all about anyways????

I have always wondered, why there was always such frantic running about and spending money on presents that nobody really wanted or liked, only because the items were still boxed or never opend or used. I have wondered to, why at certain times in ones life those gifts came back, years later when that person died.......true, it's the thought that counts, but still it would have been nice to know that it was appreciated. Oh well, these are just thoughts about Christmas and what it should really mean in the heart of things.

Christmas is a time to celebrate the birth of Jesus and what he did for us individually and personally. Simple but true, he came to set us free from our sins of which there are many. The most wonderful gift that Jesus gave to us is life so why can't we give back to Jesus our heart? Ask him to come into our hearts because we certainly have made a mess of things and we need Him to take over. Thats what I said to Jesus many, many years ago and still do today........Jesus is the reason for the season. Well, enough of my preaching, just had this on my mind and thought I would mention it in this blog.

As you can see from the above picture, I am almost ready, just have two more packages to wrap for JP, but I can do that tonight. I might make a few diabetic cookies also. Well, going to close this blog for today and get some things done around the house. Tonight, read the Christmas Story in Luke 1 & 2, that will bring you back to what Christmas is all about!!!

***A note about the picture above. On the old radio stands "My Three Kings" which I made 40+ years ago, they come out every year. My Christmas Village which I add to every year, whether it's a few people or a house. My lovely little optic tree which sits on the table and presents on the floor.

Merry Christmas everyone and keep looking up for your redemption drawth nigh!! Cheers ~ Louise

♫♪♫ Christmas is a Comin' and the Geese are Getting Fat! ♫♪♫

2011-12-20T09:44:00.001-08:00

♫♪♫ Please to put a penny in the old man's hat ♫♪♫ If ya ain't got a penny then a hey penny will do ♫♪♫ If ya ain't got a hey penny, then God Bless You ♫♪♫ God Bless you gentleman God Bless you, if ya ain't got a hey penny then God Bless You ♫♪♫

That's my Christmas song I sing every year......I think it came from the old LP 33.3 record of A Bononza Christmas with the Cartwright Family (Pa, little Joe, Hoss, mmmm forgot who the 4th guy was) remember them????? Wish I had a working record player or something to play that record.....that was one of my favorite Christmas albums in the old days.

This is going to be a short blog, not much going today, have a little party tonight, meeting some ladies to make cards, eat and gab. That is always fun. Made little gifts for each of them. Taking some Nachos and Salsa. Something easy.

Still have a few decorations to put up, one more box of figurines, by the time I get them up Christmas will be here..........well, it's just JP and I and the dogs......that's okay though. Still have to get something for JP, not sure what yet. He got me a CD player, have to wrap it yet.......think I will wrap it up beautifully so I won't want to open it right away!

Hyko and Kylie have been struggling with fleas, got some flea medication that just about drove them crazy with scratching and itching, twitching and restlessness. I felt so bad for them. Whatever you do........DO NOT put VECTRA 3D on your dog, it has bad side effects for dogs. Guess we will go back to Frontline, but it did not seem to work for them, VECTRA killed the fleas but the dogs just were not themselves for a 3 days. Oh well, we live and learn. At $25 a shot, you want it to work!!!!

Going to close for now, hope you have a good 6 days before Christmas and get everything done that you need to get done. Have a great day and keep looking up for your redemption drawth nigh!!!! Cheers ~ Louise

Doing Some Baking ~ What a Mess!

2011-12-15T10:12:00.000-08:00

Did some baking last night. Usually baking will consist of just one item.....but last night two items were made, one of which was a "never before baking recipe which I got off the Internet" Pineapple Upside Down Cake and the second recipe (from a friend) Chocolate Chip Zucchini Bread (one small loaf will be sent to Pops in Las Vegas). JP at this very moment is having a piece of it right now.
The above picture is 3 loaves of Chocolate Chip Zucchini bread and Diabetic Pineapple Upside Down Cake and a little piece of cake with whip cream on top.

The above picture is of the diabetic pineapple upside down cake just before I put it in the oven. The recipe consists of flour, egg whites, honey, salt, margarine, pineapple juice, pineapple, blueberries and brown sugar. If you would like the recipe, let me know via comments and your email and I will send it to you. Same with the Zucchini bread recipe.

This above picture consists of the upside down cake and my totally un-organized kitchen mess. No one around to clean up the mess. but, me, myself and I. (hahahaha)

Another angle to the messy kitchen. Yikes, I have literally torn my kitchen apart. Either I need a bigger kitchen ooooooooooooorrrrrrrrrrrr less stuff!!! Shhhhhhhh don't tell my husband that!!!

More of the messy kitchen. Dishes are always in the sink, because I tend to cook alot. The banana box to the right on the floor is filled with cans of pineapple (49 cans to start with) now there is 33 cans left. Need to find another pineapple recipe for diabetics. Got the cans of pineapple from the local grocery store, they sell dented and scratched food in boxes for $7. So I usually get 2 boxes, what I don't use, usually give to friends.

Well, I am off, have to do some errands today and get Pops gift mailed tomorrow, have to get $10 from the bank to send along with his crossword puzzles and a few odds and ends. Probably mailing the package will cost more then the items inside...oh well. You all have a great day and keep looking up for your redemption drawth nigh. Cheers ~ Louise

Put On Your Sunday SMILE

2011-12-10T22:54:00.000-08:00

Have a great day today!! I was glad when they said, "Let us go up unto the House of the Lord" Keep looking up for your redemption drawth nigh!!! Cheers ~ Louise

My December Special on Etsy

2011-12-06T11:42:00.000-08:00

So, I just put these cards in my Etsy store today. A special deal if I have to say so myself. A set of 12 cards priced at $21.00 + postage and shipping will bring the price to $24.50. I usually sell my cards for $3 a piece so I am selling these cards in this set for $1.75 a piece. My inventory has gotten so large, thought I could do this as a special for December. Maybe this will be "Special" for every month in 2012.....just to keep the Post Office busy with cards and letters in the mail.

Please check out my etsy store at: http://www.cards4ubylouise.etsy.com.

This is a pretty short blog for today, have to go do some decorating of the house. My Christmas cards are in the mail, as a matter of fact, just recieved the card today that I sent JP and the dogs. After decorating the house I can think about baking. I have only one gift to send in the mail to Pops in Las Vegas. Not sure what I will send yet, maybe zuchinni bread and cookies and a crossword puzzel. Well, I shall close this blog as it is acting really silly today so you keep looking up for your redemption draweth nigh.
Cheers ~ Louise

Making Christmas Ornaments

2011-12-03T13:19:00.000-08:00

Been busy making Christmas ornaments for my tree and for Etsy. Going to put a few up in my Etsy store today just as soon as I finish this here blog. Which won't be very long. Also need to get my regular Christmas ornaments up for the season. Got my cards all done and they are ready to be mailed on Monday. As I sit writing this blog, am watching my favorite Christmas DVD " The Christmas Card" such a neat story. In the midst of war in Afganistan, Cody Cullen is touched by a card sent by Faith Spelman from a small and picturesque town of Nevada City, California. As months pass, the card never leaves his side, giving him the strength to survive and setting him on a mission to find her. I'd encourage you to find it either on Netflex, the Library or buy it. It's a great movie, puts ya in the Christmas Spirit and might put a tear in your eye just as it puts a tear in my eye everytime I watch it.

Anyways, the ornaments are pretty fun to make. Long strips of cardstock, scored every 1/4 inch, then folded like a fan. Glued on one end, fitted together with the other end, then flatened to form a circle and glued. You can then decorate it any way you like. I'll be selling them for $1.25 a piece or 8 for $9.50 + postage and shipping. They should be up and running in my Etsy store by tonight

Well, guess I will close this blog for today, keep looking up for your redemption drawth nigh.
Cheers ~ Louise

♥ Starting To Decorate ♥

2011-11-28T22:48:00.000-08:00

Well..............I debated with myself, was I going to put up Christmas decorations this year or not......yes, no maybe so........well here it is, the start of the decorating. Usually I decorate the dinningroom table, so this was the first thing I did tonight. Had started addressing my Christmas cards last night, now that is a first (so early in the season). Won't be buying alot of gifts this year. Depends on who was naughty or nice this year.....hahahahaha.

Tomorrow I go to see the Doctor for information about diabetes. Guess he will tell me what I can eat, or what my options are, not really sure what he will do. I sure don't want to take shots, hopefully this is something that can be controlled with diet and exercise. Of which I am not doing so good with at this point. I do ride my stationary bike 5 miles a day, sometimes 10 miles. Guess that is good, but maybe I should be doing more for this body!!! I have been so busy taking care of JP and his body, I forgot mine. We have been doing pretty good at controlling his gout. Feeding him the things that do not produce purines that cause him to get pain in his joints. Guess I need to watch what I put in my mouth. When we were young we just did not take care and ate anything, now we are paying for those wrong choices.

Well, I think I will close this blog for tonight, keep looking up for your redemption drawth nigh!

Cheers ~ Louise

~ Wordless Wednesday ~

2011-11-23T10:19:00.000-08:00

Have a great Thanksgiving and keep looking up for your redemption drawth nigh!!!
Cheers ~ Louise

WOW-WEEEE........65 Years Of Living!!!!

2011-11-22T09:14:00.000-08:00

My 65th birthday was a fun-filled day with a few blessings intermingled along the way. Birthday blessings came from friends on facebook. JP went to pick up our car from VanLinn's, car needed brakes. Worked out our itenery for the day (probably enough things to do for a couple of days...hahaha) but the main thing was the free steak dinner at BJ Clancey's which I look forward to every year.

First stop was the Fox Valley Antique Mall in Grand Chute. Big place with lots of things to look at. We were looking for a "rug beater" found two, both for $9, we got one (now I am sure that is not the original cost when it was new, probably more like a couple of dollars in the 1800's and 1900's) But with inflation even antiques go up in price!!! I also found out that my Black Hawk Bober Head is worth $245.......as you can see by the picture below. I actually have all six team bober heads, New York Rangers, Montreal Canadians, Toronto Maple Leafs, Boston Bruins, Detroit Redwings and the Chicago Black Hawks.....(mmmmm that could pay for more car repairs as there is a antifreeze leak that will cost $700 to fix).

Next picture is my steak and fries, oh yum it was delicious as usual. Along with this came a salad and bread with honey butter and coffee.

JP's dinner consisted of fried perch and american fries and salad.

This was my dessert, chocolate ice cream with a sparkler on top.............we shared!

Below is a picture of my birthday cake..........I chose pumpkin pie with whip cream. In the background is a portable DVD player, which I have been wanting for a couple of years......finally got one with the money my stepfather sent me for my birthday. The DVD player in my computer has not been working very well lately so this gift came just in time.

All in all I had a good day, full of blessings galore, thank you Jesus for 65 years, that's more then I ever thought I would have.......my, my 65 hard to believe!!!!
Well, I shall close this blog for today, hope to get some cards up in the next few days and into my Etsy store. Been slacking there for sure. Guess, no sales, no motivation is my problem. Well you have a great day and keep looking up for your redemption drawth nigh!!!
Cheers ~ Louise

Friday Funday - What's New With You!!!!

2011-11-18T09:18:00.000-08:00

Hi everyone.......how is your day going so far? Trying to think of something funny to write, but all escapes me right now. Think I will look for a funny picture..........be back in awhile!Well, here is a picture of how I am feeling today..........yep, that's me. Found out yesterday, I am diabetic AND to make matters worse, the brakes went out on my car to the tune of $600, also the car is leaking antifreeze $700 to fix that and to top that off the exhaust is bad and needs to be replaced $500. Not exactly sure where the money is coming from, sooooooooooooo like the above puppy dog, I will just continue to lay down and sleep through all of this. We have had this Ford Tarus for a year now and it has cost us more money then it is worth.............Oh how I wish I could have a NEW CAR!!!!

A few other things going wrong, the roof still leaks after having it fixed for $1200, the dogs have flees. JP's car is on it's last wheels, too many things to get fixed, we may just junk it and get $200+ for it. Then we will be down to one car. I am beginning to think that the Senior Years are not so much the "Golden Years" anymore but the "Tarnished Years". We are getting bombarded from every direction!!!!!

Well, I am closing my Friday Funday blog for today. Hope your day is much better. Monday is my birthday, 65 years, hope things get better!!!! Still Cheers ~ Louise

Antique Finds and Tatting

2011-11-15T12:55:00.000-08:00

Went on an antique excursion Saturday and picked up a few things. Hubs said he had $6.00 for a present for my birthday next week..........soooooo here is what I got: A Gordon Ramsey cookbook, a biscuit cutter, a beautiful purple and white crocheted doily, a box of tatting thread and a tatting shuttle. We actually went over budget by $8 though, oh well....but these things are all useful, even though they are old they still serve a purpose. (kinda like us Senior Citizens....huh!)

I found some old ledgers at the first antique shop, was very interesting to read them. In one ledger, the person was keeping track of how much was either ordered or spent in the grocery dept and merchandise dept. I looked on November, 1911 (100 years ago) rent was $8.00, eggs 10 cents, shoes $5, flour 15 cents, etc., everything was under $7 the most expensive was the rent.....was pretty cheap back then, but then pay was not high, guess everything is in proportion.
See my little tatting shuttle to the right, now if I can just learn to use it. Been going on Youtube for tutorials, but I have found that in each tutorial, each woman does it different, guess I just have to find the one that suites me. Stay tuned, someday I may be tatting, though it may take awhile.

