Fridge Art!

Sorry, I'm late again to 'No Function Friday'!  It's been crazy busy around here lately trying to get ready for this Holiday Bazaar coming up! 

But better late than never I suppose! :)

Speaking of the Holiday Bazaar....this Friday's craft is another item I'm planning to sell at the show!

And believe it or not....it actually DOES have FUNCTION!!

I would prefer to add a bit more embellishment, but for the most part and I am quite pleased with the final product!

Sorry I don't have more pictures, I was in a huge hurry!  I'll be making plenty more and I'll show all the neat and colorful options I'll have available.  I've got LOTS of great choices lined up and I can't wait to show you all of them....when I get them completed! LOL

I'm actually considering selling these on Etsy.

Anywho...it has magnets on the back so your child can choose ONE piece of artwork to display on the fridge....making them happy and MOM happy too! :)

I have to admit...I am one of 'those' moms.  I love my kids artwork.  I just don't want it all over the house. 

This is something that is pretty for mom, functional for your kid, and limits 'masterpieces' to ONE at a time!  Plus it gives your child the freedom to choose which one gets displayed!

It kind of sassies up Fridge Art!!! :)

So...what do you think??  Any changes you think I should make? 

How much should I sell it for at the Bazaar next month??  I was thinking around $12. 

Thank you again for your ideas and opinions!! 

I hope everyone has a Happy Halloween!!! :)

Until next time....

Get Motivated!

Today's post is somewhat random.

Ok, it's REALLY random. :)

On Monday, my coworkers and I attended a seminar at Conseco Fieldhouse here in Indy called "Get Motivated". 

There were quite a few dynamic speakers, such as, Gen. Colin Powell, Laura Bush, Mayor Rudy Giuliani, Steve Forbes, Zig Ziglar, Dr. Robert Schuller, Terry Bradshaw and Joe Montana!!!

I wanted to share some of the highlights or snippets of what each speaker said that grabbed my attention.

Picture courtesy of Tree Link

Zig Ziglar said "Integrity and truth are always in vogue."  Wow!!  How true is that, right!?! 

He has been married to his wife for 63 years!!!  And he told the men in the audience to never stop courting your wife!  That was the secret to his happy marriage! :)

Mayor Rudolph Giuliani said, "The best social safety net is FRIENDS."  He also said that he thought everyone should make it a priority to take time everyday to stop and reflect!  I wondered if we'd be calmer people if we did that.

Dr. Robert Schuller said "Wipe the word IMPOSSIBLE from your vocabulary!"  He emphasized that everyone should become a dreamer again!  He asked..."what dreams would you set if you knew you could NOT fail?"  Something to think about for sure!!  But probably what stood out to me the most was when he said, "Make your dreams big enough you NEED a GOD to succeed!" 

Steve Forbes said "Sometimes you have to take the risk even though you don't know the outcome."

Terry Bradshaw was hilarious!!  But he emphasized over and over "appreciate your life" and "practice being happy".  But one of the things he said is something I say all the time to the people I know that think it's strange that I talk to 'strangers' when I'm out in public.  Or that I smile and say hi to 'strangers'.  Or that I make it a point to hang up my cell phone when I'm checking out at the store as to give respect to the person on the other side of the counter.  He said, "You never know whose path you'll cross or what impact you might have on another person."  A random conversation or smile might just turn around another persons day!!  Has it ever yours?  I know it has mine. :)

Picture courtesy of Purdue University

There was a salesperson that spoke.  I didn't write down his name as he wasn't 'important' to me because he was trying to sell something to me...BUT he said something quite profound.  He said, "God made everyone in HIS perfect image...even the ones that don't look like you."  I have few people that could sure use some reminding of this one!

Another salesperson said was talking about PERSPECTIVE.  He said, "What you see depends on where you sit."  Think about that one! :)  He also said, "Change is not always comfortable, but is possible."

Laura Bush told a story about when she became the First Lady.  She said she was consistently asked, "Who do you want to be like, Nancy Reagan or Barbara Bush?"  She answered, "I think I'll just be Laura, I know her."  I was talking to my boss and told him I wasn't so sure about her speech being motivating, it seemed like she just went through their time in the white house.  He pointed out that her speech kept pointing to...stay true to who you are!  That's when I 'got it'.

