Mondrys Y Knot Shop

We have been featured.

2009-07-30T12:03:00.003-04:00

I know I haven't posted lately but I have been working my tail off in my real life job. You know the one that pays the bids.

Anyway, we have been featured on another blog. I am so excited, this was the first booboo pad that I ever made and this little one just LOVES it. Read the blog to find out more... WhyIheartHomeMade

And don't forget to stop by the shop and pick up your own therapy pads, if you would like your very own booboo pad feel free to send me a message and we can work out the details. MondrysYknotShop

We also now have a fan page on facebook so be sure to come over there and become a fan. I will be offering special discounts and giveaways exclusively to my facebook followers. http://www.facebook.com/pages/Cutlerville-MI/Mondrys-Y-Knot-Shop/123361954534

Darn it...

2009-06-29T21:46:00.003-04:00

Well I missed going to the market on Sunday and I won't make it there again for another 2 weeks. Oh well, I still plan to make lots of stuff. lol I am coming up with a a new product special for the hot weather. I need to come up with a name for it though. I will certainly keep you updated.

Another week at FSAM

2009-06-26T09:37:00.002-04:00

Well it is time to start thinking about getting ready to go to market again. I am only going every other Sunday this year and I pray that sales will stay up. I heard that over Father's day there were lots of customers there. I really do hope that the trend keeps up.

I would like to make up some REALLY long heat pads for the shoulders and neck. I have inserts cut, they just need to be sewn and filled. They take a lot longer to do because after I add some corn I have to stitch across the pad to make about 8 chambers. I can't wait to get more done up and get some covers made so I can sell them.

So in short if you have nothing to do on Sunday's stop on down to the Fulton Street ARTisan Market in Grand Rapids, MI It is at the corner of Fulton and Fuller.

Paperwork

2009-06-25T10:19:00.004-04:00

God how I hate the inevitable paperwork. So I will admit it, I get assistance with childcare so that I can work. Well recently the state of Michigan decided that they don't trust the daycare people and want the parents to verify hours. Whatever, why should they trust me? lol Anyway, to do this you need a pin number and you need to know when you worked and when your kid was at daycare and blah, blah, blah. So they never sent me my pin number thanks to my caseworker screwing up my approved dates for daycare. I have been fighting with this stupid government for ummmm a month at least to get a pin number because if I do not verify hours my daycare lady does not get paid. So basically the poor woman has not gotten paid for watching April in over a month. Poor lady, I am so glad that she is understanding. Well anyway, I got my pin number yesterday. Should be good to go right? Wrong, I now need to have the times when April was dropped off at daycare after school and when someone else like my boyfriend picked her up from daycare. Of course I have no clue of these times cause ummmmm, I am a bad mom and don't pay attention. lol So now I wait again to talk to the daycare lady and get these hours so we match up. Cause guess what if she reports different hours than I do ummmmm she doesn't get paid.

OK Off my soap box.

Summer Time

2009-06-24T19:13:00.003-04:00

Well summer is upon us and it is HOT out there. My computer is even overheating, which means I need to spend money on one of those laptop fans.

I worked 10 hours today, which is nice for the paycheck. But I wasn't planning on it and I left the AC off and the poor puppy was home in his crate with no water or AC.

Oh yeah, I haven't introduced y'all to our new puppy. Please meet our Miniature Pinscher, ZEUS!!!!

Ugghhh Court

2009-06-17T12:16:00.002-04:00

Well today was another Friend of the Court Hearing. I really hate going to those. Well today's was my own fault as I am ordered to pay m y ex-husband support and I didn't do it when I was off work. OOPS my bad. Not like he ever does anything to help me. Just causes me headaches, I asked him to switch vehicles with me cause he is a mechanic and is trying to sell his van. I was like ummmm lets just switch vehicles, you will have a newer one that with a little bit of work (that he keeps promising me he will do for me) will gain him more money than the one he is currently trying to sell. Seriously, I do not know what the deal is. OK So we are also going to court to get my support payments reduced to a more manageable amount and for whatever reason they hauled my butt in on a Show Cause warrant when we have yet to go back to court to determine the new payment amounts. Jerks anyways. The thing is that when the new amount is determined it is retro active to February. I tell ya Friend of the Court is STUPID.

OK Rant over, back to your regularly scheduled show.

Hey there everyone!!!

2009-06-15T20:07:00.005-04:00

OK So I am a very bad girl. I haven't posted in a VERY long time. Please forgive me.

Yesterday, June 14th, 2009, was the first day of the Fulton Street ARTisan Market in Grand Rapids, MI and I JUST had to be there. Well here are some pics of what I was up to...

I actually made money this time and I am SOOOOOOOOOO excited about that. I will be there every other Sunday so if you are in the area please stop by and show your support for some local artists.

TIme to drum up business!!!!!

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

Time to drum up business.

Do you know of anyone in need of an All Natural Therapy Pad? Check out my shop at http://MondrysYknotShop.etsy.com

Email of the day : Facts on Honey and Cinnamon

2009-04-08T20:14:00.001-04:00

Bet the drug companies won't like this one getting around.
Facts on Honey and Cinnamon:

It is found that a mixture of honey and Cinnamon cures most diseases. Honey is produced in most of the countries Of the world. Scientists of today also accept honey as a 'Ram Ban' very effective) medicine or all kinds of diseases.

Honey can be used without any side effects for any kind of diseases.

Today's science says that even though honey is sweet, if taken in the right dosage as a medicine, it does not harm diabetic patients. Weekly World News, a magazine in Canada , in its issue dated 17 January,1995 has given the following list of diseases that can be cured by honey and cinnamon as researched by western scientists:

HEART DISEASES:
Make a paste of honey and cinnamon powder, apply on bread, instead of jelly and jam, and eat it regularly for breakfast. It reduces the cholesterol in the arteries and saves the patient from heart attack. Also those who have already had an attack, if they do this process daily, they are kept miles away from the next attack. Regular use of the above process relieves loss Of breath and strengthens the heart beat.

In America and Canada , various nursing homes have treated patients successfully and have found that as you age, the arteries and veins lose their flexibility and get clogged; honey and cinnamon revitalize the arteries and veins.

ARTHRITIS:
Arthritis patients may take daily, morning, and night, one cup of hot water With two spoons of honey and one small teaspoon of cinnamon powder. If Taken regularly even chronic arthritis can be cured. In a recent research Conducted at the Copenhagen University, it was found that when the doctors Treated their patients with a mixture of one tablespoon Honey and half Teaspoon Cinnamon powder before breakfast, they found that within a week, Out of the 200 people so treated, practically 73 patients were totally Relieved of pain, and within a month, mostly all the patients who could not Walk or move around because of arthritis started walking without pain.

BLADDER INFECTIONS:
Take two tablespoons of cinnamon powder and one teaspoon of honey in a Glass of lukewarm water and drink it. It destroys the germs in the bladder.

CHOLESTEROL:
Two tablespoons of honey and three teaspoons of Cinnamon Powder mixed in 16 ounces of tea water, given to a cholesterol patient, was found to reduce The level of cholesterol in the blood by 10 percent within two hours. As Mentioned for arthritic patients, if taken three times a day, any chronic Cholesterol is cured. According to information received in the said Journal, pure honey taken with food daily relieves complaints of cholesterol.

COLDS:
Those suffering from common or severe colds should take one tablespoon Lukewarm honey with 1/4 spoon cinnamon powder daily for three days. This Process will cure most chronic cough, cold, and clear the sinuses.

UPSET STOMACH:
Honey taken with cinnamon powder cures stomach ache and also clears Stomach ulcers from the root.

GAS:
According to the studies done in India and Japa , it is revealed that if Honey is taken with cinnamon powder the stomach is relieved of gas.

IMMUNE SYSTEM:
Daily use of honey and cinnamon powder strengthens the immune system and Protects the body from bacteria and viral attacks. Scientists have found That honey has various vitamins and iron in large amounts. Constant use of Honey strengthens the white blood corpuscles to fight bacteria and viral Diseases.

INDIGESTION:
Cinnamon powder sprinkled on two tablespoons of honey taken before food Relieves acidity and digests the heaviest of meals.

INFLUENZA:
A scientist in Spain has proved that honey contains a natural ' Ingredient' Which kills the influenza germs and saves the patient from flu.

LONGEVITY:
Tea made with honey and cinnamon powder, when taken regularly, arrests the Ravages of old age. Take four spoons of honey, one spoon of cinnamon powder And three cups of water and boil to make like tea. Drink 1/4 cup, three to Four times a day. It keeps the skin fresh and soft and arrests old age. Life spans also increases and even a 100 year old, starts performing the Chores of a 20-year-old.

PIMPLES:
Three tablespoons of honey and one teaspoon of cinnamon powder paste. Apply this paste on the pimples before sleeping and wash it next morning with Warm water. If done daily for two weeks, it removes pimples from the root.

SKIN INFECTIONS:
Applying honey and cinnamon powder in equal parts on the affected parts Cures eczema, ringworm and all types of skin infections.

WEIGHT LOSS:
Daily in the morning one half hour before breakfast on an empty stomach And at night before sleeping, drink honey and cinnamon powder boiled in one Cup of water. If taken regularly, it reduces the weight of even the most obese person. Also, drinking this mixture regularly does not allow the fat to accumulate in the body even though the person may eat a high calorie di et.

CANCER:
Recent research in Japan and Australia has revealed that advanced cancer of the stomach and bones have been cured successfully. Patients suffering from these kinds of cancer should daily take one tablespoon of honey with one teaspoon of cinnamon powder for one month three time s a day.

FATIGUE:
Recent studies have shown that the sugar content of honey is more helpful rather than being detrimental to the strength of the body. Senior citizens, who take honey and cinnamon powder in equal parts, are more alert and flexible. Dr. Milton, who has done research, says that a half Tablespoon of honey taken in a glass of water and sprinkled with cinnamon powder, taken daily after brushing and in the afternoon at about 3:00 P.M. When the vitality of the body starts to decrease, increases the vitality of the body within a week.

BAD BREATH:
People of South America , first thing in the morning, gargle with one teaspoon of honey and cinnamon powder mixed in hot water, so their breath stays fresh throughout the day.

HEARING LOSS:
Daily morning and night honey and cinnamon powder, taken in equal parts restore hearing. Remember when we were kids? We had toast with real butter and cinnamon sprinkled on it!

Not for the faint of heart

2009-04-08T18:32:00.004-04:00

OK so I just had to laugh so stinking hard about this.

I am on facebook and well, there is this application called food fling. Well one of the foods is called Spotted Dick

Here are some HILARIOUS reviews on Amazon... REVIEWS

I've been away AGAIN!!!!

2009-04-06T13:40:00.002-04:00

Well now, aren't these spiffy digs. Welp, I went and got a new job. Been at it for 2 weeks now. So much fun, it is however a paycheck, which is really nice.

Got a new item going I just have to get it finished...

Need to work on my crocheters bag and my samples for the Etsy Friends team challenge/giveaway. I need to get more listed in my shop too. ;)

I need more hours in a day, but I think everyone does.

Oops!!!

2009-03-20T09:11:00.001-04:00

Sorry y'all. I have been MIA for almost a week. I lost my puter and had to get it back. lol I know that is no excuse but I was lost without. I have it back now and hope to get back into the swing of posting to my blog.

2009-03-13T11:34:00.002-04:00

Well, apparently Project wonderful does not like it if you don't get bids on your ad spaces and they deactivate them. So to try to keep this from happening I am going to try to post daily on my blog.

Right now life is VERY hectic around here since hubby decided that trying to fix our life was not necessary. I have lots of sewing to do and stuff. But I promise to try to keep my blog going.

I had a job interview yesterday, this resulted in being scheduled for 2 more interviews on Saturday. YAY a job, yea whatever. I do however need to be able to get housing for my girl and I so a job it is.

Ok nuff talk for now, I have stuff to do.

Breast Cancer Awareness

2009-03-07T17:16:00.003-05:00

I recently got this video in an email. It is about a type of cancer that is not well known. This cancer is called Inflammatory Breast Cancer. It is a killer cancer. Even the cancer help centers are unaware of this. PLEASE, PLEASE WATCH THIS VIDEO. I IMPLORE ALL OF YOU TO TAKE NOTICE OF THIS.

Well What Do Ya Know..