Well, I shall cut this blog short, have to go make the husband his lunch and dinner before he leaves for work. Cheers ~ Louise

Friday Funday and Part 3 of Elena and Her Works of Art

2011-11-11T12:20:00.000-08:00

Today I am going to show off some more of Elena's works of art from her Etsy Store. If you would like to visit her Etsy store and maybe even buy something from her store go to: http://www.etsy.com/shop/ShopGift?ref=si_shop. Hope you have enjoyed this featured interview with Elena on my blog, sure was alot of fun to do. The above picture is a white tatted doily.

The above picture here are some lovely tatted book marks. Below is a beautiful tatted red box.
In the next picture below is a beautiful tatted white collar.

In this picture below a lovely tatted table runner........so pretty!

Last, but not least a lovely tatted floral runner, must have taken many, many hours to make this one.
So there you have it..........hope you enjoyed looking at Elena's tatting projects, all of them are so very pretty. Each piece worthy of a royal place in someone's home. Keepsakes to hand down to the next generation. One of my favorite things to do, is going to antique stores.....I always check out the doilies, and just looking at all the lovely stitches of each handmade doily. Wondering, who was this woman or even child that made this, what was her life like, when and where did she live........you know, questions that probably will never be answered.

In this interview, I was honored to introduce you to Elena Kozinenro from Crimea, Ukraine. If you ever run across some of her works of art, at least you can say..........."oh, I know who made this" and you won't have to wonder because you read about Elena here.

Have a great day and keep looking up for your redemption drawth nigh.
Cheers ~ Louise

Wednesday's Part 2 Interview With Elena from Crimea, Ukraine

2011-11-09T08:02:00.000-08:00

Hi there everyone, how you all doing on this cold, rainy and snowy day in November. Well at least that is what the weather is like here in Wisconsin. It's a good day to work on this blog, do some housework and make a few cards for my Etsy store. Bought some ribbon yesterday to start working on my Christmas cards. With Christmas being next month, I better get moving, cards have to be in the mail by December 10th the latest. Below is what my Christmas cards will be looking like, I've changed the tree a little, but the background is pretty much the same.

Now on to the rest of my interview with Elena from Crimea Ukraine. It's been fun getting to know Elena and I just love her beautiful works of art. I've been doing a little bit of crocheting, actually making a doily right now, but in no way does my doily look like Elena's beautiful tatting work. Went into Hobby Lobby yesterday and picked up a magazine showing directions on Tatting??????? I was completely confused????? It is nice to know, there are people like Elena that can carry on the art of Tatting and pass it on to others.

Above is a beautiful white doily, below are a pair of earrings and a necklace ~ lovely, lovely work!
8. How do we find you on Etsy?

My Shop on Etsy: www.etsy.com/shop/ShopGift?ref=si_shop Welcome!

9. Can we find you on Facebook, Twitter, and do you have a blog site?
www.facebook.com/pages/ShopGift/239536126069095
pinterest.com/elenakozinenko/

10. Have you seen enough of the world or is there a place you would like to go?

I like to travel. I want to visit China and see pandas!

11. Do you have another talent or hobby? I like embroidery and knitting.

12. What is your favorite flavor ice cream of all time? Creme brulee.

13. Your favorite color and shape? My favorite colors: red, green, purple, white.

14. Your favorite drink and food? I love chocolate!

15. Your favorite month and season of the year? Spring, of course!

16. Your favorite TV show, movie, book?

I love classic music, like: Mozart, Rachmaninoff, Chopin, Vivaldi. Book: Boris Akunin, Isaac Asimov.

17. Your favorite thing to do? I love traveling, listening to music, growing flowers.

18. Make a comment here of what ever you would like to say.

I am very glad that Etsy is not just a place to sell, but here I found many like-minded people and friends! I want to wish everyone: Fantasize and create, art brings beauty into our lives!

19. Name 3 favorite websites you couldn't live without. Etsy, FB and Pinterest!

In this picture are Christmas ornaments, wouldn't these look lovely on a Christmas tree?

Well there you have it, all the questions I asked of Elena, I am sure there could have been more questions to ask. Elena was translating my questions into her language then back into english. So I suspect that was quite a project for her. Friday I shall put a few more of her works of art on my blog. Hope you all enjoyed this interview, please stop by again, as you never know what I may say or do on my cards4ubylouise.blogspot!!!!!

Have a good day and keep looking up for your redemption drawth nigh!!!
Cheers ~ Louise

A Interview Featuring Elena from the Ukraine - Part 1

2011-11-07T09:17:00.000-08:00

Hi fellow bloggers, how is your week going so far? Well as you can see by the title of my blog, I am doing an interview featuring Elena from Crimea, Ukraine. My last interview with Gail from Michigan was 4/4-8/11. Gail makes very beautiful Ukrainian Easter Eggs. To see her interview go to http://cards4ubylouise.blogspot.com/2011_04_01_archive.html and scan down to Parts 1, 2 and 3.

So, you might ask, why another Ukrainian Artist? Well, to answer that question, guess I am just partial to Ukrainians......as my mother married into a Ukrainian family, I was sort of adopted into their beliefs too. I heard many, many stories of their former country and the life they led till they came to the United States of America. Grams was the best cook of Ukrainian food........oh yum, miss those days of family dinners and delicious food!!!! Pops is 85 years old and lives in Las Vegas, most of the family and friends have died except for a niece and nephew.

Well, I guess I could ramble on and on about those days, but I better get on with this interview, this is the 1st part. Part 2 & 3 will come on Wednesday and Friday. Following is a beautiful doily that Elena made called tatting. Enjoy........her works of art and her interview.

1. Tell us a little about yourself, your family, and how did you got started on Etsy?

I live in Crimea, Ukraine. This is a wonderful place. We have a beautiful nature, sea, mountains, waterfalls, rare plants and animals, a mild climate here. I'm a happy wife and I have two grown sons (27 and 26 years old). I also have a pet (German Shepherd) 12 years old and it's a member of our family too. I am a Piano teacher and accompanist. I've worked 25 years at music and ballet school. Now I'm a housewife. I love giving gifts to family and friends. Gifts made by myself. At home I have a lot of handmade things. Friends have always said that such beauty should be shown at the exhibition. And my sister said that my products can not only be shown, but also to be sold! She advised me to create an Etsy hosted shop.

2. When and how did you become interested in tatting?

I've liked needlework since childhood. I was 7 years old and I asked my mother: Type series of loops on the needles, I'll knit a scarf for my doll! I grew up and my art became more sophisticated. I knit for myself and family. Sweaters and dresses with complex multicolored ornaments, knitting and crocheting, cross-embroidering, weaving, makrame, sewing patchwork. A year ago my sister gave me a set of needle tatting tools. Since then, tatting is my main hobby!

3. What is your inspiration for each idea and where do you get the ideas?

I find ideas everywhere: in magazines, internet, all around me. I see a yellow leaf fall from a tree and imagine a napkin, as it is similar to the sheet. I imagine a bag as similar to the autumn garden. I see a cloud in the blue sky and imagine the delicate white napkin, as the air! I watch a movie about a French king and imagine a collar of the dress just like a cape. Now I only have to make these fantasies by myself!

4. How many hours do you spend on each tatting doily?

Tatting is a very time-consuming and laborious technique. Operation times vary depending on the number of nodes. The more complicated the pattern, the longer it takes for the job. I made a small doily (5 - 7 inches in circumference) for about 40 minutes or an hour.

5. How did you feel when you sold your first tatting item on Etsy?

When I sold my first item on Etsy - it was a surprise and great joy for me! It was a large round white tablecloth!

6. What tools do you use for your craft that you cannot live without?

I use a tatting shuttle and needle. I love working with cotton mercerized thread.

7. What is a typical day for you and your favorte time of the day?

I do not have the same plan for all days. In different days, I'm doing different things: yard work, housekeeping, a trip to the store ... But I plan tatting every day for not less than 5 hours! I can not live without this art!

Hope you enjoyed Part 1 of this interview. Part 2 will be on Wednesday with a few more pictures. If you would like to visit Elena's Etsy store, go to: www.etsy.com/shopgift?ref=si_shop She is also on facebook and pinterest. You will see those addresses in Part 2.

Have a great day and keep looking up for your redemption drawth nigh.
Cheers ~ Louise

Friday Funday ~ What's New With You????????

2011-11-04T08:57:00.000-07:00

Hi there fellow bloggers, so what's new with you today??????? I'm still taking my meds for that UTI. Feeling much better.....thank God! I was totally surprised by the fact that I had this infection, feeling a little uncomfortable for many months was my only complaint. So, I thought this was a normal thing for a 64 going on 65 year old. NO, it was not normal, now I know. Only problem is I have to take this medication on an empty stomach, but I never know when the stomach is empty. Well, maybe in about 1/2 hour I will take a pill, type alittle, then zonk out, cause that is what it does, makes me drowsey and tired.

Went to the Library yesterday.......FINALLY found this cookbook I have been wanting to see before I bought it at Barns and Noble. My husband has Gout, so I have wanted to see some of the recipes from this cookbook. They are very simple and basic, like "eggs parmasian" sounds good, think I will try it in the next week or so. Another cookbook I got was "Just 1oo Calories" looked like a good one for Louise to try, as I am always on a diet of some sort.....lol! The third book is on stamping. "Making Cards with Rubber Stamps" thought there might be some new ideas I could try.

The three books

Eight DVD's, this shall keep me busy for the week. 1 Cardmaking Dvd and 2 Crocheting Dvd's (as I am into making doily's fof a season), 2 diet Dvd's "You on a Diet Workout" and "You on a Diet" (two different authors, should be interesting, hopfully not boring) the other 3 movies, "The Blind Side" with Sandra Bullock. "Gifted Hands" The Ben Carson Story and "The Bucket List" with Jack Nicholson and Morgan Freeman. That all should keep me busy and out of trouble for the week at least. Will let you know if I try any new recipes from the cookbooks.

Well, I think I shall shut down this blog for now, the medication is starting to work, doesn't take much. Be sure to stop by on Monday to see my blog as I will be doing an interview with Elena from the Ukraine, if all works out well and I didn't overwhelm her with questions.

Take care and keep looking up for your redemption drawth nigh.

Cheers ~ Louise

The First Day of November

2011-11-01T13:34:00.000-07:00

Thirty days hast November ~ wonder what this month will bring. Well, on this first day of November, went for a visit to the doctor today, blood pressure check, (the pressure always goes up when I go in to see the doctor) blood work and they also found out I have UTI and need to get some antibiotic pills at Shopko along with more blood pressure pills. Oh the joys of getting older.

Another thing happening this month, I shall be turning 65 on the 21st.........geez, where did the time go????? One day you are 27 and the next thing, you wake up and you're 65. Never wish your life away it will come fast enough. I am hoping we can go out for dinner someplace, would like to go to BJ Clancy's will have to call them to see if it is okay to come there on that Monday for lunch so I can get a free steak and lots of fries.

Supposedly, on November 9th at 2pm EST all communication will shut down for 3 minutes all across the US. Just because the "Elite" want to see if they can control this country, and if it works, look to see that it just may happen again and again and for longer periods of time. Could you imagine the ramifications of this.....ALL communication shut down, what about planes in the air, cell phones, computers, hospital's, police, ambulances, radio, TV just to name a few things. All for the sake of control and the all mighty $$$$$$

This month, I am going to do a "featured Interview" with an Etsy Artist from the Ukraine. She does beautiful tatting, kind of like crocheting, but so much more lacey looking. I have thought about trying it myself, but for now crocheting is fine.

Looks like we still need some roof work, another leak showed up over the weekend in a completely different place............I became very depressed at the thought of another leak, I hope the leak can be found and fixed without causing too much damage and $$$$.

My daughter turns 42 this month on the 14th..........again, where did that time go.

Thanksgiving on the 24th, oh yum I can smell a turkey in the oven already and pumkin pie....ready freddy here we come!!!

I am sure more will be happening this month, just hope not as fast and furious as things have been lately......... but let it be "everything is calm and quiet" as my mother always said.

You all have a great day and keep looking up for your redemption drawth nigh ~ cheers ~ Louise

Mystery Saturday??????

2011-10-29T08:33:00.000-07:00

What will happen today?????? As I sit at this computer, it is a beautiful day, the sun is shinning with blue skies. A nice day to get out and do some yard work. Still have 3 bulbs to plant and rake some leaves, cover the rose bushes with leaves, last minutes stuff, I think we will finally be winterized before the first snow hits us. Hummmm, thought I would add a picture of snow....just to get you used to it. Here you can see JP taking Hyko for a walk. The date of this pic is 2/13/11. Sounds like the New England States, NY and PA got hit with snow, in some places they are getting 13".... uge! Will have to check with my Blog friend in Maine and see if she talks about the snow. Tis the season, not ready for this, but living WI it is bound to happen.

Went out for lunch yesterday with a friend, we had "Windy City Hambergers" oh yum they were delicious with lots of french fries!!! Was enough to last all day, ate half, then the rest later on in the afternoon. Have a Doctors appointment on Tuesday, so I guess I better watch what I eat for the next few days.....have to get a blood pressure check, my yearly check in order to renew my pills. Guess the best things would be to lose some weight then maybe the blood pressure would be in check. BUT who wants to diet? Been riding my stationary bike (I try) every day for about 5-10 miles. Hoping that will help during the winter months, must get in the habit now so I don't have to pay later.

Well, I guess I better go get some things done, as this is "Mystery Saturday" not really sure what I will be doing, right now there is dishes in the sink that need to be done. So maybe I shall go wash the hair then do the dishes. So talk to you later. Hope you have a good day and keep looking up for your redemption drawth nigh.