Picture courtesy of PhotoMT.com

Two more:

General Colin Powell!  That's who I wanted to see...and he did NOT disappoint!  He mostly talked about leadership.  He was quite funny!  But the one thing he said outside of leadership was "It doesn't matter where you started in life, in only matters how you end it.  Nobody starts at the top." When I talk to kids who have not been dealt the best cards in life...this is similar to what I tell them.  I always say...you had no control over your childhood...but you get to choose what kind of adult life you get to live.  Your childhood is relatively small compared to the rest of your life.  And that part is up to you!

And last but not least is a gentleman named Krish Dhanam.  I had never heard of him prior to the seminar.  He was born in South India and moved to the states in either his late teens or early adulthood.  To be honest, I'm still not sure what he does.  He worked for Zig Ziglar for many years and lives in Dallas.  He travels the world giving his message of hope.  But he probably touched me the most with his speech. 

I wish I could have taped his message.  He spoke fast.  He said alot of things in rhymes, like, "Career is what your paid for, Purpose is what your made for."  And "Mirror, mirror on the wall, here I am, what's my call."  Because what he said, or at least the parts I was able to capture in my notes, are so important to me, who I am, how I live...I want to give more attention to Krish Dhanam (and maybe actually figure out what he does besides give great speeches, LOL).  So, I'm going to give him his own post! 

I hope you don't mind this random post!  Like I said, I found the speeches fascinating and potentially life changing!  I hope you can find something among the few words I was able to pull out that might help you in your own life!!!

Have a wonderful day!!

Until next time...

WINNER of the giveaway!!

I cannot believe it!!!  I SWEAR I did Random Generator!!! SEE... :) 

I'm SOOO excited to announce that the winner is....

My good friend, Martha @ A Real (Upstate) NY Housewife!!! :)

Congratulations Martha!!!

Maybe this is God's way of letting me pay you back for my fabulous blog button!!! :)

I'll send you an email to find out shipping info!

Have a great day everyone!! :)

Until next time....

 

Tale of a Pantry

Wow, it's been awhile since I've done a post about my actual blog's purpose....living well in a small home! :)

Today I wanted to discuss my pantry!

Can you believe a house as small as mine has a large size pantry?

Ok, actually it doesn't. What it does have is a coat closet...inside the kitchen area!!

The previous owners turned the coat closet into a PANTRY by removing the bar and adding shelves! How ingenious is that??

And I had no intention of changing it back! :)

Sure, the builder built this closet to hang coats in when you come in from the garage. But, we need a pantry way more than we need a coat closet!

I bolded this sentence because I want you to think about this! Do you have a spot in your home that was built by the builder with a specific intended purpose but could be used by YOU in a better way for your family?

Don't be afraid to repurpose a closet or a room or a nook in your home if it will make your life easier!! I give you permission! :)

I always say, make your home work for YOU.

So, here's the second part of making your home work for you. Did you notice I'm not showing you a fancy pantry?

Nope. No fancy holders. No fancy painting or wallpaper or shelves. I envy beautiful pantries...but they are not realistic for me.

I'm not going to empty my food into pretty containers when I get home from the grocery. Let's be honest...we're lucky when the food makes it INTO the pantry. ;)

I do keep certain things in Lock N Lock containers (I LOVE Lock N Lock!!!) like cereal. That's because Doodle doesn't close the bags and they get stale. I keep my flour and sugar in large containers because it's easier to measure out...but that's about it.

Ok, and yes my food is grouped and all labels must always be facing out because I am that anal retentive (my step-mother actually calls me "A.R." as a nickname because I am THAT BAD! Whatever.) :P

The white can is for my recycling. I keep it in my pantry so it's out of the way and I don't have to worry about smells because it's 'clean' trash.

Don't overlook 'free' storage space, like the inside of the door!

On the bottom shelf of the door, I keep plastic cups and small containers for snacks...within easy reach of Doodle and her friends...not that Doodle is really that small anymore...but she still uses them. :)

When I started taking pictures of the pantry on Sunday, I got a briliant idea!! I thought it would be awesome to use my Cricut to make a vinyl sticky for my pantry!!! Because I REALLY felt like I needed to add another project to my day...because you know...I don't have enough to do. LOL

Anywho...I downloaded a fancy font (using dafont.com...and my Sure Cuts A Lot 2 software) and made my own 'Pantry' sign (with Doodle's design assistance).