2009-03-04T14:53:00.004-05:00

The EtsyFriends team is having a little treasure hunt with some awesome prizes.

Head on over to the blog for the hints and list of participating shops. Oh and the list of prizes. Over $15 worth of prizes... efpromotions

And A Process Begins...

2009-02-26T11:43:00.004-05:00

Well as many of you know I had a little contest here on my blog, for people to help me design bags for knitters and crocheters. Well, I had a HUGE response, I didn't realize that it was such an important thing and that there weren't many if any out there that meet specific needs.

Well I am starting the process of making the winners bag. Jen and I have been in contact and she has told me her needs for a knitting bag. Wow she knits on a loom and takes them with her. I would have never thought of making a bag for a loom knitter.

So the first step in creating the bag is designing the bag. I stayed up late last night drawing out my ideas and I think I have a plan.

In this blog, I will tell you about the process as I make the sample bag. Can't be wasting good fabric on the prototype now can we. Enjoy, and Jen if you are following this, let me know if you want something changed. Also any of you other yarnies see something that you would add or subtract in your own bag feel free to let me know.

Remember when I get bags made, they will be for sale in my etsy shop... MondrysYknotShop

ASH WEDNESDAY

2009-02-25T09:23:00.002-05:00

Well today is Ash Wednesday and I had to think of something for lent. I am a very weak person when it comes to sacrifice, so, I decided to go with something that I really CAN give up, Mt. Dew. I hope I don't fall off the wagon again like I normally do.

So what are you giving up for lent?

Smart Idea

2009-02-25T08:55:00.001-05:00

"Hi friends,

This may seem like a funny email but I was so surprised by what I discovered I had to share it with you.

When I think of the job situation in this country, I can't help but think this helps in some small way.
I don't know how many households there are in the U.S. But if these were the only things we bought think of the impact....

(She wrote:)
This past weekend I was at Kroger. I needed 60 W light bulbs and Bounce dryer sheets. I was in the light bulb aisle and right next to the GE brand I normally buy was an off brand labeled "Everyday Value." I picked up both types of bulbs and compared the stats - they were the same except for the price. The GE bulbs were more money than the Everyday Value brand but the thing that surprised me the most was the fact that GE was made in MEXICO and the Everyday Value brand was made in - get ready for this - the USA .

So throw out the myth that you cannot find products you use every day that are made right here - from a company in Cleveland OH !

So on to another aisle - Bounce Dryer Sheets....yep you guessed it Bounce was more money and made in Canada, the Everyday Value brand was less money and MADE IN THE USA! I did laundry yesterday and the dryer sheets performed just like the Bounce Free I have been using for years and at almost half the price!

So my challenge to you is to start reading the labels when you shop for everyday things and see what you can find that is made in the USA - the job you save may be your own or your neighbors!

If you accept the challenge, pass this on to others in your address book so we can all start buying American, one light bulb at a time!

Besides, you might save a little green in the process.

Stop buying from China ..........

We should have awakened a decade ago......

Lets get with the program.... Help our fellow Americans keep their jobs ... And create more jobs here in the U.S.A.

And The Winner Is........

2009-02-21T23:14:00.004-05:00

OK so with the move, I sort of forgot about my contest for the yarn bag. I have drawn a winner though...

AND THE WINNER IS... Jen

Jen will be emailed for further info on her winnings.

Thank you everyone for entering and remember to watch my shop for bags using ALL of the ideas given here. I hope to make a bag that we can ALL use.

Spelling is IMPORTANT

2009-02-03T14:47:00.003-05:00

PLEASE TELL YOUR CHILDREN THAT SPELLING IS IMPORTANT, EVEN FOR THIRD GRADERS!

We are moving AGAIN

2009-02-01T20:02:00.006-05:00

Well, it is official. We plan to be out of this house on Tuesday the 3rd. That is if all goes well. =) We are having issues getting the water to run through the pipes which sucks, hopefully we will get that running tomorrow. When all is said and done, we will have 4 bedrooms, a craft room/laundry room, living room, dining room, kitchen and bath all in a mobile home. =) Here are some before pictures, as in before we cleaned it out from the previous owners. Why do people do this, seriously?

Need a Little Help Here...

2009-01-27T19:08:00.009-05:00

I am asking for help from all of my friendly neighborhood knitters and crocheters. I am planning to make a sturdy bag for knitters/crocheters to take with them with all of their supplies in it. My dilemma is this, when I crochet, I take 3 maybe 4 things with me, yarn, scissors, tape measure and hook. What all do you take with you when you knit or crochet on the run? What would you want to see in a craft bag as far as pockets and such? Let me know and be entered in a drawing for your own bag. (Once I get it made of course) ;)

If you want to be entered in the drawing, make sure to include a way for me to contact you.

The drawing will run until 2/13/09

If you are unable to leave a comment feel free to send me a convo through etsy at http://MondrysYknotShop.etsy.com

2009-01-21T23:02:00.002-05:00

He keeps me functioning each and every day. Without Him, I will be nothing. But, with Christ, HE strengthens me.. (Phil 4:13)

Winter Poem

2009-01-21T11:21:00.007-05:00

WINTER Poem

It's Winter in MICHIGAN
And the gentle breezes blow
Seventy miles an hour
At thirty-five below.

Oh, how I love Michigan
When the snow's up to your butt
You take a breath of winter
And your nose gets frozen shut.

Yes, the weather here is wonderful
So I guess I'll hang around
I could never leave Michigan
I'm frozen to the friggin' ground!

Re-birth of a shop...

2009-01-21T10:01:00.004-05:00

Re-introducing, the ever popular ReesasFavorites. I loved this shop before and I still love it. This time around Reesa has taken a slightly different turn, focusing on doll clothes for collector dolls. The main focus is on Blythe dolls at this time. Here is an example...

This shop has always been my go to shop for my daughter's doll clothing and I will continue to support this shop until she closes for ever. God I hope not. =)

I have been Featured

2009-01-20T11:32:00.000-05:00

Well it is official, I am featured on The Feature Cafe.

WHY?????

2009-01-20T08:19:00.003-05:00

For whatever reason that we may never know, Etsy has chosen to remove a couple of the CPSIA compliant listings. When this was brought up in the forums of course we got shut down and told that this was a personal matter between etsy and the seller. Whatever, I feel that they should have at least addressed the issue and told other sellers what to do to make it so that their listings do not get pulled. From what I have been told Etsy is all for these CPSIA compliant listings, so why pull 2 of them that I know of? Etsy, can we expect a comment from you soon? The listings which are no longer visible on the etsy site are these items...

CPSIA Compliance Via Handmade Artisans

2009-01-18T12:24:00.028-05:00

You will not believe what it is going to be costing for some very cute items. If you haven't emailed, called or snail mailed the powers that be I suggest you do it. Here are some great items that only the rich will be able to afford, that is if the individual crafter can afford to do the testing. Prices range from $23,027.00 to $509.99 this is after testing, most of these items are between $10 to $80 before testing. This is no joke, The CPSIA, is making EVERYONE test their items and these are the projected costs for these items. With the new law that will go into effect Feb. 10, 2009, the CPSIA will require that each store selling products for children under the age of 12 test each product in our shops for lead. Each component will cost $70 for the lead testing. Add in the additional $350 per component for phthalates testing and that adds up. Each image can be clicked on to take you to the crafters item.

OMG, I got my Rachel Ray recipes mmmmmmmmmmm

2009-01-17T22:02:00.003-05:00

The Rachel Ray Site

Hot Dog Pizza-Dillas
Serves 4

Ingredients

* 4 beef or pork hot dogs
* 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil (EVOO), plus extra for drizzling
* 4 10-12-inch flour tortillas
* 1/4 cup mild chunky salsa (4 big spoonfuls)
* 8 squirts of ketchup (about 1/4 cup)
* 1 cup shredded mozzarella or provolone cheese
* 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
* Mustard and relish (optional)

Preparation

Using a small knife, cut the hot dogs in half lengthwise, then into 1/2-inch pieces.

Heat a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Have a grown-up helper (GH) handle the hot pans if you're still playin' T-ball and aren't tall enough to clear the stovetop. Add the EVOO, one turn of the pan. Add the dogs and cook until browned all over, 2-4 minutes. Drain the crispy dog slices on paper towel-lined plates and pour off the excess fat. The sliced hot dogs are your "pepperoni."

Add a drizzle more of EVOO to the pan, then add one tortilla. Cook for 1 minute, then flip the tortilla over with tongs and turn the heat to low. Place a big spoonful of the salsa on half of the tortilla, then spread it around with the back of the spoon. Add two squirts of ketchup and mix it into the salsa. This is your "pizza sauce." Top the sauce with a quarter of the cheese – a big handful of each kind. Top the cheese with a quarter of the crispy hot dog pieces.

Ask a GH to help you fold over the tortilla to form a half-moon shape. Press down on the folded tortilla with a spatula to flatten the pizza-dilla and make it stick together.

Cook the pizza-dilla, flipping it carefully once more with a spatula, for 1 minute per side. Slide the pizza-dilla onto a plate and let it cool for 2 minutes, then cut it into four wedges, like a pizza, and serve. Repeat with the remaining ingredients to make four pizza-dillas. Eat plain or top with more ketchup, salsa or even mustard and relish – whatever you like on hot dogs works here!

How do you?

2009-01-17T18:24:00.003-05:00

How do you do it? I mean really, how do you survive in this economy? I know money is tight for everyone, and we are doing everything in our power to make it but, What kinds of tips and tricks do you have to make it?

I have gotten rid of nonessential items. (Internet is essential right? lol)
We shop the sales more than we used to and even utilize the food banks when needed.
Hubby and I do not buy anything for ourselves unless is it mandatory.
We are even getting out of our high priced rental and trying to get into a much more economical modular home in a park.

So what can you say that you are doing to make things easier on your family?

The Knob

2009-01-13T08:00:00.000-05:00

If this doesn't make you laugh, you're dead!!!!

A woman visited a plastic surgeon who told her about a new procedure called 'The Knob,' where a small knob is placed at the top of the woman's head and could be turned to tighten up her skin and produce the effect of a brand new face-lift. Of course, the woman wanted 'The Knob.'

Over the course of the years, the woman tightened the knob, and the effects were wonderful, the woman remained young looking and vibrant.

After fifteen years, the woman returned to the surgeon with two problems.
'All these years, everything has been working just fine. I've had to turn the knob many times and I've always loved the results. But now I've developed two annoying problems: First, I have these terrible bags under my eyes and the knob won't get rid of them.'

The doctor looked at her closely and said, 'Those aren't bags, those are your breasts.'

She said, 'Well, I guess there's no point in asking about the goatee.'

Washing Clothes Recipe

2009-01-12T22:31:00.001-05:00

-- Imagine having a recipe for this!

Years ago an Alabama grandmother gave
the new bride the following recipe:

This is an exact copy as written and found
in an old scrapbook - with spelling errors
and all.

WASHING CLOTHES
Build fire in backyard to heat kettle of rain water.
Set tubs so smoke wont blow in eyes if wind is
pert.
Shave one hole cake of lie soap in boilin water
Sort things, make 3 piles
1 pile white,
1 pile colored,
1 pile work britches and rags.
To make starch, stir flour in cool water to
smooth, then thin down with boiling water.

Take white things, rub dirty spots on board,
scrub hard, and boil, then rub colored don't
boil just wrench and starch.

Take things out of kettle with broom stick
handle, then wrench, and starch.

Hang old rags on fence.

Spread tea towels on grass.

Pore wrench water in flower bed. Scrub
porch with hot soapy water.

Turn tubs upside down.

Go put on clean dress, smooth hair with hair
combs. Brew cup of tea, sit and rock a spell
and count your blessings.
===================================

Paste this over your washer and dryer.

Next time when you think things are bleak,
read it again, kiss that washing machine and dryer, and give thanks.
First thing each morning you should run and
hug your washer and dryer.

For you non-southerners - wrench means rinse

AND WE THINK WE HAVE IT ROUGH

Todays One Liner

2009-01-12T19:58:00.001-05:00

Today's One Liner

"If Wile E. Coyote had enough money to buy all that ACME stuff, why didn't he just buy dinner?"

Homemade Kahlua Recipes

2009-01-10T23:28:00.003-05:00

Yes that is right Homemade KAHLUA!!!!