Cheers ~ Louise

~ Another Wordless Wednesday ~

2011-10-26T10:34:00.000-07:00

Have a great day ~ enjoy the Fall ~ Cheers ~ Louise

New Pieces of Art

2011-10-25T10:03:00.001-07:00

Hi there fellow bloggers, how are you all doing today? I am doing fine, been kind of busy of late as I have been working on these pieces of art which I want to also add to my Etsy store, they are as follows: Eiffel Tower Christmas Cards "Joyeux Noel". This stamp caught my eye last week, only because someone from France bought a Christmas card from me......I was so thrilled I had a sale and also that she was my 1st international sale.....so this card is dedicated to "Marinette" Thank you Marinette for your order.

The card was stamped in black ink then I used my copic markers to color in along with my green and red "smooches" gel pen and gold spray mist. Distressed the edges and added "candi" dots on the corners.

This card is a new stamp and folder I bought at a Stamping Rummage Sale. Paid $13.00 for it, at Archivers it is going for $20. There were alot of techniques that went into this card. First it was stamped in black, then colored in with copic markers, then run through the cuttle bug to emboss it. Then I distressed the edges then sponged with white linen distress ink, then sprayed with gold mist, oh and used a gel pen to pop the words, and butterflies. Guess this card should go for about $4.00 cause I used so many different mediums. It is a lovely card though.

I got this idea from an ornament I saw at Shopko and thought, I could make that. Ended up buying the ornament for $6, hopefully I can sell a few to make up the difference. All there is to this is 2.5 circles or scalloped circles folded over, glued and then glued together to form a circle, used speckels to decorate and a strip of cardstock layed across. Calligraphed "Peace" across the strip. Sprayed the ornament with gold spray mist. The following ornament was done the same way only using the word "Love".

"Love"

This card was made back in 2009. Thought I would add it to my Etsy Store and see how it does. The tree can be taken off the card and used as a Christmas tree ornament.

This card was made in 2009 also. Ran the green cardstock through the cuttlebug then colored the trees with sharpie pens, then layered on gold and white cardstock.....very simple.

Well, there you have it, some cards and ornaments I will be adding to my Etsy store, hope you like them, they were all fun to make. Now I have to start working on my cards to send out to friends......a Christmas tree using iris fold strips of ribbon and paper. I think if you go to my Archives you will find a sampling of my Christmas card for 2011 in my first blog for October.

Have a great day and keep looking up for your redemption draweth nigh.

Cheers ~ Louise

Friday Funday and a Few Creations

2011-10-21T08:48:00.000-07:00

Been awhile since I added a few things to this blog that I have made. Really, really, I've been busy creating but not showing off my creations. Was shopping last week and found an ornament at the Shopko store and thought, I could make this! So, home I went to make some circles and glue them together, (thank you Sandi for all the circles you made for me on your machine and for the punch you borrowed me) here is the end result, my rendition of what I saw at Shopko. Of course, their ornament did not have JESUS on it. Ended up giving this ornament to JP for his "spiritual Birthday"The card below is a Halloween card...........not much into making halloween cards as it is so against what I believe. If people really knew what goes on and the many living creatures including babies, children and adults that are sacrificed to SATAN there would be less celebrating and worshipping of the EVIL ONE. It's a pagan holiday that does not belong.........sorry, that is the way I feel.

Anyways, went to Archivers the other day, it's "Tim Holtz"week, made this tag with the fun technique, stamping a tag, with stains, then running it through Tim Holtz's machine (only $199 if you buy it this week) the ribbon was stained and the skull and bat went through the machine also. I thought I would send the tag to my secret stamper so added it to a card and dressed it up alittle. She teaches making cards and is always looking for new ideas.....hope she likes this one. I shall have to make some more tags and do this again, maybe for Christmas cards would be nice. I do have to get on the stick and make my Christmas cards, one more month to get them done...........geez better start getting to work!!!! Need to get a few more Christmas cards in my Etsy store and a few Christmas ornaments too.

Well, time to close this blog for today, need to go pay the electric bill, get some dishes done and do some work outside, time to winterize before the first snow fall...............it's not far away, just peeking around the corner. Have a great day and keep looking up for your redemption draweth nigh. Cheers ~ Louise

Etsy Tap Dance and Mystery List

2011-10-16T21:16:00.000-07:00

Doing the Etsy Tap Dance this weekend and today for that fact. SOLD a Christmas card to a lady in France....so very exciting to me.........FRANCE!!! Estimated it would cost $3 for postage, but I have a feeling it will cost more, as this is my 1st international sale, guess I shall find out how much it actually costs to send a card to Europe. Oh well, if I don't make alot on this sale, at least I had the excitement of selling a card from my etsy store, making that 27 sales since I opened my Etsy store in 2009!!!!! Whew.............that calls for a celebration of sorts.....what shall I do???

Was looking for that Christmas card I sold in my many files, but could not find it. Shall have to take another picture of the card along with a few other things I made this weekend, been pretty busy with all my projects, guess that is good.

If you read my previous blog ~ Mystery Saturday ~ I listed 15 things I was going to do for the day............well, I did 8 1/2 things for that day plus one extra thing not listed. They are as follows:
1. finished the blog
2. made the coffee
3. gave myself a permanant (did not trim my hair)
4. cut JP's hair
5. made lunch and dinner (Popover Unside Down Pizza recipe to follow in next blog)
6. did some dishes (but still have many in the sink as I type this blog)
7. made some Christmas ornaments
8. rode my bike for 2 miles (that was the 1/2)
9. took a ride to Sandi's to pick up my circles that will be used for the Christmas ornament (she has a circuit cutter, so can get more circles made then a punch can...........have LOTS of 2"circles)

I guess the rest of those projects will all be done this week at some time or another, don't know when or where, BUT they will get done.

Well, you all have a great day and keep looking up for your redemption drawth nigh!
Cheers ~ Louise

MYSTERY~SATURDAY

2011-10-15T09:13:00.000-07:00

Mystery Saturday??????????? Well, I am not sure what that is all about either. Missed "Friday Funday" cause there was nothing fun going on and did not take any pictures that showed me having fun........oh well.

Now as my big "65th" birthday comes leering around the corner, I am not finding alot of comfort in the supposed "Golden Years" either. Seems there is alot more stress in getting old AND I really don't know how to retire!!! You would have thought after 5 years I would have figured it out......nope, nope, nope! Still as busy as ever, but with different things.

