I've been away AGAIN!!!!

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.

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

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..

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...

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

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

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.

Need a Little Help Here...

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

Re-birth of a shop...

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. =)

OMG, I got my Rachel Ray recipes mmmmmmmmmmm

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?

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

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

-- 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

Today's One Liner

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

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

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 "

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

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

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

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

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.

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)