Here you go and enjoy responsibly =)

HOMEMADE KAHLUA
4 c. sugar
4 c. water
2/3 c. instant coffee
2 c. vodka
3 tbsp. vanilla
Mix; simmer 30 minutes. Cool. Bottle in containers.

HOMEMADE KAHLUA
4 c. water
2 1/2 c. sugar
3/4 c. instant coffee
2 tbsp. chocolate syrup
Boil water. Add sugar, coffee and syrup - let cool - add:
1 qt. vodka
2 tbsp. vanilla

KAHLUA
5 tbsp. instant coffee
1/3 c. boiling water
1 jar caramel topping
3 c. sugar
2 c. boiling water
1 1/2 c. rum or vodka
3 tbsp. real vanilla
Mix instant coffee in boiling water. Add sugar to boiling water. Then add vanilla and caramel. Let stand about 10 minutes. Put in liquor. Then put in bottles.

OMG Email of the Day!!!! Proof That The World Is Nuts

2009-01-09T11:10:00.003-05:00

Thanks go out to my Aunt who sent this to my sister who sent it to me. =)

Proof That The World Is Nuts

In Lebanon , men are legally allowed to have sex with animals, but the animals must be female. Having sexual relations with a male animal is punishable by death.
(Like THAT makes sense.)
*~*~*~*~*~*~ *~*~*~*
In Bahrain , a male doctor may legally examine a woman's genitals, but is prohibited from looking directly at them during the examination. He may only see their reflection in a mirror.
(Do they look different reversed?)
*~*~*~*~*~*~ *~*~*~*
Muslims are banned from looking at the genitals of a corpse. This also applies to undertakers. The sex organs of the deceased must be covered with a brick or piece of wood at all times.
(A brick?)
*~*~*~*~*~*~ *~*~*~*
The penalty for masturbation in Indonesia is decapitation.
(Much worse than 'going blind!')
*~*~*~*~*~*~ *~*~*~*
There are men in Guam whose full-time job is to travel the countryside and deflower young virgins, who pay them for the privilege of having sex for the first time. Reason: under Guam law, it is expressly forbidden for virgins to marry.
(Let's just think for a minute; is there Any job anywhere else in the world that even comes close to this?)
*~*~*~*~*~*~ *~*~*~*
In Hong Kong , a betrayed wife is legally allowed to kill her adulterous husband, but may only do so with her bare hands.

The husband's illicit lover, on the other hand, may be killed in any manner desired.
(Ah! Justice!)
*~*~*~*~*~*~ *~*~*~*
Topless saleswomen are legal in Liverpool , England - but only in tropical fish stores.
(But of course!)
*~*~*~*~*~*~ *~*~*~*
In Cali , Colombia , a woman may only have sex with her husband, and the first time this happens, her mother must be in the room to witness the act.
(Makes one shudder at the thought.)
*~*~*~*~*~*~ *~*~*~
In Santa Cruz , Bolivia , it is illegal for a man to have sex with a woman and her daughter at the same time.
(I presume this was a big enough problem that they had to pass this law?)
*~*~*~*~*~*~ *~*~*~*
In Maryland , it is illegal to sell condoms from vending machines with one exception: Prophylactics may be dispensed from a vending machine only 'in places where alcoholic beverages are sold for consumption on the premises.'
(Is this a great country or what?

Well, not as great as Guam !)
*~*~*~*~*~*~ *~*~*~*
Banging your head against a wall uses
150 calories an hour.
(Who volunteers for this stuff?)
*~*~*~*~*~*~ *~*~*~*
Humans and dolphins are the only species that have sex for pleasure.
(Is that why Flipper was always smiling?)
*~*~*~*~*~*~ *~*~*~*
The ant can lift 50 times its own weight, can pull 30 times its own weight and always falls over on its right side when intoxicated.
(From drinking little bottles of ???)
(Did the government pay for this research?)
*~*~*~*~*~*~ *~*~*~*
Butterflies taste with their feet.
(Ah, geez.)
*~*~*~*~*~*~ *~*~*~*
An ostrich's eye is bigger than its brain.
(I know some people like that.)
*~*~*~*~*~*~ *~*~*~*
Starfish don't have brains.
(I know some people like that, too.)
*~*~*~*~*~*~ *~*~*~*
And, the best for last?

Turtles can breathe through their butts.
(And I thought I had bad breath in the morning!)

Email of the Day "None of that 'Sis'-sy Stuff "

2009-01-06T11:11:00.003-05:00

Thanks to my sister for sending this email along. Thanks Ang.

None of that 'Sis'-sy Stuff

Are you tired of those sissy 'friendship' poems
that always sound good,
but never actually come close to reality?

Well, here is a series of promises that actually speak of True Friendship.

You WON'T see cutesy little smiley faces on this card-
Just the stone cold truth of our great friendship.

1. When you are sad, I will jump on the person who made you sad like a spider monkey jacked up on Mountain Dew!!!

2. When you are blue, I will try to dislodge whatever is choking you.

3. When you smile, I will know you are plotting something that I must be involved in.

4. When you're scared, we will high tail it out of here.

5. When you are worried, I will tell you horrible stories about how much worse it could be until you quit whining, ya big baby!!!!

6. When you are confused, I will use little words.

7. When you are sick, Stay away from me until you are well again. I don't want whatever you have.

8. When you fall, I'll pick you up and dust you off--After I laugh my rear off!!
(hhhmmm...reminds me of someone???)

9. This is my oath...
I pledge it to the end.
'Why?' you may ask;

-- because you are my FRIEND!

***********************
Friendship is like peeing your pants, everyone can see it,

but only YOU can feel the true warmth.

**********************

New Years Resolutions

2009-01-04T10:55:00.002-05:00

Well, I see all of my friends putting their resolutions out there for all to see and I got to thinking, what am I REALLY going to do to better myself this year? Honestly, I don't know. I do have plans, who doesn't have plans. So here is what I consider my New Years Resolutions...

1. Stay out of jail. Ok those that really know me know what this is about.
2. Get a job that pays my child support and helps to pay the other household bills.
3. Focus on my online business. This includes creating new and interesting items within my heat pad line.
4. Get healthy. This includes losing weight as it always does. lol
5. Keep my family healthy. I believe that my daughter needs to be tested for food allergies to get her skin issues under control. Also hubby needs some doctoring, but that is neither here nor there.
6. Be a better, wife, sister, mother, and friend.

HAPPY NEW YEAR EVERYONE!!!!!

Caramel Apple Bars

2008-12-31T12:33:00.004-05:00

I have been searching high and low for apple recipes, that didn't take a lot of work on my part and that I wouldn't need to BUY a lot of ingredients. Well, I came across this recipe and I actually have all of the ingredients. For more apple recipes check out the website... Best Apples

Caramel Apple Bars
Servings:
Makes 16 Bars
Nutrition Information:
Protein: 3g; Fat: 9g; Carbohydrate: 32g; Fiber: .8g; Sodium: 113mg; Cholesterol: 41mg; Calories: 215.

For times when a little indulgence is deserved, this sweet and buttery, gooey and crunchy treat is just right.

Ingredients:

1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 cup plus 1/2 cup firmly packed brown sugar
1/2 cup (1 stick) butter or margarine
2 large eggs, beaten
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 Golden Delicious apples, cored and chopped
1 cup caramel candies, each cut in quarters
1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans

Method:

1) Heat oven to 350 degrees F. Lightly grease a 9-inch square baking pan. In medium-size bowl, combine 1 cup flour and 1/4 cup brown sugar. Cut in butter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Transfer mixture to pan and press in an even layer in bottom of pan. Bake 10 minutes.

2) In same mixing bowl, combine eggs, vanilla, 1/2 cup brown sugar, and remaining 1/4 cup flour; stir in apples, caramels, and nuts. Pour over bottom crust. Bake 30 to 35 minutes or until golden. Cool slightly; cut into quarters lengthwise and crosswise to make 16 bars. Cool completely.

Well, it is TIME

2008-12-24T09:02:00.003-05:00

Today is Christmas Eve. Now I know that not everyone celebrates the same but we all have the same goal. To have a Safe and Happy Holiday season. Well I know of some people that are trying extra hard this year. Here in Michigan we have some folks heading to war in the New Year and I want to say Thank You for your sacrifice. I also have friends that are sitting on an Air Force base just waiting to see what comes next. Again Thank You for your sacrifice. To all the men and women whom have no idea what the next holiday season brings THANK YOU!!!!! You and your families are in my thoughts and prayers. My military family is currently safe at home and I pray that the same holds true for all of you.

MERRY CHRISTMAS EVERYONE!!!!!!

Awesome Friends

2008-12-17T10:55:00.003-05:00

OK So, I was feeling really down with the holidays coming and all. No money to do anything and what not. Well I am a part of this team on Etsy called EtsyFriends. They are some real friends let me tell you. Not only are they there to chat with but, My good friend Reesa, who has 2 shops that are temporarily closed sent me a gift. We had discussed this gift at great length and well it arrived today and all I can say is OMG. I love Reesa so much. This team has given me lots of sisters that I didn't even know I wanted. LOL
So here is a pic that hubby took of me in my new Chenille Burgundy Handmade Sweater Coat with matching Hat...

Redneck Birthday Gift.

2008-12-16T20:30:00.003-05:00

MARIJUANA FILLED FIREWOOD...

'Hello, is this the Sheriff's Office?'

'Yes. What can I do for you?'

'I'm calling to report 'bout my neighbor Virgil Smith....He's hiding'
marijuana inside his firewood! Don't quite know how he gets it inside them logs, but he's hiding' it there.'

'Thank you very much for the call, sir.'

The next day, the Sheriff's Deputies descend on Virgil's house. They search the shed where the firewood is kept. Using axes, they bust open every piece of wood, but find no marijuana. They sneer at Virgil and leave.

Shortly, the phone rings at Virgil's house.

'Hey, Virgil! This here's Floyd....Did the Sheriff come?'

'Yeah!'

'Did they chop your firewood?'

'Yep!'

'Happy Birthday, buddy!'

(Rednecks know how to Get-R-Dun)

A Christmas Story for people having a bad day:

2008-12-12T19:38:00.001-05:00

A Christmas Story for people having a bad day:

When four of Santa's elves got sick, the trainee elves did not produce toys as fast as the regular ones, and Santa began to feel the Pre-Christmas pressure.

Then Mrs Claus told Santa her Mother was coming to visit, which stressed Santa even more.

When he went to harness the reindeer, he found that three of them were about to give birth and two others had jumped the fence and were out, Heaven knows where.

Then when he began to load the sleigh, one of the floorboards cracked, the toy bag fell to the ground and all the toys were scattered.

Frustrated, Santa went in the house for a cup of apple cider and a shot of rum. When he went to the cupboard, he discovered the elves had drank all the cider and hidden the liquor. In his frustration, he accidentally dropped the cider jug , and it broke into hundreds of little glass pieces all over the kitchen floor. He went to get the broom and found the mice had eaten all the straw off the end of the broom.

Just then the doorbell rang, and irritated Santa marched to the door, yanked it open, and there stood a little angel with a great big Christmas tree.
The angel said very cheerfully, 'Merry Christmas, Santa. Isn't this a lovely day? I have a beautiful tree for you. Where would you like me to stick it?'

And so began the tradition of the little angel on top of the Christmas tree .

Todays One Liner

2008-12-11T08:01:00.000-05:00

"DIAPER spelled backward is REPAID;
think about it."

The Night Before Christmas - Texas Style

2008-12-07T09:24:00.000-05:00

"The Night Before Christmas - Texas Style"

T'was the night before Christmas, in Texas, you know.
Way out on the prairie, without any snow.
Asleep in their cabin, were Buddy and Sue,
A dreamin' of Christmas, like me and you.
Not stockings, but boots, at the foot of their bed,
For this was Texas, what more need be said,

When all of a sudden, from out of the still night,
There came such a ruckus, it gave me a fright.
And I saw 'cross the prairie, like a shot from a gun,
A loaded up buckboard, come on at a run,

The driver was "Geein" and "Hawin", with a will,
The horses (not reindeer) he drove with such skill.
"Come on there Buck, Poncho, & Prince, to the right,
There'll be plenty of travelin' for you all tonight."