MYSTERY SATURDAY
Now what could that entail...................I don't know. Maybe a list of things I would like to do today? Or a list of things I HAVE done, guess that would have to come at the end of the day. People talk about a bucket list......I've not made one up yet and probably won't. I just live each day as it comes, waking up each morning wondering....."what day is this one.....aaahhhhh yes, Saturday, what will I be doing today???? Well, let's see..........here is my list for today.
1. finsh this blog
2. make some coffee
3. do the dishes (I always have dishes in the sink to do)
4. maybe do a little crocheting sometime today (making a pink doily)
5. give myself a perm and trim hair
6. cut JP's hair
7. make some cards, actually I have 3 projects going
~~~~~a. making orgami bridal bouquet
~~~~~b. making my iris fold Christmas cards
~~~~~c. make some more Christmas ornaments
8. rake some leaves
9. plant 3 "allium gladiator" bulbs
10. wash some clothes
11. straighten the house and sweep the porch
12. ride 5-10 miles on my stationary bike
13. ah yes, cook lunch and dinner (which always puts dishes back in the sink)
14. maybe take a break with another cup of coffee on the porch (wishful thinking on my part)
15. take a nap or go to bed.........

Whew, after that list, I am TIRED!!!!! Retired??????? I don't think so!!!!! Well so much for Mystery Saturday........I will finish this off tonight, or tomorrow or whenever I get back to it, cause I am not sure how much will be accomplished, maybe nothing, maybe just partly.....who knows at this point, ONLY GOD KNOWS THE BEGINNING AND THE END of my list!!!!

Cheers ~ have a great day!!
Louise

~ Wordless Wednesday ~

2011-10-12T10:01:00.000-07:00

Have a good day ~ Cheers ~ Louise

Tale of A Roof and a Washing Machine

2011-10-10T23:32:00.000-07:00

SOOOOOOOOO here is my tale of a Roof and a Washing Machine. The washing machine came at 12:00 noon (3 hours past the due time........but it finally came). OOOOOOOH could hardly wait for it. Was getting to the point that all we could do was fill up the machine, let the clothes soak then spin the water out, no washy, washy, washy. NOW it is here, first have to clean up the area cause alot of things had to move in order to get the machine to it's new resting place. Following are some pictures. Our new-used machine is a white Maytag, hopefully this one should last awhile. Our Speedqueen came with the house and we have been here 20 years, so I guess that was a good machine too, to have lasted so long. We still have the Speedqueen dryer, so when that konks out, we will go to Hoarshs for a used dryer. They will deliver, hook-up and take away the old one.....hooray!! don't have to worry about getting rid of it ourselves.
The roof was done last Tuesday and Wednesday during that wonderful weather we have been having. We had to get a loan for the roof to the tune of $1200, I guess that is not bad, but there was alot of damage after leaking 8 years. Joe said if we had not gotten the roof done before winter, the snow and ice surely would have collapsed the roof. Hopefully this will fix the problem for awhile. Now we have to figure out where the money is coming for the kitchen ceiling, guess I can live with that for awhile cause now it won't be leaking like as if someone turned on the faucet. The money for the washing machine came from our selling some gold and silver jewelery that was laying around, stuff I had from my mother and grandmother. I won't miss it, may as well put it to use.........we needed a washing machine, now we have one.

Well I shall close here, and get some wash done......HOORAY!!! & Praise the Lord!!!
Cheers~Louise

"Friday Funday" ~~~ Boating on the Fox & a Colorful Fall!

2011-10-07T12:42:00.000-07:00

Friday Funday.......we all had fun yesterday (Thursday) on the boat, riding on the Fox River. Such beautiful trees and a beautiful day, I know now why I love Wisconsin, couldn't ask for a better day. These are my 4 hour ~ Mini~vacations at Sandi's Retreat on the Island. Fun was had by all, plus there were treats, cheese and crackers, natchos and salsa and zuchinni bread....yum!

The trees were absolutely beautiful, like this one along the river.

Here is a beautiful, fancy house secluded and hidden behind the trees.

Such beautiful scenery along the Fox River.

Here is a big fancy house, nice huh?

And.....here is Miss Vicky taking pictures of her shipmates. There you have it a day out on the boat, going to try for another one weather permitting before the boat gets pulled out of the water for the winter and takes a rest till spring. The lox in Menasha open up May 2nd 2012, seems like a long time away.
Well, you all have a wonderful weekend and enjoy the weather. See you again on Monday with a few more cards. Cheers ~ Louise

~ Wordless ~ Wednesday ~

2011-10-05T08:21:00.000-07:00

Cheers to you all ~ Louise

New Cards For My Etsy Store

2011-10-03T09:47:00.000-07:00

This is my Christmas card for this season. A simple background embossed in gold then the tree was cut out and strips of red, green and gold papers cut to make the iris fold. I will be adding this card to my etsy store this week sometime. This will come as a set of 3 for $10 + postage. You will also receive one free bonus card and thank you card. Each one of my cards comes with an envelope and clear plastic sleeve for protection.

Little Fisher Boy was listed on Saturday, no bites yet but still hoping for that "hook, line and sinker" to go under the water and catch that big one.

This pretty card is called "5 Roses for Your..." could be a Birthday, Anniversary, Wedding, Thinking of you what ever your hearts desire. It's not on Etsy yet, but sometime this week.

To see all my cards at Etsy go to: http://www.cards4ubylouise.etsy.com Have a great day and see you on Wordless Wednesday ~ cheers ~ Louise

"Friday Funday" ~~~ Mushrooms Anyone????

2011-09-30T09:44:00.000-07:00

Now this is a really good recipe, if you are a mushroom lover. I found this recipe on one of the other blogs I follow and read, she has some wonderful recipes, but this one is my #1 favorite. The above picture was taken after everything was mixed together and ready to put in the oven.

This picture shows the end result.......yummy is all I can say. I ate half the casserole, sure hope the calorie content was not too high!!!! Well, maybe the mushrooms were not the problem, but the seasoned bread crumbs and parmesan cheese. Will have to check the next time I make this little side dish. Here is the recipe:

1/2 lb. mushrooms, sliced (I used the Baby Bellas, but I am sure white mushrooms are fine)

2 tablespoons chopped parsley (I used fresh Italian parsley)

2 teaspoons minced garlic (I used the garlic in a jar)

1/2 cup seasoned bread crumbs

1/2 cup grated parmesan

salt and pepper to taste

1/4 cup extra virgin oil

2 tablespoons white wine

In a baking dish toss mushrooms and parsley and garlic. Add 1/4 cup bread crumbs and 1/4 cheese and toss. Drizzle wine and oil and toss together then add remaining bread crumbs and cheese on top. Bake 350 for 20-25 minutes. Enjoy!!!

There you have it, a wonderful side dish of mushrooms. This will be my favorite for many years to come. Here is where I got this wonderful recipe, http://smokymountaincafe.blogspot/2011/09/mushrooms-parmesan.html

Cheers ~ Louise

~Wordless Wednesday~

2011-09-28T10:22:00.001-07:00

Cheers ~ Louise

Rain, rain, GO AWAY!!!!

2011-09-26T12:04:00.000-07:00

This is what our ceiling is looking like now, see the water dripping, just as if someone turned on the faucet, gosh I am disliking this very much. I want my kitchen back. Oh, see the buckets in the cabinet, they need to be emptied every couple of rains.
Dripping into the buckets below, towels all over to catch the splashes. The bucket needs to be emptied every couple of hours when it rains this much.

Lately it has been dripping down through the cabnets where my dishes are, catching lots of drips on the counter...........oh please God, I have had enough!!!
Well, I hope you all are having a great day.........fret not and trust in God!!!! Cheers ~ Louise

A Little Bit of Comfort Food

2011-09-19T10:48:00.000-07:00

Started the week off with "a little bit of comfort food" Mac and cheese with little smoky sausages for spice!!! Was delicious to say the least. Here's a picture after the fact. Just followed the instructions for a box of mac and cheese then added the sausages, no special surprise ingredients added to this little gourmet treat. Will keep the husband happy for the day. Dinner tonight will include fish, salad and the mac and cheese dish, (if there is any left).

Not alot going on this week, high points are going to Betty's tomorrow to make some cards with a few ladies, Social Security check comes Wednesday, so shopping for food. Making a new recipe, either Italian Beef Stew, or Chicken Paprikash. Thursday, I go to Sandi's to make cards with a few other ladies. Share program on Saturday.

Need to work out in the yard this week sometime and get everything "Winter Ready" Next spring will have to be a little different, need to back off on buying plants and such, there is too much shade in the back yard so vegies don't want to grow. Oh well, guess it is alright, we are getting older, so the less work there is the better off we will be.

Well, time to shut this blog down for the day........watch for my next recipe, should be delicious also.

Cheers ~ Louise

A Bor-ing Blog

2011-09-17T09:48:00.000-07:00

Yep........that is what this blog is.....a Bore (not even sure if bore is spelt right) who cares, no one reads this blog anyways!!! This may be a very short one.....have no pics and no ideas to write, guess I am leading a boring life right now.

We're trying to get some money scrounged up to pay for part of the roof that leaks into the kitchen....looks like we may have to sell some stuff, like gold and silver laying around the house, which is not much. Oh well. I am tired of this leaky ceiling, 8 years of aggrevation, thanks to Steven Carey, because he cut corners to have more money in his pocket we have been living with a leaky roof!!!! Hopefully it gets fixed by this winter.

Lets, see what else.................guess I will close this blog for now...................who will read this, I wonder, be sure to leave a comment. Well, it is 12noon, the sirens are sounding ~ cherrio!!!!

A New Fall Card a Mini-Vacation and 9/11

2011-09-11T22:32:00.000-07:00

My new "Autumn Leaves of Fall" card just listed in my etsy store, go take a peek at: http://www.etsy.com/listing/81503505/autumn-leaves-of-fall-1

Yes, those are my feet!!!

We took a mini-vacation on Saturday, a ride on Butte Mor and Lake Winnebago.....was a very beautiful day for a boat ride.

Then we dropped anchor near High Cliff (maybe 5 miles out) and ate chips and cantalope....aahhhhhh, yes that was my kind of day, for sure!

Any problems you might have just seem to fade away. Yes, that was a piece of heaven on earth!!!!

Here is JP and I enjoying our day out on the boat.

Probably like you, I watched some of the Memorials and stories that went along with 9/11 today. I remember where I was that day....had just started a new job at the church, maybe about a month previous. So things were still pretty new to me. Don't remember who came with the news, but instanly the TV was turned on in the conference room and there we all stayed, transfixed by what was happening in NY. A hard day to forget, forever engraved in our minds. It should have been a day that caused many people to come back to Jesus.....(and maybe it did) but just like everything else....we cry out to God for help, He helps and we soon forget that He was there to help!!! God Help The USA ~ a Nation slowly dying because of it's sin's against you ~ Have mercy of us a sinful nation!!!!!

Well, you all have a great day ~ Louise

Locast and "Hurricane Like" Wind Storm

2011-09-03T09:57:00.000-07:00

Locust...........you hear them all around you during the summer months, but never see them. Well, here you go, I found one up close for you to see......ugly little chap isn't he/she???? How I came upon this lovely locust.......was cleaning up a little after the storm and brushing the leaves off our car and WA LA a locust!!!! I ran for my camera and took a bunch of pictures. I think God placed this bug on my car.......I know, I know sounds kinda crazy.......but, a few nights ago as I was letting my dogs out and waiting for them, was listening to the locust and thought....."how come you never see them God, only hear them?" I believe this is my answer from God.......

Years ago, when I was 7 or 8, remember leaning up against a tree......and BUZZZZZZZZ...leaned up against a locust, scared me alot, but I remember what it looked like to this day. I have always loved the sound of locust, but maybe seeing the damage they make, may not like that.

So here are pictures of the damage done in our back yard after the storm hit. Two large limbs came down, one on my little swing and the other on our roof. The limb on the roof caused more damage to our "leaking ceiling" cause after the limb hit, the "drip, drip, drip" became a steady flow of water. Gosh, I get so angry at the roofer who supposedly "fixed" our roof. Because of HIS greed and wanting more money in HIS pocket we are paying for HIS neglegence. There is no recourse for us, he sold his business and we don't have the money to sue........so here we sit with a leaking roof that just gets worse.

Oh...another thing that happened during the storm, the electricty went out....from 9:30am, off till 1:30am....16 hours, gosh we sure are dependant on electricity aren't we? Well, I brought out the candles, and got the Fondue Pot going for coffee......funny how you crave certain things when they are taken away. Any other day I could go all day without a cup....but yesterday, no sireeeee! I started to worry about the frig and if things would stay frozen and cold. I took some chicken out to defrost in the frig to keep things cold in there. Fired up the grill about 6:30pm and cooked some sausage, a small packet of chicken and a hamberger and 3 small potatoes. Just in case JP ran out of food to eat. When he was about to come home I got the Fondue pot going put some chicken soup in it and the chicken, sausage and potatoes. (the hamberger was eaten by Louise) So, it turned to be a good meal......just as JP was eating, the lights came on.....what magic!

Another picture of the limb on our roof.......I am hoping we can find a good samaritan that will come with a chain saw, needing free fire wood to come take the limbs down for us, we can pay for the gas. But that is it, cause we really need to get our roof redone and you know........finances just are not there at this time and the mortgage needs to get paid yet......Thank you Mr. Obama for all you help!!!

Well, you all have a good day ~ Cheers ~ Louise

A Relaxing (Busy) Anniversary Week-end

2011-08-29T08:35:00.000-07:00

Saturday's Morning Glory Flower♥

I thought this was a very pretty morning glory showing it's true colors.....lovely isn't it? We celebrated our 38th wedding anniversary. Not exstravagantly, but within our means. Friday was a trip to Neenah, buy a sub at Subway ($14) and sat by Kimberly Point and watched the water, and things around us, was a beautiful day. Even got on a swing for a little while.

Saturday off to the Share program and Festival foods for a $7 box (included lots of goodies, toilet paper, styrofoam plates, juices, candy bars, noodles, sauce, cake mix to name a few) and food at share and order for next month. For our afternoon excursion we went to Krieger Jewelers and pawned JP's school ring, my siam silver and a bronze medalion from 1934. Pay back was $160. I think I will look through my jewelery box and see what else I can find. Found out the ring we bought last year at a pawn shop was worth $599-$799 new...............that was nice to know. Not sure what it is worth now....maybe not as much.

Went to Sam's club to pay a bill and buy some peanut butter and lettuce, tried some samples then off to StevieB's for a pizza buffet........that was good, had salad and about 5 different kinds of pizza. Onions/pepper, Philly/steak, Hamberger/beacon, Taco, BLT.........was very good but filling! Then we went home and I fell asleep for a couple of hours. ($14)

Sunday was Church. After Church we went home, let the dogs out then went out to eat at the Wisconsin Ave diner. JP had pearch and I had a Senior Hamberger, fries and salad. Then we both had ice-cream cones. ($18) We then went to an Estate sale.....nice stuff, got a new bretta water pitcher for $1.50 and some ceramic easter eggs that should have been 1.75, but I think I got everything for $1.75. Went home, got the dogs and went to the Golden Goat and turned in aluminum cans at 60 cents a lb. that was the highest we had ever seen..........so we got $3.12 for 3 boxes of cans....not bad. Then off to KK to the antique shop to try and sell some stuff............maybe awhile before we ear anything. I am selling two hand blown candle holders with candles for $30, JP took two things priced at $14. Every little bit helps......we are trying to get some money together to get our roof patched up so it does not leak.....before the winter, hopefully.

Well, after this busy weekend, we went home and we both zonked out and slept till 8pm....whew that was a busy afternoon and the end of a busy weekend!!!!!!

Somethings we shall do again............1. Go to Kimberly point for a picnic and take the dogs with. 2. Go back to StevieBs. 3. Go to the Antique store to see if our stuff sold. 4. Go through my jewelery and see if I have any gold and silver to pawn. 5. We shall go back to Wisconsin Ave Diner, cause the food is good.....but only if we have a $3 off coupon....it's the only way to go.

Well, time to close..........may not blog till September.......so have a wonderful Labor Day weekend!!! Cheers ~ Louise

Our Anniversary Weekend♥

2011-08-26T19:06:00.000-07:00

Well.........38 years ago on the 27th we were married by the Justis of Peace at City Hall in Chicago. Not the the most beautiful place to get married but it was what JP wanted. He just could not take time out from racing to get married in a church. So, at 11:00 am on a Saturday we were married and at 3:00 pm we were signing the papers on the closing of our house. By the afternoon we were moving into our little house in Arlington Heights. I had put my foot down, and told JP I would not move into that house until we were married. We lived together for 2 1/2 years before getting married. If I had it to do over again......no, I would not live with someone before being married, some how the beauty of marriage is destroyed, it just is not the same after marriage.

Lighthouse on the point...........our excursion to Neenah.
A visitor dropping in to see if we dropped some food or............would throw some to him/her.

♥

JP took the day off today from work, so we did some errands, then went to Neenah, bought a subway and went and had lunch at Kimberly Point by the lighthouse. We have decided to do this again and maybe just pack a lunch and take the dogs for an afternoon "break away" we really need to learn how to kick back and enjoy..............................♥

Tomorrow the 27th, we'll go out for lunch at Stevie B's, and a steak in the evening some place....not sure as yet where we are going. That is another post I guess.

Well, I guess I will close this blog for tonight and continue on tomorrow. Pray God will keep those in the path of "Hurricane Irene" safe and not many lives will be lost.................Be safe people on the east coast.

Louise

A Vanishing Summer and a Pretty Flower

2011-08-22T08:19:00.000-07:00

HELP!!!!!! The summer is vanishing before our very eyes!!!! BUT.........I love this time of the year though. I can feel the crisp fall in the air just around the corner. Noticed yesterday, flowers, shrubs and grass etc. have stopped growing, or maybe they are just drying up for lack of rain, but, sad for sure. Everything comes to an end. Yep.....life also comes to an end. Heard this weekend that the husbands aunt died at 93, now that was a long time to live.....I think she lived well though, she lived a good life. Didn't know much about her or what she did for a living. She and the uncle John lived in California and had two daughters, that's all I know. Oh well, will send a sympathy card in the next few days.

The above picture is an orgami flower I made........pretty huh? I just learned how to make them a month or so ago.....taught a class also, guess I am not a very good teacher though, only two ladies got a handle on making the flowers, the other 3 ladies were scratching their heads as they left...."how did she do that? I don't get it?" Oh well, I guess we all can't be teachers. I have to come up with another idea for a card....not sure at this point what I will do.

Well, I guess I better get this show on the road and start my week. May be going boating this week with Sandi and out to lunch with Shirley. ALSO out to dinner with JP cause it is our 38th anniversary on Saturday.......WOW where did that time go????? Seems like only yesterday we were young and wild and living our life the way WE wanted............life sure does not slow down for anyone!!!!!!

Cheers ~ Louise

Blooming Hibiscus and A Poem

2011-08-10T14:29:00.000-07:00

What a lovely bloom.
The creativity of God is unlimitless in the biggest things down to the littlest things.

Here is a poem I wrote on July 23, 2011 ~ I was actually singing the first couple of sentences while doing dishes, then thought, maybe I better write the words down so I don't forget them. So here are the words, the song completely escapes me, maybe you can create your own song. Enjoy.

"Stand Strong"

Stand strong, stand strong
Until the very end,
Stand strong, stand strong
Till you see your reward.

Be brave, be brave
Though you see no end to your pain,
Be brave, be brave
For your joy will come in the morning.

Stand strong and be brave
When the dew is fresh and the birds sing,
Stand strong and be brave
And Bring Glory to God.

Louise Gatti

Boat Ride on the Lake

2011-08-06T10:06:00.000-07:00

This is one of my favorite pictures to take on our little excursions....a seagull sitting on a bouy.
Would like to get a pelican on a bouy someday, but they fly away to quickly!
We were anchored down and having lunch on the lake, what peacefulness.

The water was so smooth and quiet.
You could skip a pebble over the water.
In the Menasha Locks, we were being followed by "Anna".

Here we go.....taking off to who knows where!

Captain Tyler.....at your service! Enjoying the view. Fun was had by all, these mini vacations are just what the Doctor ordered!!!! Next outing is next week, depending on the weather of course.

Have a great day and enjoy these summer days....not many left!!!!

Cheers ~~~~~ Louise

My 2010 Hibiscus Plant

2011-07-30T21:08:00.000-07:00

Pretty Hibiscus flower!!! I think this plant might be one of my favorite flowers. Bought this plant last summer and managed to nurse it along through the winter months down in my basement. Along with this plant I had bought a chartruse pink hibiscus, that one did not make it. But this plant weathered the storm and made it through.

There are 5 more blooms on it, maybe this week it shall show it's beautiful colors again. God sure can create some beautiful things, there is no way this pretty flower comes from the "big bang theory" nope, sorry!!!!! I think God takes great joy in creation. Just as He created you and I, He creates beautiful things for us to enjoy AND He gives us the creative ablility to also create beautiful things to enjoy. Such a blessing!!!!

Oh, guess what, on that same line.....creating flowers. I am going to become a part of a group, we make cards and teach the others how to make that card, bringing along all the supplies needed to do it.....my first teaching project with be the folded orgami paper flower. Although it is not a card, the lady organizing the group wanted me to show how to make the flower. As that has been all that I have been doing lately....I said okay. So I guess I am looking forward to doing this and then learning other different ideas in making cards and such!!!!

Cutting this blog short for tonight, talk to you soon on some other subject.

Cheers ~ Louise

♥Happy Birthday Tilda was in a Treasury Today♥Plus an Interview with the Wisconsin Crew Team Blog♥

2011-07-29T16:30:00.000-07:00

Go take a peek at: http://www.allthingstangled.blogspot.com/ then follow her link to Etsy.com which will take you to her treasury on etsy.

Watch tomorrow, for I will be featured on the Wisconsin Crew Team blog. Address to follow. Okay....here is the address for my interview http://wist-etsy.blogspot.com/2011/07/fridays-featured-fabricator-cards-4-u.html probably will be there for a couple of days at least, some thoughts were changed and some words too, but the idea is still there. Thought I had all my punctuation fine-tuned, but alas, when your interview goes through a second person, things said get changed alittle, kinda like the "telephone game". Oh Well, that's life!!!

See ya...Louise

A New Addition to My Cards on Etsy

2011-07-21T19:32:00.001-07:00

A new addition to my Etsy store. Learned how to make this lovely little flower from a magezine from the UK which I bought from JoAnn Fabrics. Have made quite a few and gave 3 away. If I could tell you how to make it or do a teaching video, I would. But, alas have no video camera to do it.

Well, so much for today, getting kinda tired right now and want to add this cute little gem to my Etsy store tonight. Have a good day. Louise

My Friend Died Today

2011-07-17T22:38:00.000-07:00

June 24, 1947 ~ July 17, 2011

She died after a 2 1/2 year battle with cancer.

She will be missed dearly, but I know she is with Jesus today. That is by far a better place to be. Sad for us, but happy for her, you were a blessing to know.

We did alot of fun and wild things together. Trips to Kansas and Door County, Church, praying together, waving flags, letters to Jesus, visions, music and singing, long talks on the phone and in the car and after church, eating out, celebrating birthdays, Christmas, and whatever else came up.

Friends come and go in our lives, and then there are friends that will be remembered forever!

That is you Chrissy dear, rest in peace!!!

Enjoy eternity with your best friend, Jesus!!!

♥Happy 11th Day of the Month♥

2011-07-11T08:56:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone........well, it's the 11th day of July....where is this month going to???? Winter starts December 21st.......are you ready? Hahahaha.....laugh now pay later!!!!

Was looking for some winter pictures from the last couple of years.........mmmm can't seem to find them, once I do, I will put them up in this blog.....just a little reminder of the way things were and what is to come. So I say, enjoy the summer and sun and warmth, it may end all too soon!!!!!!

May be going out on the boat with Sandi this week. We went out last Friday and I got a bit of sunburn, forgot the sun lotion, which reminds me, when I go to Wal-mart must get some. Sandi took some pictures of me on the boat (I forgot my camera) here is one.

Look at that beautiful water, so calm and serene. My face is getting a little baked.....yikes!!!! Notice you only have my head.....we decided to leave out the bottom half...hahahhaha! I have started another diet, maybe in a few months the bottom half will be toned down a bit. You know, turning 65 can be a piece of HELL!!!!! It is said that the years of retirement are the GOLDEN YEARS........Ha!!! I heard it is called the TARNISHED YEARS!!! Guess it is all in how you look at it....I am not sure at this point......I will let you know in a few years.

I mentioned starting another diet....this one will be about fruit smoothies in the morning and juicing vegetables in the afternoon or there abouts. Maybe I will do this for about a week or so. I saw of documentary about this guy in Australia that juiced for 60 days and lost 90 lbs, don't think I will be that radical, but he found that a lot of meds he was on, he did not need after a couple of months cause he was getting all the nutrients and vitamins needed, course he exercised also, I shall just walk and bike.....and go boating with Sandi!!! Here is the website: http://www.fatsickandnearlydead.com/ check it out, saw it on http://www.netflex.com/

Here is a recipe for a delicious fruit smoothie:
Handful of blueberries, 3-4 strawberries, 3-4 pieces of cantaloupe, 3-4 Tbls water, blend then add blueberry yogurt and blend again.....mmmmmmmm good!!!

Have a great day and will be back with some juicing recipes....cheerio ~ Louise

Happy 4th of July and More Flowers from the Garden Walk

2011-07-04T09:33:00.001-07:00

God's Fireworks in the natural

White Columbine
A closer look at the White Columbine

Daisies
A mature Smoke Bush.....I would like one of these in the front of my house someday. A Beautiful burgandy, purple and red bush shimmering in the sun.
White PioniesPaprika Yarrow ~ cute huh?
So there you have it a tour of the Garden Walk and also God's Fireworks in the natural. Have a great day and remember those that went before you and died so that you may be FREE!!!!
Cheers ~ Louise

More Garden Walk Pictures

2011-06-27T09:52:00.000-07:00

A Yellow Hanging Bogoina plant in the midst of a beautiful garden.
This is a picture of the side of the house with a rain barrell that catches the water for all the plants. I wish we could do this but the water that comes off the roof is black from faulty cheap shingles.

This waterfall is at the High School in the court yard. Made by the students.

I love the sound of a water fall.

This is the center of the court yard. the plants, walking stones, most everything is done by the students.

I got this picture of a REAL Dragon Fly in the High School Court Yard.....cool huh? He stayed long enough so I could catch him on my camera.

Now this is a picture of a Dragon Fly walking stone made by a student in art class. If I could figure out how to make something like this, I would like to try. Well I hope you like the tour of the garden walk. I have a few more pictures but they are of flowers and bushes....maybe in the next blog I will show just the flowers I took. Have a good day and take 'er easy and stay cool!! Cheers ~ Louise

185 Days Till Christmas!!!!

2011-06-23T12:29:00.000-07:00

Yep..........just found this good news on another blog today. It just so made my day :) Not that I was looking for it, but just the fact that it was there........plastered at the top of the blog I visited. Oh well, it only tells me that time is going FAST..........Never wish your life away, it goes fast enough!

Not much is going on here, it's been raining alot, rain, rain and more rain. Hard to get out and work in the gardens. Also, our roof leaks and we have to put buckets and towels on the kitchen floor to catch the rain drops..........gosh I hate when it rains. But I guess it could be worse, our house could be under water or floating down a river. When you look at your own circumstances, they might be rough and hard to deal with.......but someone around the corner always has it much worse.

I am still trying to get some plants planted and it is almost the end of June. Ordered some Deep Dark Cherokee Purple Tomato seeds June 4th............they are still not here yet. It's getting alittle late to plant, but these are heirloom seeds (should last for 100 years), I shall try "one" seed and see if it sprouts and plant it in the front of the house so it gets lots of sun.

JP and I went to a garden walk last week-end, was lots of fun and we got lots of ideas. We would like to impliment some of those ideas, hopefully the money will be there along with some good weather. This year I have the time, as my merchandising job got phased out.....I guess I am too old. Following you will see some of the gardens we visited.
The garden above is one we visited on Saturday, this is her front yard and she has either zuchinni or cucumbers planted in those old coffee cans. I have a zuchinni and heirloom tomato plant and some radishes planted in the front yard.
In this garden walk is a lovely "1895 Circa" house. I have always admired the house when I pass by on my way home, finally got to see it up close.....I love this blue bottle tree. The whole back yard is dabbed with blues.......like a lovely painting. In this lovely garden the woman has over 400 different hostas planted in her gardens. I liked the way she organized this little area.........she also had a door with little pots on it, it looked really cute, wish I had taken a picture, cause on the way home we found a door and took it home to decorate the back area of our backyard garden.

Well, I think I will close this blog for now. Have a great day in the Lord ~ cheers ~ Louise

Garfield's Scale is Back!!!!

2011-06-19T21:41:00.000-07:00

Tis' true, finally stamped and colored with copic markers, 8 "Garfield's Scale" cards. Made this one tonight, took a quick picture, not very professional though. Will be putting up in my Etsy store tonight also. I found that these cards moved pretty fast, am hoping that will happen again. Check out my store at: http://www.cards4ubylouise.etsy.com

Well, this will be a short blog tonight, have a great day and watch for more cards in the next week.

Cheers ~ Louise

New Set of Cards Listed Today

2011-06-16T10:43:00.000-07:00

Finished these cards the other night and just listed them in my Etsy store at http://www.etsy.com/listing/76107609/set-of-6-everyday-cards There are 2 Happy Birthday cards with the seagull, 2 Happy Anniversary cards with the roses and 2 Thank You cards with the lighthouse. The technique is called "Direct on paper" where you take an ink pad and swipe it across the paper, then stamp the image and saying. I used the copic marker to color the lighthouse and roses. Didn't color in the seagull as I thought it looked fine as is. Perhaps I might color just one in just to see what it looks like. Made lots of these cards and may make more as the technique is quite fun.