The driver in Levi's and a shirt that was red,
Had a ten-gallon Stetson on top of his head.
As he stepped from the buckboard, he was really a sight,
With his beard and mustache, so curly and white.

As he burst in the cabin, the children awoke,
And were so astonished, that neither one spoke.
And he filled up their boots with such presents galore,
That neither could think of a single thing more.

When Buddy recovered the use of his jaws,
He asked in a whisper, "Are you really Santa Claus?"
"Am I the real Santa? Well, what do you think?"
And he smiled as he gave a mysterious wink.

Then he leaped in his buckboard and called back in his drawl,
"To all the children in Texas, Merry Christmas, y'all"

Email of the day IDIOT SIGHTING

2008-12-04T11:06:00.002-05:00

Thanks to Bill Fox for today's E-mail of the day...

IDIOT SIGHTING

IDIOT SIGHTING:
We had to have the garage door repaired. The Sears repairman told us that one of our problems was that we did not have a "large" enough motor on the opener. I thought for a minute, and said that we had the largest one Sears made at that time, a 1/2 horsepower. He shook his head and said, "Lady, you need a 1/4 horsepower." I responded that 1/2 was larger than 1/4. He said, "NO, it's not. Four is larger than two."

We haven't used Sears repair since.

IDIOT SIGHTING:
My daughter and I went through the McDonald's take-out window and I gave the clerk a $5 bill. Our total was $4.25, so I also handed her a quarter. She said, "you gave me too much money." I said, "Yes I know, but this way you can just give me a dollar bill back." She sighed and went to get the manager who asked me to repeat my request. I did so, and he handed me back the quarter, and said "Were sorry but we cannot do that kind of thing." The clerk then proceeded to give me back $1 and 75 cents in change.

Do not confuse the clerks at McD's.

IDIOT SIGHTING:
I live in a semi rural area. We recently had a new neighbor call the local township administrative office to request the removal of the DEER CROSSING sign on our road. The reason: "Too many deer are being hit by cars out here! I don't think this is a good place for them to be crossing anymore."

>From Kingman , KS ..

IDIOT SIGHTING:
My daughter went to a local Taco Bell and ordered a taco; She asked the person behind the counter for "minimal lettuce." He said he was sorry, but they only had iceberg lettuce.

>From Kansas City

IDIOT SIGHTING:
I was at the airport, checking in at the gate when an airport employee asked, "Has anyone put anything in your baggage without your knowledge?" To which I replied, " If it was without my knowledge, how would I know?" He smiled knowingly and nodded, "That's why we ask."

Happened in Birmingham , Ala.

IDIOT SIGHTING:
The stoplight on the corner buzzes when it's safe to cross the street. I was crossing with an intellectually challenged coworker of mine. She asked if I knew what the buzzer was for. I explained that it signals blind people when the light is red. Appalled, she responded, "What on earth are blind people doing driving?!"

She was a probation officer in Wichita , KS ..

IDIOT SIGHTING:
At a good-bye luncheon for an old and dear coworker who was leaving the company due to "downsizing", our manager commented cheerfully, "This is fun. We should do this more often." Not another word was spoken. We all just looked at each other with that deer-in-the-headlights stare.

This was a lunch at Texas Instruments.

IDIOT SIGHTING:
I work with an individual who plugged her power strip back into itself and for the sake of her life , couldn't understand why her system would not turn on.

A deputy with the Dallas County Sheriffs office, no less.

IDIOT SIGHTING:
When my husband and I arrived at an automobile dealership to pick up our car, we were told the keys had been locked in it. We went to the service department and found a mechanic working feverishly to unlock the drivers side door. As I watched from the passenger side, I instinctively tried the door handle and discovered that it was unlocked. "Hey," I announced to the technician, "its open!" His reply, "I know. I already got that side."

This was at the Ford dealership in Canton , Mississippi

STAY ALERT!

They walk among us... and the scary part is that they VOTE and REPRODUCE and our enemies know it!!!

Email of the Day Blonde Men Do Exist

2008-12-03T11:34:00.002-05:00

Thanks to my good friend Debbie for sending this email around...

A Sheriff in a small town in Texas walks out in the street and sees a
blonde haired cowboy coming toward him with nothing on but his cowboy
hat, his gun and his boots. He arrests him for indecent exposure.

As he is locking him up, he asks 'Why in the world are you walking around
like this?'

The cowboy says, 'Well it's like this Sheriff ...

I was in this bar down the road and this pretty little red head asks me to
go out to her motor home with her. So I did.

We go inside and she pulls off her top and asks me to pull off my shirt...
So I did.
Then she pulls off her skirt and asks me to pull off my pants...
So I did.

Then she pulls off her panties and asks me to pull off my shorts...so I did.

Then she gets on the bed and looks at me kind of sexy and says, Now go to town cowboy.. '

'And here I am.'

Son of a Gun. Blonde Men do exist!!!!!!!!

Email Notation of the Day

2008-12-02T07:12:00.002-05:00

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!!!!!

2008-11-27T11:34:00.004-05:00

I am so thankful for all of my friends.

Happy Thanksgiving EVERYONE

Todays Clean Laugh

2008-11-23T12:46:00.000-05:00

"$50 Question"

A scientist and a poet were traveling in the same compartment on a train. They had never met before, so naturally there wasn't much conversation between the two.

The poet was minding his own business, looking out the window at the beauty of the passing terrain. The scientist was very uptight, trying to think of things he didn't know so he could try to figure them out. Finally, the scientist was so bored that he said to the poet, "Hey, do you want to play a game?" The poet, being content with what he was doing, ignored him and continued looking out the window, humming quietly to himself. This infuriated the scientist, who irritably asked again, "Hey, you, do you want to play a game? I'll ask you a question, and if you get it wrong, you give me $5. Then, YOU ask ME a question, and if I can't answer it, I'll give YOU $5."

The poet thought about this for a moment, but he decided against it, seeing that the scientist was obviously a very bright man. He politely turned down the scientist's offer.
The scientist, who by this time was going mad, tried a final time. "Look, I'll ask you a question, and if you can't answer it, you give me $5. Then you ask ME a question, and if I can't answer it, I'll give you $50!"

Now, the poet was not that smart academically, but he wasn't totally stupid. He readily accepted the offer. "Okay," the scientist said, "what is the EXACT distance between the Earth and the Moon?" The poet, obviously not knowing the answer, didn't stop to think about the scientist's question.
He took a $5 bill out of his pocket and handed it to the scientist. The scientist happily accepted the bill and promptly said, "Okay, now it's your turn." The poet thought about this for a few minutes and then asked, "All right, what goes up a mountain on three legs, but comes down on four?"

The bright glow quickly vanished from the scientist's face. He thought about this for a long time, taking out his notepad and making numerous calculations. He finally gave up on his notepad and took out his laptop, using his Multimedia Encyclopedia. After about an hour of this, the poet quietly watching the mountains of Colorado go by the whole time, the scientist FINALLY gave up. He reluctantly handed the poet a $50 bill. The poet accepted it graciously, turning back to the window.

"Wait!" the scientist shouted. "You can't do this to me!

What's the answer?" The poet looked at the scientist and calmly put a $5 bill into his hand.

And The Winner Is........

2008-11-21T09:35:00.002-05:00

On the blog site Love EtsyFeedback, My team EtsyFriends had a contest. It was a challenge for the team members to create the ultimate look of friendship. I had posted my entry previously but this isn't about that. We asked average joes to come and tell us who's was THE best. Well I am sure that it was difficult for the person tallying the votes but a winner emerged...

Hildeguardslair WON. Her entry was from her shop CritterHabitat
1. My shop name is hildeguardslair.etsy.com

2. I signed onto etsy on Dec 26th of 2006

3. My Mom and I have always made things for the home, clothes, knitted and crochet afghans, and scarves, mittens or anything else we could think of. We had the hope of someday opening a craft shop. My Mom didn't live to see the dream come to a reality but this is the shop we always dreamed of haveing. I am so glad I found etsy.

4. My favorite thing about what I sell is taking a scrap of nothing and turning it into something. I am not explaining this well. I love making jewelry, I look at beads and I can picture how they will look when they are put together. I guess you could say the best thing I like about what I sell is the creative process, I love to make things. I love what I do and enjoy it.

5. This is the favorite thing in my Hildeguardslair shop.
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=15461649
I won the metal component in a trade game, then through a bnr I found the polymer clay beads and I was so excited, I love roses. It took 6 weeks for me to get the beads from the seller. There was a mix up with the mail and everything. I planned this piece in my head 9 different ways and this is what it turned out to be.

The favorite thing in my critterhabitat shop is my kitten. I love kittens and I have made so many of them. I made a little yellow kitten and that was my favorite kitten of all.

6. The only team I belong to is etsyfriends. I have checked out other teams but the friends team is it for me. The friendship, moral support and site help is the best.

7. I wish I could call promoting my shop fun. I was raised to believe if you promoted yourself you were bragging and that is a bad thing. I have to fight this everytime I list something for sale. I don't promote like I should, I do go into other threads and post my sales and my shop and let the shop speak for itself. I can talk about others peoples shops and really get it going, I wish I could feel better about doing it for my own shop.

8. I have 5 travel pillows from sygnetcreations, I bought them for the whole family, I have some wonderful lip gloss from sheltie19 and her dragons she does out of glass are to die for, I have a bunch of them. Happyathomehandmade makes the most wonderful beads, I have a lot of them. spiritedwoodland sent me the most wonderful little chair made for a fairy folk, my fire place is fantasy land with dragons, gnomes, and fairy folk, that chair just sets it off. I love my pocketpal from Mondrysyknotshop, I use it everyday. I could go on and on, I have a treasure trove of the most wonderful handcrafted items from etsy. Last year I had a handcrafted Christmas for my husbands family, every gift was from etsy.

9. My spare time is spent crafting, I call it my play time. I have to get my house work done before I can play then I craft most of the day. I am always makeing something, or planning on what I am going to make next. I do try to read a least 1 book a week, I love reading and I do some writing as well when I take a break from crafting but even that is play time.

10. I was kind of alone on etsy for a long time and it is hard to keep up the moral when views get low and no sales to speak of for a while, it is easy to just give up. I found etsy friends team and the support is so important and they are a great bunch of gals. It is so much fun when you see a post " I got a sale, wow," it is almost and good as getting one yourself you are so happy for them and they all feel the same way when it happens to you. It is like the sister hood of etsy. It is not all about etsy either, when there is a crisis in someones life they are only a convo away and they are there for you. The best way I can describe the friendship is with the old saying, "A true friend is there for you when they'd rather be somewhere else," that is the essence of the team.

FRONT PAGE!

2008-11-21T09:15:00.005-05:00

FRONT PAGE!
Originally uploaded by krazy.fashion

Yay, six of the EtsyFriends team members were featured on the front page today. Thanks to KaleidoscopeKorner for putting the blog together and pimping it so that admin would see it. So there are 2 different versions of this front page because some items sold and the alternates were added.

Congrats everyone.

Curator: KaleidoscopeKorner
Featured: dennisanderson, Jadedmind, Deebs, annwn, KrazyFashion, uncorked, sosorosey, ShySiren, hackberrystudio, catiesblue, CleanRinse, TweedleBee

Alternates Used: MVincent, EmbroideryStitches, fancy, sygnetcreations

You can find all of these great shops on Etsy

Funny email of the day

2008-11-18T08:23:00.002-05:00

This email was sent to me by my little sister, Thanks Ang.

Why Women Are Crabby

We started to 'bud' in our blouses at 9 or 10 years old only to find that anything that came in contact with those tender, blooming buds hurt so bad it brought us to tears. So came the ridiculously uncomfortable training bra contraption that the boys in school would snap until we had calluses on our backs.

Next, we get our periods in our early to mid-teens (or sooner). Along with those budding boobs, we bloated, we cramped, we got the hormone crankies, had to wear little mattresses between our legs or insert tubular, packed cotton rods in places we didn't even know we had.

Our next little rite of passage was having sex for the first time which was about as much fu n as having a ramrod push your uterus through your nostrils (IF he did it right and didn't end up with his little cart before his horse), leaving us to wonder what all the fuss was about.

Then it was off to Motherhood where we learned to live on dry crackers and water for a few months so we didn't spend the entire day leaning over Brother John. Of course, amazing creatures that we are (and we are), we learned to live with the growing little angels inside us steadily kicking our innards night and day making us wonder if we were preparing to have Rosemary's Baby.