The Lighthouse

The Seagull

The Pink Rose

Hope you like my cards. Please leave a comment. Thanks for stopping by. Check me out at http://www.cards4ubylouise.etsy.com/ https://www.facebook.com/home.php#!/pages/Cards4ubylouise/ should take you to my facebook page, "like me" please. For Twitter go to http://www.twitter.com/louisellen/ Have a great day ~ Cheers ~ Louise

♥My New Lemon/Lime Stamp♥

2011-06-08T11:05:00.000-07:00

I made a stamp last night.......a lemon/lime/orange and grapefruit stamp. Maybe it is too small for a grapefruit, but the possibilities are still there. Saw a video on making this glass of lemonade and just felt I needed to have a lemon/lime stamp, so I made one last night. (confession.....I did order two lemon/lime stamps off Etsy yesterday, but that was BEFORE I made my own stamp). Doesn't this just look like the most refreshing and tasty little card you have ever seen???

I got the idea from another blog "Stamp and Scrape by Frenchie". I suspect it is okay to copy her ideas, otherwise she never would have made the video showing how to make this card. Although, my card is just a little bit different then hers. That's the beauty of making cards. Each person has a different slant on card making and you can take that same card and place 10 women in a room and each woman will make that same card different.........hahaha......sort of like the telephone game. Whisper in the ear of the first woman, a comment, by the 10th woman that comment has changed 10 times and has become a question.

Well, I still will be looking forward to my two new stamps, will have lots of lemons and limes to make even iced tea.......what fun this summer will be and very refreshing.

Well, you be blessed in this 90 degree weather and stay cool. Relax with a glass of lemonade.
Cheers ~ Louise

♥A Few Father's Day Cards From My Etsy Store♥

2011-06-02T09:19:00.000-07:00

Above Father's Day card called "The Lighthouse" could also be a birthday or thank you card. And below the "Golfer" he too can be a birthday or thank you or whatever your desire.

Below is my Father's Day "deer" card, which can also be for a Birthday or Thank you. Actually all three cards can be for either or. All you need do is convo me through Etsy and let me know what you would like stamped on the inside of these cards.

Well, I am going to close this short and sweet blog for now. You have a great day!!!! Cheers ~ Louise

♥Giving Thanks♥

2011-05-30T09:00:00.000-07:00

Hope you are having a Great Memorial Day and giving thanks to God for all your blessings! We are a blessed Nation, blessed by God in every way. (As long as we bless Israel, we will be a blessed nation, but when we begin to curse Israel we will be cursed.) But yet, many have turned their backs on God and Israel and now wonder why their lives are being turned upside down. They question everything about God and doubt that God even exists. Sad commentary.

Man thinks he is all wise, all knowing and the healer of all. He can pass laws into being which he does not have to follow, but expects those under him to follow them to the Tee. To me, that is a little ego-centric and haughty. How can man think he is better then God who created everything? I have a very hard time understanding how man thinks at times.

"For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways My ways, saith the Lord." And "My ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts". (Isaiah 55: 8,9) So, where does man get off thinking he knows more than God? Why do some religions think their "gods" are better than God The Creator? How do all these other religions get off thinking they have all the answers, when all these religions are just men's agenda at playing God!?!? Life sure can be complicated and two-faced at times!!!! Could the answer be that they have "given heed to seducing spirits and doctrines of devels"? I wonder........food for thought!

On Memorial Day we are to think of all those who gave their lives so we can enjoy the freedoms we have today. Think of what Jesus did, he gave his life so that we might have life and have it more abundantly plus have relationship with God and live eternally with Him in heaven. There is a doctrine going around that there is no Hell, that it's all made up.........guess that is for those same men who have their own agendas. "As for for me and my house we will serve the Lord"!!!

Well, guess I will get off my little soap box for today..........every now and then I like to rant and this seems to be my place to do just that. You can agree or disagree that is your choice. For isn't that why this country was founded on? That we could have "Religious freedom" and think for ourselves, no one really has the right to tell another what to think, doesn't that become a socialistic country then? We are still in a free country......for now. Thank God For That!!!!

Have a great day and Cheers ~ Louise

Newest Friendship Card for Etsy

2011-05-23T14:51:00.000-07:00

Here's my newest card that I shall put in my Etsy store today.....been awhile since I last posted on my blog so thought I would put this "Friendship card" up today. I got a lot of the paper, vellum and cardstock from the "CTI" paper company on Friday at their annual sale. This is what I came up with, just piecing it altogether. I am very happy with the outcome and am thinking of doing a set of cards like this.............but not with the inside, as seen below. Maybe a set of 6 cards "Friendship, Marriage, Celebration" Those are the three stamps I have that could be used for this card. Thinking, thinking, always thinking.

The inside of this card with done with folding the paper, first to each corner, then one fold across, then the 4 corners were folded, a little confusing at first, but when figured out, turns into a really neat card.

Well, I think I shall close this blog for tonight and go to Etsy and post this card there. If you would like to see it got to: http://www.cards4ubylouise.etsy.com/

Have a good day and cheers~Louise

♥A Deer Father's Day♥Our Lives a Vapour♥

2011-05-14T21:28:00.000-07:00

Here is that "Deer" card I had told you about in a previous post. Made 12 cards and each one looks different, guess it was in the way I colored them with my copic markers. In making the card, laid a stencil down and taped it then spread white "Dreamweaver" paste over it. Pulled off the tape and stencil which left a raised layer of paste. Let it dry overnight. Then colored in with copic markers. The cards were then layered on black, white and brown cardstock. The white cardstock was run through the cuttlebug with an embossing folder.

Father's Day is just 5 weeks away.......June19th!!!!! My own father died in March of 1961 ~ 50 years ago, seems like only a "vapour" ago. He was a good man and I loved my father very much, I still miss him to this very day. Growing up, he gave me alot of wisdom that I still remember many things he told me. My only regret, I don't think he knew Jesus as his Lord and Savior.

Have you ever watched smoke come out of a chiminy? I have, often. This verse always comes to mind. "Whereas you know not what shall be on the morrow. For what is life? It is even a vapour, that appears for a little time, and then vanishes away." (James 4:14) Our lives are like a vapour, here today and gone tomorrow. But in this verse the Bible comentary says "that making plans without God proclaims the fact that we consider ourselves to be our own master and if the Lord does not guide our lives, then all is a waste".

Certainly is food for thought isn't it? I wonder how much of my life was lived without asking God to lead and guide my steps? How much of my life was lived according to the agendas of other people and what other people thought I should be doing? How much of my life has been lived without even thinking about God and doing my own thing? Would I be where I am now if I had asked God for his direction? Would my life not have been full of regrets if I had "asked God"? I don't know, guess those are questions that shall have to wait to be answered, maybe in eternity???? And, also if my earthly father made it to heaven?

Well, guess it is time to shut this blog down for the night and go over to Etsy to see if any cards sold. Check out my store at: http://www.cards4ubylouise.etsy.com/

Cheers ~ Louise

Etsy Tap Dance Tonight.....

2011-05-11T20:54:00.000-07:00

Sold a card, sold a card, sold a card!!!! Doin' the Etsy Tap Dance today!!!! Been such a dry spell lately, wondered when the next sale would come. Well today, I renewed a Father's Day card from last year around 11am and by 1:30pm that card sold......YAY!!!!

Spent the evening making more deers for some more Father's day cards. Gosh, if I could find that card in my files, I would download it onto this blog, but it may take awhile. Sooooooo I think I will just make a new card and take a picture and load it up onto this blog at a later date.

Started some seeds today, cucumbers, summer squash, basil, parsley, two kinds of heirloom tomatoes and peppermint zenias. Tomorrow I shall plant some swiss chard and pole beans, have some purple onion bulbs to plant also. This year I am going to put most of my vegie plants in the front of the house as we had so much rain last year that alot of my vegies got drowned out.

Watching American Idol..........I know, I know that's a waste of time, but I just love listening to Scotty sing, he has such a wonderful voice, can hardly wait till he makes a CD.....I shall buy it for sure!!!! So I am hoping he wins!!!!!

Well, I think that is all for today, you all have a great day.........cheers ~ Louise

One Day At A Time Sweet Jesus..........

2011-05-06T16:31:00.000-07:00

Mother's Day is Coming.............

2011-04-30T09:04:00.000-07:00

Mother's Day.....is a week away now, what are you going to do for that special mother of your's? Whether she is just around the corner or hundreds of miles away....or maybe she is dead....it is always good to hear from your loved ones.

My own mother died in 2001, where did that time go? She would have been going on 85, we were just 20 years apart. She was always so happy when someone would act so surprised that I was "her daughter". Why Barb, I thought Louise was your sister, oh my, I hated that! My mother would just smile. Not me, she was my mother, not my sister!!!! Oh well, every now and then I think about her and sometimes wish she was still around, so I could just talk, although she never quite understood me, nor I her. I believe tomorrow, May 1st is the day she died, maybe that is why I am thinking about her.

Then, there was the Mother-in-law. Nope, she never understood me either. I don't have too much to say about her. Our relationship was a little strained and I never knew what she expected of me and felt she never really liked me, I certainly was not her favorite. JP and I never had any kids between the two of us, so maybe that was the reason why. I had wanted kids, but the husband didn't. So now here we are married 38 years and childless. The Mother-inlaw will be dead 1 year on our 38th anniversary - August 27.

I did have a daughter, but in 1969 had to give her up for adoption, a decision I have regretted all my life. But then, if I hadn't, she wouldn't have been that free spirit that she is now, doing her own thing and being her own person. I see her on facebook alot, I guess that is better then not seeing her. Her life, and my life are complete opposites, I guess she takes more after her "father" then she does me, but then she seems to be living the kind of life my grandmother did...a little wild. My grandmother lived in the bars and taverns and drank alot, my mother didn't. I can remember as a child my mother and grandmother arguing and then my grandmother left and I didn't see her again till I was eighteen and she was dying....not alot of good memories of grandmother.

So now, I am thinking, Mother's Day is one of those days, that I can take or leave alone, it doesn't really hold alot of good feelings for me. Only because I am a mother, but have never really been treated as a mother. Having a baby and putting her up for adoption doesn't really count, you are labled a "birthmom" but not really a "mother" I am not really sure why I am rambling on like this......guess some of these holidays are just not as happy as others are.

Well, I wanted to tell alittle about the above card. I probably will put it in my etsy store http://www.cards4ubylouise.etsy.com/ the going price will be $3 + postage $2. You will also receive one free bonus card or bookmark or thank you card for your use. The card is basically flowers colored in with markers then layered on black cardstock then bright pink cardstock. I actually made the "MOM" stamp myself, my very first attempt. It is pretty versitile though, cause turning it up side down you get "WOW". One of these days I shall have to make a "WOW" card!!!

Well, I think this blog has run too long and probably not alot of people will read it anyways, I tend to shy away from long blogs, "short and sweet and to the point" are my kind of blogs. So take care and have a great "Mother's Day" and please remember those mother's that might be shedding a tear or two because they have been forgotten.
Cheers ~ Louise

Raman Noodle Salad

2011-04-28T23:35:00.000-07:00

Here is a really delicious salad. I have made this twice already this week, not sure what the calorie content is, but it can't be alot cause what could really be fattening....noodles I guess, mmmm but it sure is good. Here is the recipe.

2 pakgs Raman Chicken flavored soup (break into small pieces)
1 bunch green onions (sliced)
1 cup cashews
1 cup sunflower seeds
1/2 cup raisins (optional)
16 oz pakg coleslaw (or 1/2 small head cabbage)

Mix Raman seasoning with:
1/2 cup olive oil
1/4 cup vinegar
1/4 cup sugar (or less)

Mix together and pour over the first 5-6 ingredients. Let stand 30 minutes.
Mix a few times and before you serve.

This may be one of those salads that will be hard to keep in the house, I know it is in my house.

Well, you have a great day.
Cheers ~ Louise

In Memory of Dave Wilkerson

2011-04-28T00:39:00.000-07:00

This will be a very short blog. As of a few hours ago I heard that Dave Wilkerson was killed in a car accident in Tx. Now he is in the presence of Jesus. . .what a glorius place to be. Sad that his life ended so tragiclly. His wife and the truck driver are still in the hospital. Sad news for all concerned.

JP and I went to a "Call to Repentance" in Texas in 1986 and got to sit under the teachings if Dave Wilkerson....that might have been when the fires of revival was lit in my heart back in 1986, yep, I believe that was when God began to change my life around. That was one of those vacations I will never quite forget.

Blessings ~ Louise

Happy Ressurection Sunday!!!

2011-04-23T20:29:00.000-07:00

Wishing you all a wonderful Ressurection Sunday!!!!

Jesus Lives, He Lives today to save our souls from living an eternity in hell. Jesus did not come into this world to condemn the world but to save the world and spend eternity with Him in Heaven!!!

You know, there are two kinds of people in this world, ones that are saved and ones that are not saved.....which one are you? As for me and my household we will serve the Lord!!! I am looking forward to the sound of the trump and Jesus calling us home in the twinkling of an eye we will all be gone, what a day that will be!!!!

Have a wonderful Easter and remember JESUS IS the REASON for this Wonderful SEASON!!!

Blessings ~ Louise

Angel Lush Dessert

2011-04-19T10:24:00.000-07:00

Here is a picture of the wonderful "Angel Lush" dessert I made for the Pot Blessing at church....
MMMMMMM........feast your eyes...such a fancy looking dessert fit for a King and Queen!!! I am thinking there aren't alot of calories either, so you can eat all you want.....hahahaha!!!! The recipe is following the second picture. So be sure to try it sometime, you will be amazed at how easy it is to make and also amazed that you can make such a beautiful cake that everyone will enjoy!!!!! This dessert is, and will be #1 on my list of desserts to make for party's, pot blessings and whatever comes up.

ANGEL LUSH with Pineapple

1 can (20 oz.) DOLE Crushed Pineapple, undrained
1 pkg. (3.4 oz.) JELL-O Vanilla Flavor Instant Pudding & Pie Filling
1 cup thawed COOL WHIP Wipped Topping
1 pkg. (10 oz.) round angel food cake, cut into 3 layers.
Seasonal Berries, (strawberries, blueberries, blackberries, rasberries)

MIX pineapple and dry pudding mix in a medium bowl. Gently stir in whipped topping.

STACK cake layers on plate, spreading pudding mixture between layers and on top of cake.
REFRIGERATE 1 hour or until ready to serve. Garnish with your favorite seasonal berries.

Serves 10 and takes 15 minutes to prep.

There you have it a wonderful dessert in minutes.

Enjoy and have a great day ~ Louise

Made a Treasury Last Week

2011-04-16T09:31:00.000-07:00

Made a lovely treasury last week and just now putting it up on my blog today, hope you enjoy. here are a few of the pictures of the treasures I found. Follow the link to the complete treasury on Etsy. http://www.etsy.com/treasury/4da34fbf7a5b6d9142a8e817/lavenders-blue-dilly-dillySo check it out. In the mean time, I will try and get a few pictures from the treasury downloaded into my blog.........wish me luck!! or blessings!!!

Ukrainan Easter Eggs - Part 3

2011-04-08T10:42:00.000-07:00

Hi Everyone, hope you are all doing well on this beautiful Friday!! Today is our final interview ~ Pt. 3 with Gail. I hope you have all enjoyed this topic of interest as much as I have. It has been fun communicating with you Gail and fun getting to know you via Etsy, Facebook and Blogger. And now, here are a few more of God's natural canvases and works of art on Duck eggs and Ostrich eggs by Gail. The above egg is an Ostrich egg and the egg below is a duck egg, entitled the Windmill.

Windmill above and the 3rd and final egg in this interview is called St. Anthony's Cross.

Now on to the last of our interview with Gail.

19. Your favorite thing to do?

Other than pysanky…create graphic art. Look for my other website, http://www.Etsy.com/shop/GoldenEggPysanky which will be up and running any day now.

{Note to the reader: the above address will take you to Gail's Etsy store, as the other address given took me "no place" I got a "uh-oh".}

20. Make a comment here of what ever you would like to say.

I would love to tell how about how pysanky are created…but don’t know if that is something you want…well…here goes anyway.PYSANKARSTVO is the art of decorating Ukrainian eggs. A master pysanky artist is called a Pysankar.“Pysanka” or egg writing dates back over 2,000 years and symbols can be found on ceramic eggs which have been found in the Ukraine dating to that time. The Ukrainian people decorated eggs to celebrate the coming of spring. The word “pysanka” means “to write” in Ukrainian and is derived from the verb “pysaty.” It is a deeply symbolic art and each design that is “written” on the egg has meaning.A sun, for instance, is the sign of life, fortune and growth. Even the colors are symbolic. Red is the symbol of passion and happiness in life.Although each egg has symbolic meaning, it also has a deep significance to the artist who creates the egg.Pysanka are made using hot beeswax which is applied with a kistka (writing tool similar to a stylus or fountain pen). The beeswax is “written” in lines which create a pattern. A succession of aniline dyes cover the lines; each new set of lines “seals” in the dye underneath and protects it from the next dye color. As more lines are written and more dyes are added to the egg, a complex pattern is built. When the writing is complete, wax is removed and the pattern revealed.The egg is then varnished or sealed with a resin which will protect it for many generations to come.

21. Name 3 favorite websites you couldn't live without.

Etsy! Facebook! http://www.pysankyusa.com/, my source for supplies! Jim is the best!

Hope you enjoyed the interview with Gail and I hope you will visit her Etsy store at: http://www.etsy.com/shop/GoldenEggPysanky

There you have it. I hope you all found this interview very informative and interesting as much as I did. So, if you are looking for a beautiful work of art, see Gail at her Etsy store at the above address.

Cheers ~ Louise

Ukranian Easter Eggs - Part 2

2011-04-06T09:32:00.000-07:00

Today, in part 2 of my Ukranian Easter Egg interview with Gail. Let me begin by adding 3 more pictures of her beautiful works of art on one of God's natural canvases..........the chicken egg, the duck egg and a goose egg.

The above egg is of a beautiful lady in pinks and golds depicted on this egg from a goose!! The above two eggs in black and red are from the chicken.

And this beautiful egg is from the duck. Which is a pretty large egg!! When we lived in the country, up in Ladysmith,over 25 years ago, we had some ducks, (3 females and 1 male). So when the ladies layed their eggs, they were huge!!! I would make breakfast for the husband and use 1 duck egg which = 2-4 Aracana (small) chicken eggs.

Now, onto the rest of the interview with Gail, part 2

6. What tools do you use for your craft that you cannot live without?

Vinegar, and my homemade light box for photographing my eggs. A picture is truly worth a thousand words…especially on Etsy. If it don’t look good, it ain’t gonna sell, baby. And that’s the truth!

7. What is a typical day for you and your favorite time of the day?

A typical egg making day is about 10 hours. I start by cleaning up my work area—I hate to admit it but I am a messy worker. And when I’m done, I’m done. I turn the light off, turn off my electric kistky and walk out. So, I have to clean up before I begin. I work on a layer of towels, and have to have a nice clean white one to start. I usually have several eggs going at once. As you work, one egg may be in the penciling stage, one in the dye, and one may be drying, and one is being waxed. So, I have at least 3 or 4 going at one time. My favorite time of day is about 7 pm…*sigh* relaxation time. I am not an early morning person. I can easily work until 1 or 2 in the morning, but I hate getting up for work (which, unfortunately, is at 5 am).

8. How do we find you on Etsy?

The name of my shop is GoldenEggPysanky. www.Etsy.com/shop/GoldenEggPysanky.

9. Can we find you on Facebook, Twitter, and do you have a blog site?

I am on Facebook but not twitter and no blog yet. I am still a bit electronically challenged.

10. Have you seen enough of the world or is there a place you would like to go?

I love to travel; I could never see enough. I would love to visit the Ukraine.

11. If you had another talent what would it be? I wish I were a musician.

12. What is your favorite flavor ice cream of all time? Mint chocolate chip

13. Your favorite color and shape? Orange and egg shaped! Go figure!

14. Your favorite drink and food? Diet Pepsi (yikes) and Pot stickers from BD’s Mongolian Barbeque.

15. Your favorite month and season of the year? Need I say more…April…Easter season.

16. Your favorite TV show, movie, book? Fringe is my favorite TV show, Movie…that one is tough…I like anything from Gone with the Wind to Groundhog Day!, and book… the entire Outlander series by Diana Gabaldon.

17. Your favorite store to visit? Archivers.

18. Your favorite (fill in the blank)……Having a day without responsibilities, doing whatever I’d LIKE to do instead of what I HAVE to do?

I will end part 2 here. Be sure to come back on Friday as we finish Gails interview ~ part 3 with 3 more questions.

Have a great day ~ Louise

Ukranian Easter Eggs and a Featured Etsy Artist

2011-04-04T12:20:00.000-07:00

In this blog I am going to talk a little bit about my Step-Grandmother and her Ukranian Easter Egg. Plus an interview with a real Ukranian Pysanky Egg Artist. But first, let me show you my Step-Grandmother's Ukranian Egg I inherited from her. I was always intrigued by my step-grandmother's egg collection, as you see, I ended up with the prettiest one. The other grandchildren got the other eggs. But mine sits in its royal spot in the china cabinet along with her tea-cups and an array of other antiques. That is probably another blog story in the future.

Grams held on to alot of her traditions, especially when it came to cooking. I will always remember the big dinners she made for all the family. A big platter of Kubasa, shaved horsradish and eggs. Big bowls of houbah (translation=mushroom gravey [wild mushrooms from the woods]). Pedihare (potatoe and sourkraut dumplings) meat, vegies and desserts galore. And her wonderful Babka (raisin egg bread that she baked in coffee cans) There was always enough food to feed an army and we never went home empty handed. Those were the days of good eaten!!!!!!And Good Food!!!!!

Now I would like to introduce you to Gail, a Ukranian Egg Artist, which I have met on Etsy. Because I like Ukranian Eggs and being it is Easter, one day I typed in Ukranian Eggs and her store came up. I asked her if she would like to be interviewed in my blog and she said yes. So, here we go.............first of all let me start by showing you some of her work. This is probably my favorite egg.......I like purple.

Now on to my interview with Gail.

1. Tell us a little about yourself and how you got started on Etsy? I am the proud Mom of three young men, two of whom serve in the United States Navy, and one who is working toward a college degree. I have been married to the same wonderful man for 34 years. We have a spoiled labradoodle named Toby who is the best dog we have ever had, hands down...he is a joy. I work full time as the supervisor of Microbiology at an 850 bed hospital in Detroit, Michigan. Although I enjoy my challenging job, my passion is my artwork. And, I am fairly new to Etsy, but I am finding it a wonderful experience. I had been selling on eBay for years, but the fees were getting too outrageous…so I was looking for another way to market my wares. My niece, who has a degree in marketing, said to me one day, “You need to be on Facebook, and Etsy, and link them.” Truer words have never been spoken. So, I got on Facebook and set up an account and then onto Etsy and surprise! It works! I got my first order after a couple of days on Etsy.
2. When and how did you become interested in making Pysanky eggs? I am a home grown pysanky maker! I am Ukrainian by heritage. My grandmother and grandfather were both Ukrainian and immigrated to the United States in the early 1900’s. Grandma came from Ternopil and Grandpa from Lviv. When they met each other here in the states, my grandmother was saddened by the lack of tools available to create pysanky. She was using a wooden stick dipped in melted beeswax and dipping it on eggs to create very basic patterns. She made her own dyes from vegetables, flowers, and ash. Then grandpa got involved and whittled some small twigs into handles for kistka. He added a small metal tube to the end and tied it all together with twine and tar. Grandma was in business! She created her own pysanky and, of course, taught my mother. I would watch them create pysanky at Easter, enthralled at a young age. But then, I was only allowed to watch. Finally, at about 8 years old, they perched me on a stool next to the melted pot of beeswax and handed me an egg and my first homemade kistka. I don’t remember much about that first pattern other than I was caught; hook, line and sinker. Seeing my attraction, my mom began purchasing products from Surma in New York and then from the Ukrainian Gift Shop in Minnesota. In those days, we only made eggs during Lent, so I would wait anxiously after Christmas for the beginning of Lent. To this day, Lent, which is usually everyone’s least favorite time of the Christian calendar is my absolute favorite time of the year, because it reminds me of the early days when I would enjoy pysanka making.
3. What is your inspiration for each egg and where do you get the ideas? I look at a lot of traditional patterns and am inspired by good geometric design. I love the way angles and squares can fit together to make stars…I probably would like quilt making as well. But I am also inspired by fabric, mosaics, Persian rugs, oriental plates, and, of course, quilts! Colors are a big factor in my work and because of the “batik” way pysanky are made, color can be a challenge. Because the “canvas” is a “natural product” (I guess the chickens would laugh at that one) it doesn’t always conform to your wishes. Colors don’t always dye the color you want. I have learned to be flexible. When I was younger, if the egg didn’t look like I thought it should look, I looked at it as a failure. I never sold them because they were not perfect (in my mind’s eye, anyway). Nowadays, I see the beauty in those eggs. Now, if something isn’t coming out the way I had planned it, well…all the better! Some of the best work I have done is because nature took the reins out of my hands. I am so glad I kept all those “ruined” eggs!
4. How many hours do you spend on each egg? I can do a simple egg in ½ hour. An ostrich egg can take up to 20 hours.
5. How did you feel when you sold your first egg on Etsy? Like a million bucks. To think that someone would pay real money for something I created…I am humbled, honored, and grateful. And....I am an artist. Wow. How cool is that?

To be continued............. Check out Gail's Etsy store at: http://goldeneggpysanky.etsy.com

Have a great day

~Louise~

Magnolia Rose Girl

2011-04-02T20:23:00.000-07:00

I have fallen in love with the Magnolia "Tilda" Stamps. Just love coloring them with my copic pens and then embellishing Tilda in a card. This was my second attempt to make paper flowers. Still trying to figure out my own technique, haven't come up with a system yet.

Went to a stamping rummage sale today and found a few punches that I might be able to use for flowers. Bought some scrapbook paper, 20 sheets for $2. A House Mouse Stamp to add to my collection and some embossing ink and oval die cuts...........a splurge today for sure.

We also went to a Cooking Show today........the chef made "Comfort Food". I am going to make each one of the dishes, oh gosh they looked so good, and then take a picture and talk about it and leave the recipe on this blog for anyone to try................Lets get cooking!!!!

Well, I think I shall close here for today and I am hoping to blog on Monday or Tuesday about Ukranian Easter Eggs. I am looking to feature an Etsy guest who makes Pysanky eggs. So do come back and read about her in my next blog.

Have a great day ~ Louise

All You Need Is Love, love

2011-03-29T09:22:00.000-07:00

All you need is love. Two ducks a huggin" so in love. The inside of the card says, "Sending Happy Thoughts".

The ducks were colored in with copic markers then run through the cuttlebug with this lace die cut. Layered on checked yellow paper then on to yellow cardstock. I embellished with paper ric-rac then used the sparkles gel pen to outline the frame, the ducks and the ric-rac.

The card measures 5.50"tall X 4.25"wide and will come with an envelope and clear plastic sleeve for protection. With the order of this card you will also receive one free bonus card or bookmark or thank you card for your use.

The card is priced at $3.00 + $2 postage, if you order a second card postage is $.50 extra. You can go to my Etsy store at: http://www.cards4ubylouise.etsy.com/ to order and pay with paypal or your credit card which will go through paypal.
Have a great day in the Lord!!!

Cheers~Louise

Easter Tilda on Her Swing

2011-03-25T20:39:00.000-07:00

This is one of my newest Magnolia cards. I put Tilda on a swing which really adds to her sweetness!!! I used my copic markers, which has become one of my favorite mediums. Although I do not have all the colors, just getting by with what I have. The egg is free hand, free cut, free colored and decorated {smile}. Tilda was cut in an oval and layered on a yellow card. The green border was layered on top fitting the card perfectly. Each corner was embellished with green button stickers. Although you cannot see the top corners, they are there.

I am taking an Ecourse from Timothy Adam at Handmadeology. So hopefully I will be learning some new tips. One being linking my Etsy store with this blog, with Facebook and Twitter. There are a few other sites I will be visiting at and signing up with soooooo this is going to be a journey for me of learning and hopefully being more successful in selling my cards. With Gods help and direction that will be the Goal!!!

Time to close for now, so take care and hope you enjoy my blog.
Cheers~Louise

This and That............

2011-03-20T22:32:00.000-07:00

The title of this blog is "This and That" only because I did not know what to title my blog for today. Guess I can have a "blog block" once in a while. Put this card up in my Etsy store tonight. Another one of those Crayon techniques which I love doing. This card is in the greens and silvers, looks nice in this picture. Been doing alot of Copic marker coloring lately, probably will post a few cards that I have done in recent days in the next few days or so.

Have been trying to get some of my cards packaged and priced to take into the Hospital in their gift shop, hopefully tomorrow and Tuesday. Hopefully, hopefully they will like them and I will finally have an outlit besides Etsy. Have not been very busy with my merchandising lately so I really need to find another way of making a little bit of money to finance my addiction of card making.

Found another love this past weekend.......quilling, yep made two cards doing that technique, I may put a quilling card up in my Etsy store, just as soon as I take the pictures. I have so much going in my head, things I want to do.........but alas sometimes the money is not there, guess I just need to take one day at a time.

Well, time to close this blog down, I am sure I am missing something and will think of it just as soon as I shut down............so here goes. Have a great day!!

Cheers~Louise

A New Card on Etsy

2011-03-07T10:16:00.001-08:00