Our once flat bellies looked like we swallowed a whole watermelon and we pee'd our pants every time we sneezed. When the big moment arrived, the dam in our blessed Nether Regions invariably burst right in the middle of the mall and we had to waddle, with our big cartoon feet, moaning in pain all the way to the ER.

Then it was huff and puff and beg to die while the OB says, 'Please stop screaming, Mrs. Hearmeroar ... Calm down and push. 'Just one more good push' (more like 10), warranting a strong, well-deserved impulse to punch the
%$#*@*#!* hubby and doctor square in the nose for making us cram a wiggling, mushroom-headed 10 pound bowling ball through a keyhole.

After that, it was time to raise those angels only to find that when all that 'cute' wears off, the beautiful little darlings morphed into walking, jabbering, wet, gooey, snot-blowing, life-sucking little poop machines.

Then come their 'Teen Years.' Need I say more?

When the kids are almost grown, we women hit our voracious sexual prime in our early 40's - while hubby had his somewhere around his 18th birthday.

So we progress into the grand finale: 'The Menopause,' the Grandmother of all womanhood. It's either take HRT and chance cancer in those now seasoned 'buds' or the aforementioned Nether Regions, or, sweat like a hog in July, wash your sheets and pillowcases daily and bite the head off anything that moves.

Now, you ask WHY women seem to be more spiteful than men, when men get off so easy, INCLUDING the icing on life's cake: Being able to pee in the woods without soaking their socks...

So, while I love being a woman, 'Womanhood' would make the Great Gandhi a tad crabby. You think women are the 'weaker sex?' Yeah right. Bite me.

Etsy West Michigan: Gift Guide

2008-11-18T08:12:00.002-05:00

One of my teams has created a gift guide. Check it out.

Etsy West Michigan: Gift Guide

Super Econimical Posting

2008-11-16T14:11:00.002-05:00

I received this money saving recipe for free and I thought I would pass it along to all of my readers. In these hard times we can all use some money stretching ideas. Please check out the notes at the bottom as well.

Liquid/Gel Laundry Detergent

Use 1/2 Cup per load

Ingredients:
Borax (located on top shelf in the laundry aisle)
Washing Soda (I use Arm & Hammer, located by the Borax)
Ivory Bar Soap or your favorite bar soap
Bucket for your detergent - I use a 5 gallon bucket w/ a lid - you want to have a lid
Optional Ingredients: 1/2 to 1 oz Essential Oils for fragrance (found at your local Health Food Store, such as Harvest Health)*** I do not use these because if you dry your clothes in the dryer the scent will dissipate in the heat.

Step 1: Shred or cut up bar of soap, I use 2 bars for my 5 gallon bucket but 1 works just fine.
Step 2: Dump shredded soap in your biggest pot of water (I usually get mine boiling, or just about there)- stir til melted.
Step 3: Add 1 Cup Borax, stir til dissolved.
Step 4: Add 1 Cup Washing Soda, stir til dissolved.
Step 5: Dump hot mixture in bucket after it is all dissolved together. Then slowly add warm water to fill the bucket. Stir periodically til it cools down. Sometimes I just dump cold water in and stir it well and that works just fine but the soap is more likely to form a thick gel layer on the top when I do that. A layer of gel on the top is fine, it still cleans great but I think the bucket lasts longer when I let it cool naturally and stir it periodically. Either way, you've got a very effective laundry soap that will clean your clothes. My initial investment was $12 for the borax, washing soda and 12 bars of Ivory soap. I probably got 25 gallons of soap out of that over time. This is the way many of our grandparents/great-grand parents cleaned their clothes. If you want a little extra whitening power - toss half a cup of baking soda into your wash. A great natural fabric softener is white vinegar, poured into the rinse water. Once your clothes dry they will NOT smell like vinegar.

~The finished soap will not be a solid gel. It will be more of a watery gel that has been accurately described as an "egg noodle soup" look.

~The soap is a low sudsing soap. So if you don’t see suds, that is OK. Suds are not what does the cleaning, it is the ingredients in the soap.

Gobble Up Handmade Sale

2008-11-14T09:14:00.002-05:00

From November 14th to November 16th I am have a 30% off sale in my etsy shop.

This is a team wide sale:

To find all the discounts head to our team promotion blog

http://www.efpromotions.blogspot.com/

Shops offering awsome discounts:

Randomscraps.etsy.com
ShopDavinia.etsy.com
Sygnetcreations.etsy.com
TheHoneyFitzFactory.etsy.com
Tagsandbuttons.etsy.com
Sosorosey.etsy.com
MondrysYknotshop.etsy.com
Geckojewelry.etsy.com
Jadedmind.etsy.com
AMOzarkian.etsy.com
Uniquecharm.etsy.com
Fancy.etsy.com
Retroreesa.etsy.com
Hildeguardslair.etsy.com
MVincent.etsy.com
Zappyturtle.etsy.com
Creativethings.etsy.com
DAMdesigns.etsy.com
Reesasfavorites.etsy.com
Critterhabitat.etsy.com

---------------------

Funny email of the day

2008-11-12T09:54:00.000-05:00

This one is thanks to the dad that I adopted Bill fox.

'And that's when the fight started'....

1) My wife and I were sitting at a table at my high school reunion, and I kept
staring at a drunken lady swigging her drink as she sat alone at a nearby table.
My wife asked, 'Do you know her?'
'Yes', I sighed, 'She's my old girlfriend. I understand she
took to drinking right after we split up those many years ago, and I hear she
hasn't been sober since.'
'My Gosh!' says my wife, 'Who would think a person was able to go
on celebrating that long?'
And that's when the fight started....

2) I rear-ended a car this morning. So, there we were alongside the road and
slowly the other driver got out of his car. You know how sometimes you just get
soooo stressed and little things just seem funny? Yeah, well I couldn't
believe it.... He was a DWARF!!! He stormed over to my car, looked up at me, and
shouted, 'I AM NOT HAPPY!!!' So, I looked down at him and said,
'Well, then which one are you?'
And that's when the fight started..

3) A woman is standing nude, looking in the bedroom mirror. She is not happy
with what she sees and says to her husband, 'I feel horrible; I look old,
fat and ugly. I really need you to pay me a compliment.'
The husband replies, 'Your eyesight's damn near perfect.'
And that's when the fight started.....

4) A man and a woman were asleep like two innocent babies. Suddenly, at 3
o'clock in the morning, a loud noise came from outside. The woman, sort of
bewildered, jumped up from the bed and yelled at the man, 'Holy Crap! That
must be my husband!' So the guy quickly jumped out of the bed, scared and
naked he jumped out the window like a crazy man. He smashed himself on the
ground, ran through a thorn bush and then started to run as fast as he could to
his car. A few minutes later he returned and went up to the bedroom and screamed
at the woman, 'I AM your husband!' The woman yelled back, 'Yeah,
well then, why were you running?'
And that's when the fight started.....

5) When I got home last night, my wife demanded that I take her someplace
expensive....so, I took her to a gas station.....
And that's when the fight started.....

6) I tried to talk my wife into buying a case of Miller Light for $14.95.
Instead, she bought a jar of
cold cream for $7.95. I told her the beer would make her look better at night
than the cold cream.
And that's when the fight started.........

7) I took my wife to a restaurant. The waiter, for some reason, took my order
first.
'I'll have the strip steak, medium rare, please.' He said
'Aren't you worried about the mad cow?'
'Nah, she can order for herself.'
And that's when the fight started.....

Easy Cake Mix Cookie

2008-11-12T08:26:00.003-05:00

Ingredients:

1 pkg. any flavor Pillsbury Plus Cake mix
1/2 c. margarine or butter, softened
1 egg

Directions:

Combine all ingredients at low speed until thoroughly moistened.
Drop by rounded tbsps. 2" apart onto ungreased cookie sheet.
Bake at 350 for 9-12 minutes.
Cool 2 minutes, remove from pans.

**If using chocolate cake mix add 2 tbsp. water to ingredients.
**If desired, stir in 1 cup chocolate chips or 1/2 cup chopped nuts.
**If desired, frost cookies with your favorite flavor of frostin.

For sandwich cookies, spread frosting between 2 cookies

Email of the Day I LOVE MY JOB

2008-11-10T12:04:00.001-05:00

Thanks to my brother Tim who sent me this hilarious email...

I LOVE MY JOB

If you don't laugh out loud after you read this you are in a coma !

This is even funnier when you realize it's real! Next time you have a bad day at work think of this guy.

Bob is a commercial saturation diver for Global Divers in Louisiana .
He performs underwater repairs on offshore drilling rigs.

Below is an E-mail he sent to his sister. She then sent it to radio station 103.5 on FM dial in, Indiana, who was sponsoring a worst job experience contest.

Needless to say, she won.

~Hi Sue,
Just another note from your bottom-dwelling brother.
Last week I had a bad day at the office. I know you've been feeling downlately at work, so I thought I would share my dilemma with you to make you realize it's not so bad after all . Before I can tell you what happened to me, I first must bore you with a few technicalities of my job.As you know, my office lies at the bottom of the sea. I wear a suit to the office. It's a wet suit. This time of year the water is quite cool.So what we do to keep warm is this: We have a diesel powered industrial water heater. This $20,000 piece of equipment sucks the water out of the sea. It heats it to a delightful temperature. It then pumps it down to the diver through a garden hose, which is taped to the air hose.

Now this sounds like a darn good plan, and I've used it several times with no complaints. What I do, when I get to the bottom and start working, is take the hose and stuff it down the back of my wet suit.

This floods my whole suit with warm water. It's like working in a Jacuzzi.

Everything was going well until all of a sudden, my butt started to itch.So, of course, I scratched it. This only made things worse. Within a few seconds my ass started to burn. I pulled the hose out from my back,but the damage was done. In agony I realized what had happened.

The hot water machine had sucked up a jellyfish and pumped it into my suit.Now, since I don't have any hair on my back, the jellyfish couldn't stick to it, however, the crack of my ass was not as fortunate. When I scratched what I thought was an itch, I was actually grinding the jellyfish into the crack of my ass.

I informed the dive supervisor of my dilemma over the communicator.His instructions were unclear due to the fact that he, along withfive other divers, were all laughing hysterically. Needless to say I aborted the dive.

I was instructed to make three agonizing in -water decompression stops totaling thirty-five minutes before I could reach the surface to begin my chamber dry decompression. When I arrived at the surface, I was wearing nothing but my brass helmet. As I climbed out of the water, the medic,with tears of laughter running down his face, handed me a tube of cream and told me to rub it on my butt as soon as I got in the chamber.The cream put the fire out, but I couldn't poop for two days because my ass was swollen shut.

So, next time you're having a bad day at work, think about how much worse it would be if you had a jellyfish shoved up your ass. Now repeat to yourself, 'I love my job, I love my job, I love my job.'Whenever you have a bad day, ask yourself, is this a jellyfish bad day?

May you NEVER have a jellyfish bad day!!!!!

Life isn't tied with a bow, but it's still a gift.

Easy Peasy Meatloaf

2008-11-08T14:18:00.004-05:00

This is what I am making for dinner tonight with some mashed potatoes. Yummy and so down home for a cold day.

Ingredients:

1-1/2 lb. lean hamburger
1 pkg. Lipton tomato-onion soup mix (I just use off brand onion soup mix)
1/2c. oatmeal
1 egg, beaten
3/4 c. ketchup
1 tbsp. Worcestershire sauce

Directions:

Mix hamburger, soup, oatmeal and egg. Spoon in loaf pan. Bake at 350 degrees for 55 minutes. Top with ketchup mixed with Worcestershire sauce. Bake 5 minutes longer.

Tiramisu Bowl

2008-11-07T17:18:00.003-05:00

Ingredients:
1 pkg. (8oz) cream cheese, sofetened
3 cups cold milk
2 pkg. (4 serving size each) Jell-o Vanilla flavor instant pudding
1 tub (8 oz) Whipped topping, thawed, divided
48 Nilla wafers
1/2 cup brewed strong coffee, cooled, divided
2 squares Bakers semi-sweet chocolate, coarsely grated
1 cup fresh raspberries

Directions:
Beat cream cheese in large bowl with electric mixer until creamy. Gradually beat in milk. Add dry pudding mixes; mix well. Stir in 2 cups of the whipped topping.