This is one of my newer cards that I put on Etsy the other day. The background for the bird is the crayon technique, which I just simply love to do. Melt crayons on an iron covered with tinfoil (so not to wreck the iron) the temp only needs to be on perm press, don't want it too hot as to burn the crayons. Smear the colors you prefer, then at each corner of the glossy white cardstock, press down and out at each corner, getting the effect your like. In this card I used gold, tourquois and green. Embossing with the bird, coloring him with copic markers and liquid gloss to stand out.

There's a few other techniques that I have tried, another one is using my old fingernail polish.....now that was fun too. As soon as I figure out where I put those squares of dried fingernail samples, I will make a card with them.....hummmmm, now where oh where are they???

Well, guess I will close this blog for today...............have a great day!!!
~Louise~

My Roses Card is in Two Treasuries

2011-03-02T19:56:00.000-08:00

Golly.........how exciting! My Roses Card was in two different treasuries on Etsy in the last couple of days...............now hopefully someone will buy it!!!! As soon as I find the two addresses, I will add them to this blog so you can take a look.

NOTE: THESE ARE NOT THE CORRECT ADDRESSES AS YET
Roses are red...and pink...and white... http://www.etsy.com/treasury/4c7a592f102/roses-are-red-and-pink-and-white
Roses are red http://www.etsy.com/treasury/4d6e0d4c8fd/roses-are-red

Well, there are the links, hope they take you to the two lovely treasuries.

Till then, this is Louise, signing off.

Butterfly Birthday Card

2011-02-28T08:48:00.000-08:00

Happy Birthday to you!!!! This is one of my new birthday cards.........simple but lots of fun. Using the crayon technique again as in the previous card. The butterfly was embossed in white and using distress ink it was painted in, another fun technique.

Well, I just wanted to get a new card up in my blog and in my etsy store. Beginning to switch gears now and work on Birthday, Anniversary and Easter.........Mother's day is not far away either.

Have lots to do today, so I better get going, talk to you all later. Sorry these blogs aren't very newsy, not a whole lot going on right now. So Cheeri-o until my next blog!!!
~Louise~

Last St. Pat's Card of the Season

2011-02-26T09:31:00.001-08:00

This is my last card for the St. Patrick's Day season...............but it was the most fun to make. Using different colored crayons and smearing on my iron then onto a piece of white glossy cardstock made this technique quite unique! The background looks marbalized, I used two different greens and gold. In the next few days I will be putting a couple of cards up in my Etsy store with different colors...........so you must check it out if you have a hankering to. Go to: www.cards4ubylouise.etsy.com Most of my cards go for $3+postage. I will also add an extra card to the order along with a bookmark.

Not alot going on lately, looking forward to seening Spring coming and working outside again, green grass and flowers popping up. So talk to you later and have a great day!!!!!

~Louise~

I'm Doing Another Etsy Tap Dance......YAY!!!!

2011-02-21T07:59:00.000-08:00

Doing another Etsy tap dance this weekend.........sold 3 St. Patrick Cards..........gosh that just so makes me day.........I really could get used to this!!!! Well, I will make a few more cards today, and put a few more up on my Etsy store in the next few days..........SO CHEERS to St. Patty's Day!!!!!! Celebrating my Blessings!!!!!!! This little card "Shamrocks Galore 2" was like one of the cards sold yesterday. Only difference I used a sprelli background wrapping thread around to form a circle. Shamrocks stamped and punched on the front. The inside of the card says "Celebrate Your Blessings"

Making Chicken soup today.....a warm dish for a cold and snowy day.......I don't have a special recipe for my chicken soup cause every pot I make is different from the other......like to use lots of spices, today so far, there's onions, a chicken thigh and leg, garlic, celery leaves, carrots and onion soup mix. Took it to a boil then turned down the heat to simmer. Once the chicken is cooked I'll take it out and debone then turn up the heat and add the noodles, boil a bit and turn down the heat again............WA LA a wonderful chicken soup!!!!!!

Today, seems to be a snow day, not going any place so maybe I will straighten up the house a little and go make some cards and excercise a bit today. So talk to you later and take care and TAKE JESUS!!!!!
~Louise~

Etsy Dance and Some New St. Patty Cards

2011-02-17T10:12:00.000-08:00

Added these cards to my Etsy store in the last couple of days. Will be adding a few more St. Patty cards in the next few days and that will be it for St. Patrick Cards till next year. The first card with the House Mouse is one of my favorite cards.......I am a huge House Mouse fan so I have lots of stamps with the cute little mice..........just don't like those mice running around in my basement!!!! One night I was working at making cards and I opened a drawer and WA-LA there were pieces of dog food in the drawer......now how could they have gotten there???? You got it, a friendly little mouse was finding hiding places for her food and my stamping studio seemed the perfect place!!!! I finally caught her along with her babies!!!!!

This is another card I put up on Etsy the other day.......Irish enough?????? Did the Etsy tap dance the other day, so I was pretty happy. Sold a St. Patrick Card, soooooo, thought I better get another few cards up for the Irish!!!! Next on the agenda will be a few Happy Birthday Cards and then comes Easter..............my how the seasons fly by, before you know it Christmas will be here!!!!!

Well time to close this blog, have to go to my Etsy store and put up another St. Patrick card if you go to www.cards4ubylouise.etsy.com I tell how I made these cards and the others that I will put up. So you have a good day and take care.

~Louise~

♥Frame Your Favorite Valentine♥

2011-02-07T19:56:00.000-08:00

Made this frame along with two other frames, maybe about a year ago and just now putting all three frames in my etsy store. Nothing like a little procrastination on my part. But, now they are in my Etsy store, you can see all three frames at: http://www.cards4ubylouise.etsy.com/.

Hey, so what did you think of those Green Bay Packers.....what a great game, huh!!!!! I am really impressed by Arron Rogers, he sure is one of those great players..........good for him, couldn't happen to a better person. Aaron is going to be on the Letterman Show tonight, will be fun to see him and see how he does throwing the ball back at Letterman.....hahahaha!

Finally took the rest of my Christmas stuff down......there I go again....procrastination setting in. Another thing I procrastinate about is doing my taxes....gosh, taking time to sit down and see where all our money went and how much Uncle Sam takes from us is one of those jobs I have a hard time getting to. But, I have set aside Wednesday to at least get started on the taxes....mmmmm would be nice if I could finish it all.

Well, time to close this blog till the next one that may come up next week some time.......you all have a great day and keep looking up for your redemption drawth nigh.

~Louise~

Beautiful Heart Valentine Card

2011-01-31T21:12:00.001-08:00

Here's my newest "Beautiful Heart Valentine Card" posted this card in my etsy store, go to: www.cards4ubylouise.etsy.com The card is selling for $3.00+postage and you can pay thru "PayPal" or use your credit card. This was a simple card to make, the stamp was found at a sale for $2 and the background stamp for $2 also.

The card was made by layering with a couple of layers of cardstock, the heart stamped in black and penned in with a sparkle gel pen. Pearls embellish the card at four corners and also on the heart.

Big storm coming tomorrow and Wednesday.......hopefully it skips us. Chicago is supposed to get hit really bad. It will be like the storm of 1967 whewwwww that was a long time ago, I was 21 then, now that IS a long time ago!!! Yikes!!!! 43 years ago!!!! Yep, just as the Bible says, our lives are just "a puff of smoke" a vapor that fades away. Things that were so important when we are younger, fade away and are forgotten...........life is a vapor.

Watching the news tonight and the news commentator said there is just 48 days till spring. So maybe that will make things look a little more cheery for the first day of February, at least the snow won't be lasting very long. AND February is a SHORT month also...........so cheers, not much longer and beautiful Spring will be here with the rain, mosquitos, bugs and bees. Lovely!!!!

Well, time to close this blog, so have a good day and a LOVELY February!!!
~Louise~

U-Caught-My-Eye

2011-01-29T10:56:00.000-08:00

Got one of those great messages this morning that made my day. One of my Card sets made it to a treasury. If you will go to: www.etsy.com/treasury/4d434e21752b6d91b5cbd589/u-caught-my-eye you can see my cards there....Flower Power!!!!

Gosh that was a long address, but, yes that long address will take you to the U-caught-my-eye treasury........enjoy! The other artists are from Wisconsin also, so have fun browsing.

Will be adding another Valentine card to my Etsy store tonight, perhaps that will be all I will do for Valentines. Next on the agenda is making St. Patrick Cards, I am not irish, but still in all, aren't we all Irish when St. Pat's comes around? Go Green and gold......Go Packers!!!!

Have a great day...........cheers........Louise

♥Valentine's Day is Coming Soon♥

2011-01-27T09:29:00.000-08:00

Here is my newest Valentine's Day Card. Cuttlebugged the corners and colored them in with copic markers. Placed 3 sparkling hearts down the middle and added a Happy Valentine's Day! sticker at the bottom. Embellishing with a few gems for that added glitz.

You can find this card in my Etsy store at: http://www.cards4ubylouise.etsy.com/ the price is $3.00 + postage. For ordering this card you will receive one free card and bookmark just for stopping by and buying one of my cards.

Cheers~Louise~

Doing the Etsy Tap Dance Today and Another Snowman Card!

2011-01-12T21:45:00.000-08:00

Here's my newest card that I just put in my little Etsy store tonight. Titled "Snowflakes are just unassembled snowmen!" It's a fun card to make, using alcohol inks dabbed on the metal piece which was run through the cuttlebug. Gems, another snowflake and the pre-made snowman embellish this card.

Doing the Etsy tap dance tonight, didn't even realize it till I went to my etsy store to add this "snowflake" card and noticed two cards were sold......wow made my night that was for sure!!!!! It's been awhile since I last sold any cards through Etsy, so this was truely a blessing to me.

Oh, I've sold a few cards here and there, but not alot. I have to figure out how to get my cards out there more without having to spend alot of money doing it. Got any ideas????? I am going to try getting more cards in my little store....it is said that if you keep listing and renewing your pieces of art you are in the forefront more instead of in the "back 40". Guess it's worth a try.

Going to close this blog for tonight. Have to get dinner ready for the husband......roasted vegies on penne and salmon burgers on rye toast and salad.

Talk to you later ~ Louise ~

Valentine Cards

2011-01-11T00:39:00.001-08:00

Just added these Valentine Cards to my etsy store tonight. A set of 6 cards of various kinds for that special someone. They are $2.50 a piece or $15.00 for 6 plus, for your order of these cards you will receive one free bonus Valentine card along with one free bookmark. Just for stopping by. You can see all my cards at: http://www.cards4ubylouise.etsy.com/

I am going to add a few new cards in the next few days, probably St. Pat cards and then a few Winter cards. Trying to get a large stock of cards in my store, so when people come by they can sip a cup of tea and just enjoy the moment.........sounds good to me!!!

Getting late, so I shall close for now, take care and have a great day. ~Louise~

The New Year and a New Card!

2011-01-06T19:14:00.000-08:00

Happy, happy New Year! Oh I know it is already the 6th.....but you know how time flies when we're having a gooooooood time...lol!

Been busy with exercise, working and shopping, taking down some of my Christmas stuff, (still have my village and small tree up), cooking (I believe) gourmet dinners for JP. Last night it was London Broil......oh my, was that delicious!!!! Not so good for the diet, but mmmmmmm good, the meat almost melted in the mouth. NO pictures this time, maybe next time I make London Broil, as I only cooked half the meat and froze the rest for another time.

Card making seems to have been put on the back burner these last couple of days (sigh). BUT...........I am going downstairs in about 5 minutes to make a card or two, saw an idea in a magazine today at the store, so before I forget it, gonna make it! Well as you can see.....I made a card with my new folder from Cuttlebug. Ran silver cardstock through, then glued the embossed cardstock on a silver card. The pre-made snowman was glued on a cuttlebug scalloped circle with snowflakes then glued on black cardstock. "Let it snow" was layered on silver and blackcardstock. The inside of the card is says "May this winter greeting find you well and warm."

I will be putting this card in my etsy store for $3.00 + postage go to: http://www.cards4ubylouise.etsy.com/ to find all my cards.

Back in a few ~ Louise ~

Happy New Year - 2011!!!!

2010-12-31T15:49:00.000-08:00

The New Year is about to begin for us....in about 6 hours........I maybe down stairs watching all the festivities of the New Years programs and will most likely watch the ball drop in New York City. We had no plans for partying tonight, as it all depended on the weather.....as of now it is foggy out.

We did go out to dinner at the "Taste of the Windy City" JP had a gyro and I had a cheeseburger.....oh yummmmmm. I missed going to Inches A Weigh today, as my car was getting fixed, another $249 dollar bill again. Well, so far we have invested $500 into the taurus and we have had it almost 2 months. YIKES!!!! Going to keep a running tab on how much this car costs....when it hits $5000.00 we are getting a newer car. HA HA HA!

Have you made any resolutions for the new year? I haven't, can't keep them anyways. I am thinking I will try and lose a few more lbs, not sure how much, by the end of March I am quitting Inches A Weigh. It has been 2 years of going regularly and sad to announce has not been a success for me......I have felt like I have been under much stress for two years more than anything.....and that is not the way to feel. This whole experience should have been a good one and I have not found it that way. Plus, it has been very expensive and now I have a car payment plus extra upkeep. So "cherio Inches A Weigh" we are off and running in a different direction.

As for Etsy and my card making, I would like to do a little bit more, been alittle lax in this area. The merchandising has slowed down a bit, which is fine with me, maybe now I can focus on card making and get my cards out there more. I really see a few changes coming on the horizon in the next few months, I just hope I am up for all these changes, good or bad......I am not sure.

Well, see you in the new year 2011 for now this is ~Louise~ signing off for 2010.....Cheers!!!

Boeuf Bourguignon a la Julia Child for Christmas Dinner....mmmmmmmm

2010-12-25T18:31:00.000-08:00

Well, here it is.....Julia Childs "Boeuf Bourguignon" made in my new dutch oven. Was a long and envolved recipe......but very much worth the time spent on making it. I think I will make this again but using larger chuncks of meat next time. Gosh this was delicious. My new tradition at Christmas Time....tr la la la la la...... Here tis Christmas dinner, all set up with a relish tray of olives, celery and carrots and dip. Cole slaw and garlic toast with Julia's boeuf bourguignon over noodles. If you would like the recipe I used, you can find it at: http://www.food.com/ and type in "boeuf bourguignon a la Julia Child" When going to this site you will find many other recipes for beef bourguignon.....take your pick and enjoy!!!!! There even is a weight watchers beef stew.

Well, I hope you had a wonderful Christmas, may your new year be the best ever, thankfully spring is not far off when we get into the new year, but enjoy and take rest cause the busy season of planting gardens and flowers will begin again.

Blessings ~ Louise ~

I'm Dreaming of a WHITE Christmas by whatshername on Etsy

2010-12-23T09:39:00.000-08:00

I was picked to be in a treasury by "whatshername" that was a neat Christmas surprise. Click on the following link to see my "White on White Christmas Card"

May your Christmas be Merry and 2011 be your best ever year!!!!
~Louise~

Click on this link:
I'm Dreaming of a WHITE Christmas by whatshername on Etsy