Line bottom and sides of a 2-1/2-qt. bowl with half of the wafers; drizzle with half of the coffee. Layer half of the pudding mixture over wafers, and then top with half of the grated chocolate. Repeat all layers starting with the wafers and coffee. Top with remaining whipped topping and raspberries.

Refrigerate at least 2 hours. Store leftovers in refrigerator.

Tip: Unwrap chocolate squares, leaving each square on paper wrapper. Microwave on HIGH 10 sec., then grate with the largest hole of a cheese shredder.

Makes: 16 servings, about 2/3 cup each

Do you feel LUCKY?

2008-11-06T08:36:00.002-05:00

Today starts a 2 week contest where you can win 1 of 11 prizes. You have 11 chances to enter. Go to the Love Etsy Feedback blog and enter the Special Edition Team Etsy Friends contest. I am in the contest so vote for me. HEHE Have fun and enjoy the contest.

My entry is also available in my shop for sale and can be bought at any time.

Entry: "True Friends in Love Bracelet," by MondrysYknotShop

About: The perfect gift for your BFF. Show them the love.

Apple-Cinnamon Upside-Down Cake

2008-11-04T13:41:00.001-05:00

A twist on the American classic apple pie.

Ingredients

Serves 8

10 tablespoons unsalted butter, room temperature
1/2 cup packed light-brown sugar
3 apples, Empire or Gala (about 1 1/2 pounds), each peeled, cored, and sliced into 8 wedges
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (spooned and leveled)
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1/2 cup whole milk

Directions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Coat bottom and side of a 9-inch round cake pan with 2 tablespoons butter; sprinkle bottom with brown sugar. In a medium bowl, toss apples with lemon juice; arrange in prepared pan in two concentric circles (you might not use all of them).
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon; set aside.
With an electric mixer, beat remaining 8 tablespoons butter with granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs and vanilla; beat until incorporated. With mixer on low speed, alternately add the flour mixture in three parts and the milk in two, beginning and ending with flour mixture.
Spoon batter over apples in pan; smooth top. Bake until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, 45 to 55 minutes. Cool cake in pan on a wire rack, at least 30 minutes and up to 6 hours (if cake has risen above rim of pan, simply push back inside rim).
To serve, run a knife around edge of pan, and invert cake onto a rimmed platter.

EtsyFriends Trade Game Update

2008-11-03T07:55:00.003-05:00

We have changed things up a bit. We have decided that instead of 3 games almost on top of each other that we will put a day between them.

The new schedule is as follows:

Tuesday evening at 9pm for $5 with MondrysYknotShop
Thursday evening at 9pm for $10 with ZappyTurtle
Saturday evening at 11pm for $15 with KaleidoscopeKorner

This new schedule start on November 11, 2008

Would you like to join us for some fun and chatting, you can find us in the promo threads of Etsy.

I look forward to seeing some of my readers there.

Housekeeping

2008-11-02T11:14:00.001-05:00

I don't do windows because... I love birds and don't want one to run into a clean window and get hurt.

I don't wax floors because... I am terrified a guest will slip, hurt themselves, I'll feel terrible and they may sue me.

I don't mind the dust bunnies because... They are very good company, I have named most of them, and they agree with everything I say.

I don't disturb cobwebs because... I want every creature to have a home of their own.

I don't Spring Clean because... I love all the seasons and don't want the others to get jealous.

I don't pull weeds in the garden because... I don't want to get in God's way, he is an excellent designer.

I don't put things away because. My husband will never be able to find them again.

I don't do gourmet meals when I entertain because... I don't want my guests to stress out over what to make when they invite me over for dinner.

I don't iron because... I choose to believe them when they say "Permanent Press".

I don't stress much on anything because... "A Type" personalities die young and I want to stick around and become a wrinkled up crusty old woman!!!!

I finally did it

2008-11-01T20:19:00.005-04:00

Well, I finally closed up the Y Knot Jewelry Shop. I hope to reopen it some day but you never know. I was just having so much trouble promoting 2 shops. And with the holidays and the craft shows it has gotten even harder. I have moved everything to my original shop Mondrys Y Knot Shop. Please feel free to stop by and check it out. If you see something you like please let me know that you found my shop from my blog and I will give you 10% off of your purchase price.

Friday Feature Happy Halloween

2008-10-31T08:30:00.004-04:00

Well, first off I am in the process of getting ready for a show in the morning and totally forgot about the Friday Feature. So I don't have an interview available. But I do have some Halloween favorites.

First we have HorrorDecor with their great horror items everything from eyeball candles to bloody Christmas stockings.

Next is FoldedPigs with there spooky dinnerware. You can get brain plates and skull plates in this shop.

SistersOfTheMoon has some awesome scary head gear. Glowing Skeleton hand clips and skull headbands. Oh there is more in this shop folks check it out.

The last shop on my list is MistysCreations, this is not a Halloween shop but they do get in the mood. Check out these Weeping earrings and this Blood Thirsty Man print.

Well those are some great shops to get your spook on in. But hey Etsy is full of spooky stuff you just have to look for it.

Sorry no pics today of the items. Click on the links and be ready to fantasize.

Gifts In A Jar: Candy Cane Bath Salts

2008-10-30T08:00:00.001-04:00

Posted by Cynthia Townley Ewer on November, 13, 2007

Pretty layered bath salts make a perfect gift for teens, co-workers or teachers. Sparked with the holiday scent of peppermint, Candy Cane Bath Salts are a seasonal treat.

Makes 12 gift jars at a cost approximately $1.50 per jar.

Includes free printable gift tags. New! Print the Candy Can Bath Salts gift tag in .PDF format.

Materials and Supplies for Candy Cane Bath Salts:

12 tall jelly (12-ounce) canning jars with lid and rings

2 4-pound cartons Epsom Salts (approximately 16 cups)
4 pounds sea salt or Kosher salt (approximately 6 cups)
1/2 teaspoon glycerin, divided
12 to 15 drops peppermint essential oil
12 to 15 drops red food color

2 pieces cardstock (for tags)

Instructions:

Wash, rinse and dry canning jars.

Empty one carton Epsom Salts into large mixing bowl or batter bowl. Add 3 cups sea salt, stir well. Stir in 1/4 teaspoon glycerin and 6 to 8 drops essential oil. Mix well.

In second large mixing bowl, empty one carton Epsom Salts, and add 3 cups sea salt. Stir well. Add 1/4 teaspoon glycerin, 6 to 8 drops essential oil, and food color. Stir until completely blended. Color should be even.

CEO's tip: use a heavy-duty stand mixer (such as Kitchenaid-brand) to mix bath salts easily. Set mixer to lowest setting and mix until color is even--but don't try this with hand mixers or smaller stand mixers!

Holding canning jars at an angle, layer salts in jars, alternating white and colored mixtures.

Print two copies of the Candy Cane Bath Salts gift tag.

Cut gift tags apart and attach to jars. Tags may be trimmed and placed beneath canning jar rings, tied on with ribbon, or taped to gift jars.

CEO tip: decorative canning jar lids add presentation punch for a small price! Try red or green gingham lids for Candy Cane Bath Salts. Find decorative canning jar lids in the canning section of the supermarket.

This recipe makes 12 12-ounce gift jars, plus a bonus of 3 to 4 cups extra bath salts. Package them in small plastic zipper craft bags for easy stocking stuffers!

Makes 12 gift jars.

Gifts In A Jar: Peaches and Cream Bath Salts

2008-10-29T11:06:00.001-04:00

Posted by Cynthia Townley Ewer on November, 29, 2007

Pretty layered bath salts make a perfect gift for teens, co-workers or teachers.

Makes 12 gift jars at a cost approximately $1.50 per jar.

Includes free printable print gift tags! New! Print the Peaches and Cream Bath Salts gift tag in .PDF format.

Materials and Supplies for Peaches and Cream Bath Salts:

12 tall jelly (12-ounce) canning jars with lid and rings

2 4-pound cartons Epsom Salts (approximately 16 cups)
4 pounds sea salt or Kosher salt (approximately 6 cups)
1/2 teaspoon glycerin, divided
12 to 15 drops peach essential oil
12 to 15 drops orange food color

3 pieces cardstock (for free printable gift tags)

Instructions:

Wash, rinse and dry canning jars.

Empty one carton Epsom Salts into large mixing bowl or batter bowl. Add 3 cups sea salt, stir well. Stir in 1/4 teaspoon glycerin and 6 to 8 drops essential oil. Mix well.

Holding canning jars at an angle, layer salts in jars, alternating white and colored mixtures.

Print three copies of Peaches 'n Cream Bath Salts gift tag.

Cut gift tags apart and attach to jars. Tags may be trimmed and placed beneath canning jar rings, tied on with ribbon, or taped to gift jars.

CEO's tip: decorative canning jar lids add presentation punch for a small price! Try Peach lids to add a designer touch to Peaches 'n Cream Bath Salts. Find decorative canning jar lids in the canning section of the supermarket.

This recipe makes 12 12-ounce gift jars, plus a bonus of 3 to 4 cups extra bath salts. Package them in small plastic zipper craft bags for easy stocking stuffers.

We got busy being CREATIVE

2008-10-28T19:50:00.008-04:00

Tonight after dinner we got busy carving our pumpkins. It is a tradition for us to get 3 pumpkins and we each get to decide how to carve it. (I know most people do this) Well we have to make sure hubby is going to be at home and not working. This is what we came up with this year.

All of our pumpkins

April's Pumpkin

My pumpkin

Hubby's Pumpkin

April posing with her pumpkin.

Spinach and Mushroom Quesadilla's

2008-10-28T14:01:00.002-04:00

Ingredients

Serves 4.

2 tablespoons canola oil
2 medium red onions, thinly sliced
8 ounces (2 1/4 cups) button or cremini mushrooms, thinly sliced
6 ounces (about 8 cups) prewashed spinach, shredded
Coarse salt and ground pepper
8 flour tortillas (8-inch)
8 ounces (2 cups) pepper Jack cheese, shredded

Directions

Preheat oven to 400 degrees. In a 12-inch skillet over medium heat, warm 1 tablespoon oil. Cook the onions, stirring occasionally, until lightly golden, about 5 minutes. Add the mushrooms; cook, stirring occasionally, until they're tender, 6 to 8 minutes.
Add spinach in two batches, letting the first batch wilt slightly before adding the next; cook until spinach is completely wilted and mixture is dry, 2 to 3 minutes total. Season with salt and pepper.
Brush one side of tortillas with remaining tablespoon oil. Place 4 tortillas, oiled sides down, on two baking sheets. Layer each tortilla with cheese, spinach mixture, and more cheese, dividing evenly. Top with the remaining 4 tortillas, oiled sides up, and lightly press to seal.
Bake until cheese has melted and tortillas are golden brown, turning them once, about 10 minutes. To serve, cut quesadillas into quarters.

Provided by Food Everyday

Weight Loss Challenge

2008-10-27T11:02:00.005-04:00

One of the teams that I am on is doing a weight loss challenge and today was the first day. We all weighed in and shared some of the things that we plan to do to try to lose weight. I was pleasantly surprised when I got on the scale today. I lost my job in June and have been home munching all the time. But I also had all of my teeth removed in August and had to relearn to eat solid foods. I am actually about 10 or so pounds lighter than I was when I was working.

We are not actually going by pounds lost we are going by percentage lost. I can't wait to see how we all do.

My Homemade Spaghetti Sauce Recipe

2008-10-27T10:27:00.003-04:00

OK I am going to give y'all my secret recipe. Everything is to taste. I don't measure.

INGREDIENTS

2 - 29oz cans tomato sauce
1 or 2 - 15 oz stewed tomatoes (sliced)
Italian seasoning
parsley flakes
basil
oregano
garlic powder
chopped onion
1 pound ground meat or meat balls
small can stems and pieces mushrooms

DIRECTIONS

Brown meat with seasonings, mushrooms and chopped onion.
Mix tomato sauce and tomatoes with browned meat. Simmer. It is done when the sauce is warm. Pour over noodles and enjoy.

You can use all fresh ingredients if you prefer. I usually have all of the canned items on hand.

Slow Cooker Chili with Beans and Corn

2008-10-26T17:05:00.004-04:00

Something for these cool fall dinners...

CHILI WITH BEANS AND CORN

INGREDIENTS

1 can (15 oz) black-eyed peas or cannellini beans, rinsed and drained
1 can (15 oz) kidney or navy beans, rinsed and drained
1 can (14 1/2 oz) whole tomatoes, drained and chopped
1 onion, chopped
1 cup frozen corn
1 cup water
1/2 cup chopped green onions
1/2 cup tomato paste
1/4 cup diced jalapeno peppers*
1 tbs chili powder
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon prepared mustard
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano leaves

* Jalapeno peppers can sting and irritate the skin. Wear rubber gloves when handeling peppers and do not touch your eyes. Wash hands after handling.

Combine all ingredients in slow cooker. Cover and cook on LOW 8 to 10 hours or on HIGH 4 to 5 hours.

Makes 6 to 8 servings.

My kind of dog!

2008-10-25T19:47:00.005-04:00

I received this in an email and thought I would pass it on to all animal lovers.

The K9 above is Brutus, a military K9 at McChord.

He's huge - part Boxer and part British Bull Mastiff and tops the scales at 200 lbs. His handler took the picture. Brutus is running toward me because he knows I have some Milk Bone treats, so he's slobbering away! I had to duck around a tree just before he got to me in case he couldn't stop, but he did. Brutus won the Congressional Medal of Honor last year from his tour in Iraq . His handler and four other soldiers were taken hostage by insurgents. Brutus and his handler communicate by sign language and he gave Brutus the signal that meant 'go away but come back and find me'. The Iraqis paid no attention to Brutus. He came back later and quietly tore the throat out of one guard at one door and another guard at another door. He then jumped against one of the doors repeatedly (the guys were being held in an old warehouse) until it opened. He went in and untied his handler and they all escaped. He's the first K9 to receive this honor. If he knows you're ok, he's a big old lug and wants to sit in your lap. Enjoys the company of cats.

K-9 Congressional Medal of Honor Winner

Thought you'd find this interesting.

Talk about animal intelligence and bonding with humans!

Remember that they can't do a lot of things for themselves and that they depend on you to make their life a quality life!

A PET'S TEN COMMANDMENTS.........

1. My life is likely to last 10-15 years. Any separation from you is likely to be painful.

2. Give me time to understand what you want of me.

3. Place your trust in me. It is crucial for my well-being.

4. Don't be angry with me for long and don't lock me up as punishment. You have your work, your friends, your entertainment, but I have only you.

5. Talk to me. Even if I don't understand your words, I do understand your voice when speaking to me.

6. Be aware that however you treat me, I will never forget it.

7. Before you hit me, before you strike me, remember that I could hurt you, and yet, I choose not to bite you.

8. Before you scold me for being lazy or uncooperative, ask yourself if something might be bothering me. Perhaps I'm not getting the right food, I have been in the sun too long, or my heart might be getting old or weak.

9. Please take care of me when I grow old. You too, will grow old.

10. On the ultimate difficult journey, go with me please. Never say you can't bear to watch. Don't make me face this alone. Everything is easier for me if you are there, because I love you so.

~Take a moment today to thank God for your pets. Enjoy and take good care of them.

Life would be a much duller, less joyful experience without God's critters.

~Now please pass this on to other pet owners. We do not have to wait for Heaven, to be surrounded by hope, love, and joyfulness. It is here on earth and has four legs!

A New Use For My Coffee Maker

2008-10-25T17:45:00.002-04:00

We don't drink coffee but for some reason we have a coffee maker. I just came across this recipe on Cooks.com and I believe that I am going to try it.

HOT APPLE CIDER (WASSAIL)

1/2 gallon of apple cider
2 pts. of ginger ale
16 whole cloves
2 cinnamon sticks
1 c. of red hots

Pour cider and ginger ale into large coffee pot. Place cloves, cinnamon sticks and red hots into coffee pot basket. Perk for 15 minutes.

Friday Feature Bailey's Basics

2008-10-24T08:00:00.002-04:00

Today I would like to feature a great seller by the name of Andrea. I had the pleasure of receiving several samples for a show that I am doing and, well, I had to sample the samples. She sent me Lotion Bars, Tub Cleaner and Laundry Soap. Well the lotion is great for my daughters eczema and the tub cleaner, well, lets just say my scummy rental tub is now clean. I have not used the Laundry Soap yet but I will. This shop is just great. Now a little from Andrea.

What is your shop name and what do you sell?
Our shop is Baileys Basics, and we sell natural health and cleaning products, herbal products, and will soon feature some sewn goodies.

What is your shop's URL?
Baileysbasics.etsy.com, or you can just use www.baileysbasics.net and it’s linked right to Etsy

When did you start selling on Etsy?
We posted our first items in July 2008

What is your favorite thing about Etsy?
The wide variety of items available, and the quality of most of the handcrafted items!

What is your favorite thing about what you sell?
That it’s all natural! Everything in our shop is chemical free, and the only fragrances are from essential oils. It’s all good for you, good for your home, and good for the environment!

What is your favorite item in your own shop and why?
I personally love the skin salve, and any of the teas.

What teams do you belong to?
We’ve applied to join the Christian Artists Street Team (CAST), so we’re waiting to see about that.

What is the most fun thing you do to promote your shop?
My mother took some of our products to an event she was helping with and sold them there. We offered gift boxes for auction there, too, and made samples to offer. It was lots of fun to get such a big effort organized and spend a few weeks making everything. It was stressful, but a great experience!

What are some of your favorite finds by other sellers on Etsy?
I just received some great earrings from amberpurejoy, and a candle that smells great. And we both absolutely love soaps from agoodwitchtoo. I really like caughtredhanded and theblackapple, too!

What do you do in your spare time?
What is that??! We both have full-time jobs and Brian runs a computer repair business, too, so we’re seriously busy people. But, we enjoy spending time with our families, having friends over, and being outside on gorgeous fall days! I love to cook, too.

Do you have anything else you would like to share?
I’d just like to thank everyone for being so friendly, kind, and willing to help! We’ve had a great experience on Etsy so far, and look forward to growing our little shop in the future. Thanks for featuring us!

Coffee Marshmallow Crispy Treats

2008-10-23T08:00:00.002-04:00

Ingredients

3 tablespoons unsalted butter, plus more for greasing pan and hands
1 (10-ounce) package mini marshmallows
2 to 3 tablespoons instant coffee or espresso
6 cups rice cereal (recommended: Rice Krispies)

Directions

Lightly butter an 8-inch square pan.

In a large pot, melt the butter over very low heat. Stir in the marshmallows, getting them all coated with the butter. Slowly melt the marshmallows, stirring frequently. When the marshmallows are melted and smooth, remove the pan from the heat. Stir in the instant coffee (2 tablespoons for a rich coffee flavor, 3 tablespoons for a real kick) and mix until it is dissolved into the melted marshmallow. Gently fold in the rice cereal. When it is completely coated, lightly press the mixture into the prepared pan with your buttered hands. When cool, cut the treats into bars and serve.

Yield about 24 bars

Recipe from the Food Network

Doll House Giveaway

2008-10-23T00:14:00.002-04:00

Can you believe this. Little Windows Shoppe is giving away a Caring Corners Mrs. Goodbee Dollhouse, and donating another to a Children's Hospital. You can enter to win by going to the Little Window Shoppe blog and entering to win. The drawing will be on Friday Oct. 24th.

The only dollhouse that comes to life and encourages caring, sharing and preparing as your child plays! It has 12 big rooms; 400+ activities, songs, words and sounds; it helps children learn social and emotional skills through imaginary play and real-life experiences; and it is a 2008 Outstanding Product Winner!

Portobello Burgers Recipe

2008-10-22T08:00:00.001-04:00

Ingredients

4 portobello mushrooms
2 Tbsp. olive oil
1 tsp. dried Italian Seasoning, crushed
4 slices provolone cheese
4 ciabatta rolls, split
1/4 cup mayonnaise
4 to 8 pieces bottled, roasted red sweet pepper
3/4 cup fresh basil leaves

Directions

1. Scrape gills from mushroom caps, if desired. Drizzle mushrooms with oil. Sprinkle salt, pepper and crushed Italian seasoning.

2. On charcoal grill, cook mushrooms on rack of uncovered grill directly over medium coals for 6 to 8 minutes, turning once halfway through cooking. Top each mushroom with a cheese slice. Place rolls, split sides down, on grill rack. Grill 2 minutes more, until cheese is melted, mushrooms are tender, and rolls are toasted.

3. Serve mushrooms on rolls. Pass mayonnaise, sweet pepper pieces, and basil leaves. Makes 4 servings.

Kahlua Bowl Cake Recipe

2008-10-21T11:51:00.001-04:00

A great dessert, made with chocolate cake, Kahlua, candy bars, and more.

Ingredients:

1 chocolate cake, 13 x 9-inches, cooled, cut in cubes
1/2 cup Kahlua
1 package chocolate instant pudding, prepared
12 ounces Cool Whip
1 chocolate toffee candy bar (Skor)

Preparation:

Assemble in a 2-quart bowl:

Put half of the cake cubes in the bottom of the bowl then pour half of the Kahlua over the cake. Spread half of the pudding over the cake and Kahlua then spread half of the Cool Whip over the pudding.

Repeat layers then break the Skor bar up and sprinkle pieces over the top.

from Margo Dupont

Broccoli Cauliflower Cheese Soup

2008-10-20T08:02:00.006-04:00

Something for these cold days that are coming upon us. If the vegetables are precooked this will work well in the crock pot. This also freezes well, so make some ahead of time for a really cold day. I guess technically this could be considered a vegetarian meal as there is no meat in it. There is cheese though....hmmmm.

Ingredients

1 head cauliflower
1 head broccoli
1-2 cup old cheddar cheese, shredded
1 medium potato, shredded
1 carrot, peeled shredded
1 shredded medium onion
1/2 cup celery, diced
1-2 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon dill weed
1 teaspoon garlic
1 tablespoon mustard
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon pepper

Directions

pre cook medium head of cauliflower and.
medium bunch of broccoli (cook in cold water to boiling point.
turn down to simmer and cook for 10 minutes chop into bite size pieces).
prepare a white sauce made from milk and flour in large pot (can use low fat milk).
stir in cheese and spices.
cook on medium low heat until cheese melts.
add vegetables and stir inches.
simmer until vegetables are tender.

Serves 6-8

Vegetarian Chili

2008-10-19T11:33:00.002-04:00

OK So one of my friends asked me why I don't do vegetarian recipes. Honestly, it is because I EAT MEAT. lol I love meat and put it in everything even my mac and cheese. But I am willing to help out a friend and so here is a Vegetarian Chili. I suppose if you are a meat eater you could easily plop some burger or steak in it. LOL Now for the recipe...

Vegetarian Chili

Ingredients

14 ounces diced tomatoes and green chilies, undrained
14 ounces diced tomatoes, plain undrained
14 ounces garbanzo beans (chickpeas)
14 ounces red kidney beans in chili sauce
1 cup canned pumpkin
1 cup diced parsnip
1-2 cup diced butternut squash
1 cup diced carrot
2 cups v- 8 low-sodium vegetable juice
2-3 tablespoons honey
2 teaspoons chili powder
1/2 tablespoon ground cumin
1/2 tablespoon dried chipotle powder or other roasted chili powder
ground black pepper, to taste
1/2 cup chopped cilantro

Directions

Place vegetables in slow cooker with squash on the bottom.
Mix spices with V-8 and honey and pour over vegetables.
Cook on low 8 hours.
Sprinkle with cilantro and shredded cheese, if desired. Serve.

Serves 6.

Enjoy

BBQ Beef Sandwiches (crock pot style)

2008-10-18T09:53:00.003-04:00

OK So I didn't blog yesterday, shoot me. LOL It was my birthday and I didn't feel like doing much of anything and I cut mad fabric for heat pads. Now just to sew them all up, fill them and nuke em. lol Ok on to the recipe...

bbq beef sandwiches (crock pot style)

Ingredients:

1 boneless beef chuck roast (about 3 pounds)
1/4 cup ketchup
2 tablespoons brown sugar
2 tablespoons red wine vinigar
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 clove garlic, crushed
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon liquid smoke
1/8 teaspoon black pepper
10 to 12 French rolls or sandwich buns

1. Place beef in slow cooker. Combine remaining ingrediants except rolls in medium bowl; pour over meat in slow cooker.

2. Cover and cook on LOW 8 to 9 hours.

3. Remove beef from slow cooker; shred with 2 forks. Combine beef with 1 cup sauce from slow cooker. Evenly distribute meat and sauce mixture among warmed rolls.

Makes 10 to 12 servings

EtsyFriends Sweet Treat Sale

2008-10-16T14:30:00.003-04:00

Sweet Treat Sale and Discounts
Sales good from Oct 16th - Oct 19th

Please read the information for the shops below to find out what discounts each shop is offering, and how you can get their sale.

My sale is 30% off everything in both shops.
MondrysYknotShop or YknotJewelryShop

Please head to this blog to find out what shops are participating and what awesome sales then are having

http://www.efpromotions.blogspot.com

Sosorosey.etsy.com
Hildeguardslair.etsy.com
Tagsandbuttons.etsy.com
Sygnetcreations.etsy.com
MondrysYknotshop.etsy.com
MVincent.etsy.com
Fancy.etsy.com
Zappyturtle.etsy.com
Reesasfavorites.etsy.com
Geckojewelry.etsy.com
Allthangsoldbutnew2u.etsy.com
Kaleidoscopekorner.etsy.com
Creativethings.etsy.com
Amozarkian.etsy.com
Randomscraps.etsy.com
Kuncekrafts.etsy.com
Critterhabitat.etsy.com
DAMdesigns.etsy.com
Yknotjewelryshop.etsy.com
Retroreesa.etsy.com
HeavenlyBaubles.etsy.com
Organizethat.etsy.com

April is singing!!!

2008-10-14T10:25:00.003-04:00

Ok well we got this awesome opportunity for April recently. She is taking 2 after school classes. Not as punishment but as extra curricular activity. lol BIG WORDS. Any way on Mondays she is going to Singing and Rhythm and on Wednesdays she is going to Art and Literacy. She had her first music class yesterday and she really liked it. It is very one on one there were only 4 kids there. lol She said first they did rhythym by banging sticks to the beat and then they sang some easy songs. But she had fun. I am so proud of her for doing this. Now just if I could get her on the soccor team next year. She really badly wants to play soccor.

Easy Microwave Fudge

2008-10-12T22:29:00.002-04:00

EASY MICROWAVE FUDGE

1 (6 oz.) pkg. chocolate chips
1 (6 oz.) pkg. butterscotch chips
1 can chocolate frosting
1/2 c. chopped nuts
1 1/2 c. miniature marshmallows

Combine chocolate chips and butterscotch chips in glass bowl. Microwave on high for 1 to 2 minutes or until melted; mix well. Blend in frosting, fold in nuts and marshmallows. Pour into greased 9 x 9 inch pan, Chill for 1 hour before cutting.

Todays Featured Artist

2008-10-12T17:09:00.003-04:00

Today I would like to present the wonderful crafts created by Celene of MariaSoleil. Celene is a craft addict that is sure that her crafting will someday make her rich. As of this moment she does not have a lot in her shop but that is because she just had baby number 3. I forsee her shop filling back up quickly. Celene resides in Michigan and is a member of the Etsy West Michigan Team. Her favorite materials are paper, stones, wood and glass. I personally have some of Celene's fabulous cards in my possesion and I love them. Here are a couple of items that can be found in her shop.

Boo - Halloween Ticket Tags - Set of 26

Autumn Harvest Tags - Set of 12

Overflow of Fabric

2008-10-11T12:02:00.006-04:00

OMG I was just in my craft room hanging up some of my fabric and for kicks I counted all of the hangers. There are over 100 hangers of fabric hanging on one side of my hallway and there is still more to hang.

This is one side of my hallway/closet in my craft room. There are over 100 hangers of fabric here.

This is a box of fabric that I still need to hang. Oh my gosh what have I done. lol

Have you ever cut your fabric and then just tossed it. That is what this pile is. I need to get out of that habit.

Anyone want to help me organize all of this. lol

Microwave Peanut Brittle

2008-10-10T11:15:00.003-04:00

This is my dad's tried and true recipe. He makes awesome peanut brittle in the MICROWAVE. Yes in the microwave.

Ron's Microwave Peanut Brittle

You will Need:
1 &1/2qt. glass casserole (no plastic)
wooden or metal spoon (no plastic)
lightly greased cookie sheet

Ingredients:
1 cup sugar
1/2 cup corn syrup
1 cup dry roasted, salted nuts (peanut, almonds or cashews)
1 tsp. unsalted butter
1 tsp. vanilla
1 tsp. baking soda
(for almond brittle substitute almond extract for vanilla and 1 cup coconut for butter)

Directions:
Combine sugar and corn syrup in casserole dish.
Microwave on high 4 min.
Add nuts, microwave on high 5 min. (4 min. for 1000+ watt Micro)
Add butter and vanilla, microwave on high 2 min. (1 min. for 1000+ watt Micro
Add baking soda and gently stir.
Pour onto cookie sheet.
Let cool 1 hour.
Break into small pieces and store in an air tight container.

***Recipe must be done exact or it will not work. Do not substitute anything except for the almond brittle.

Enjoy.

Microwaved Caramel Nut Sticky Buns

2008-10-09T14:40:00.005-04:00

Well, I got another simple to make recipe for you from that same team member. Enjoy!!!

Caramel Nut Sticky Buns
3 tablespoons butter or margarine
1/3 cup brown sugar
1 tablespoon water
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1/3 cup chopped nuts (optional, of course!)
1 can (10 oz) refrigerator biscuits

In an 8 inch round glass dish (I used a glass pie dish) combine butter, sugar, water and cinnamon. Cook on high 1 minute. Stir as soon as butter is melted. Stir in nuts. Separate biscuits and cut each into quarters. Place in sugar mixture and stir carefully to coat each piece.

Push biscuits toward the outside of dish and place custard cup or small glass in the center. Cook on high 2 1/2 to 3 minutes (or until biscuits are no longer raw). Remove custard cup or small glass and let stand for 2 minutes before pulling sections apart and serve warm.

Coffee Mug Cake

2008-10-08T13:55:00.004-04:00

A fellow team mate of mine came into our team thread in the forums and said that she was having coffee mug cake for desert. We all wondered what could she mean. Well she came back with this recipe for us...

5 MINUTE CHOCOLATE MUG CAKE

4 tablespoons flour
4 tablespoons sugar
2 tablespoons cocoa
1 egg
3 tablespoons milk
3 tablespoons oil
3 tablespoons chocolate chips (optional)
a small splash of vanilla extract
1 large coffee mug

Add dry ingredients to mug, and mix well. Add the egg and mix thoroughly.
Pour in the milk and oil and mix well. Add the chocolate chips (if
using)
and vanilla extract, and mix again.
Put your mug in the microwave and cook for 3 minutes at 1000 watts. The cake will rise over the top of the mug, but don't be alarmed! Allow to cool a little, and tip out onto a plate if desired.
EAT! (this can serve 2 if you want to feel slightly more virtuous).

I am thinking that if you put the dry ingredients in a baggie in a fun mug you could give this as a gift to that hard to buy for person on your Christmas list. I think I may actually do that. I have a few hard to buy for people and I have all of the dry ingredients on hand all the time. hmmmm

I am having a HUMP day Sale

2008-10-07T22:41:00.002-04:00

So here is the deal, go to either of my shops MondrysYknotShop or YknotJewelryShop and select the items that you want. I will send you a revised invoice for 10% off of your purchase price. That is right for all of Wednesday October 8th I am having a 10% off sale. Everything in both shops is 10% off. This sale ends at midnight eastern time on Thursday October 9th. 2 whole days of deals.

Etsy West Michigan Team Photo

2008-10-07T22:01:00.004-04:00

This is a picture of a few of our team from our recent show at the Hudsonville, Gymnastiks Unlimited. From left to right, Michele =Craftinator,Reah = Racermann, Joanne = SweetSurrenderCandle, Kari = lilypiedesigns, Dulce = themonkeyshop/Dulcescreations, Jenn = MondrysYknotShop/YknotJewelryShop, Cathy = JustJaynes/LydiaLayne, Amy = thePerennialPiecer, Harriet = ThatIsSoC.U.T.E., Kara = lhsblack, Karin = awindowintowhimsy.

btw the little girl in the background on the left, that is my daughter April. She snuck in on the picture.

Check out these great shops on Etsy today. Everything is made in America by Michigan hands.

Weekend Sales

2008-09-29T09:10:00.004-04:00

Well this weekend I had 2 "shows" in town here. The first was on Saturday the 27th at Gymnastiks Unlimited in Hudsonville, MI. I sold one of my therapy pads, to a mom with 2 kids in gymnastics.
Then on Sunday the 28th as usual I went to the Fulton Street Artisan Market. It was the last one of the season so I had a little sale going. Buy one Get one half off. I sold 2 therapy pads and one loot bag. YAY, I am getting sales YAY. lol

I have listed a few of my therapy pads on Etsy and hopefully I will sell some more there. I am having a hidden sale this week. No one else will know about it except for y'all that actually read my blog. I am extending the FSAM sale to Etsy. From today September 29th through October 6th at 6am est, all readers of my blog will get the BOGO sale. Buy one item for full price and get another of equal or lesser value for half price. Put in the notes to seller "BLOG SALE" and I will send you a revised invoice through paypal or I can just refund you. Just visit one of my shops MondrysYknotShop or YknotJewelryShop and buy, buy, buy.

Half Done

2008-09-20T23:47:00.008-04:00

OK So some of you know that I have been working on these Trick-or-Treat Loot bags for about a week and something always comes up to stop me. Well I have half of them all done and the other half are half done. LOL I will add them to my ETSY shop either Sunday or Monday. They will be $10 each or 2/$15. Each bag measures approximately 14" tall, 10.5" wide and 5" deep. If you are interested in purchasing prior to official listing please send me a convo via Etsy Convo.

You're Invited!!!!!

2008-09-17T07:55:00.004-04:00

You all are invited to come on out to Hudsonville, MI for the Fall 2008 Etsy West Michigan trunk show. This year it is located at Gymnastiks Unlimited on Saturday Sept. 27th from 12:30-3:30. I will be there selling so you should be there buying. I will post a flyer as soon as I can figure out how to include it.

New Items in the YknotJewelryShop

2008-09-16T14:02:00.002-04:00

I have been working hard busting my butt, trying to get ready for all of these shows that I have coming up in the next week and have made some awesome necklaces if I do say so myself. Take a look at all of my Celtic Knot jewelry. All of the necklaces shown below have an up-cycled earring for the pendant there is no other necklace like it. It is one of a kind.

Black and White Celtic Knot OOAK Satin Cord Necklace

Ocean Blue Wave Celtic Knot OOAK Necklace

Egyptian Sun OOAK Satin Celtic Knot Necklace

Green Apple Margarita Celtic Knot OOAK Satin Cord Necklace

9/13 An Excellent Day For A Baby Boy

2008-09-14T20:19:00.004-04:00

Well, hubby came home from work yesterday with some AWESOME news. Our third grandson was born at 12:44pm on Sept 13, 2008. Oh we are so excited and proud of the parents.

Name: Hunter Hayes Mondry
Birth date: September 13, 2008
Time: 12:44pm est
Weight: 7 lbs 13 oz
Length: 21 inches

It's a BOY!!!!

Upcoming Events

2008-09-12T12:54:00.001-04:00

Sept 14, Sept 21 and Sept 28 I will be at the Fulton Street Artisan Market in Grand Rapids, MI. (weather permitting)
On Sept 27 I will be at the Etsy West Michigan Trunk Show at Gymnastiks Unlimited in Hudsonville, MI.
Stop on by and check it out. Need more info please feel free to send me a convo.

Want to see who all will be at the trunk show check out our team blog.

And The Winner Is........

2008-09-09T22:09:00.003-04:00

Catherine from AveryWinslow on Etsy has won the t-bone steak. Catherine is a member of the street team Etsy West Michigan. Catherine makes some wonderfully unique jewelry and has taken metalwork courses at Kendall College of Art and Design in Grand Rapids, Michigan and has explored lampwork glass and tool creation at a variety of art organizations. Check out her shop on etsy.