I used my level and painters tape so I made sure I put it on straight.

Then after I put it on, I grabbed a Doodle to rub it on real good.  Everyone needs a good Doodle! ;)

And walla! A fancy pantry door since the inside isn't!! :)

I had planned to add some squiggly things to either end of the word, but never found any I could download for free and get them to work. But Doodle and I justified it decided that since the "P" was so fancy it didn't need any squiggly scroll thingies. :)

Do you have any spaces in your home you are not using as the builder intended?  Do tell! :)

Until next time....

Fun news, a heartfelt thanks, and something NEW!

Ok, I know today is usually "No Function Friday" where I show you a craft that has nothing to do with organization or decor or greeness (is that a word?) or small home living or anything like that (did you even know that was the purpose of my blog? LOL  Probably not, since it's been awhile since I've been able to post about those things with all the craftiness and Halloweeny and all going on) but I don't have a craft ready today to show you.  Sorry! :(

BUT....I do have a couple things to share today!

First...WE DID IT!!!!  As of this morning when I logged on....we hit 70 followers!!!!!!

Seriously, I know I'm a goofball and I joke around alot....but I truly mean it when I say....THANK YOU!!!

It is a heartfelt thank you!!  I appreciate each of you who take time to spend with me, comment on my blog, have side email conversations with me, inspire me through your own blogs...these things make my day, my week, my month!! :) 

With all seriousness, being a single mom (or just single for that matter) can sometimes be a lonely world.  Almost everyone I know is married...so they forget or don't know what it's like to be alone all-the-time (even my family doesn't live here).  And most of my adult connections are at work...which is a place that more and more I'm struggling with.  The atmosphere has changed since I started 8 years ago and I no longer enjoy my job.  I dread getting up and going into work.  I'm tired of driving 50 miles a day (round trip) across the city and dealing with the traffic.

So, THIS, my blog and each of you, allow me to connect to people who do and love...what I do and love!!  My blog, and each of you, give me something to look forward to every day.  I check my email with excitement each morning and throughout my days...because no matter how much I want to give the finger and walk out of my job ;), I can always go to my Google Reader or check my gmail account and 'disappear' for a minute to a world I feel comfortable and connected to.  Instead of sitting alone in the evening, flipping through my favorite home decor magazines while watching HGTV, I have a connection now to actual people, who are like living home decor magazines. :) 

So, again, I just wanted to say THANK YOU!

Ok, no more Sappy Sue!!

Moving on to more exciting news!!!

You've heard me talk before about my good friend, Martha, from A Real (Upstate) New York Housewife, well when I opened my email this morning, sitting there in my inbox from Martha was the most beautiful and thoughtful gift ever!!! 

<a href="http://wherebeautymeetsfunction.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><imgalt="WhereBeautyMeetsFunction"src="http://i858.photobucket.com/albums/ab143/martharuth79/Decorated%20images/Buttons%20for%20other%20people/untitled2-1.jpg"/></a>

Yep, that's right peoples!!  Martha made me my own blog button!  I'm all official now!!  I feel like I've got my own badge of honor!!! 

THANK YOU MARTHA!!!  Isn't she just the sweetest!  I've encouraged you before to check her out. She is spreading her wings in the blogging community!! :)

Well, that's it folks!  Don't forget to go here and enter for my giveaway for hitting 70 followers!!  And if you feel like (but not required) I'd appreciate any and all feedback on my first craft show item! :)

Have a great weekend!!!

Until next time...

My First Time!! HELP!! And a GIVE-AWAY!

I'm so excited about my first ever.......CRAFT FAIR!!! :)

I have always wanted to do a craft fair!  I've always enjoyed attending them...even when I was teenager.  Yesterday I found an ad for a local Holiday Bazaar looking for crafters and so I took the leap! 

It's in Carmel...which is a much nicer part of Indianapolis!  It's at an apartment complex with 400 residence, plus they are advertising to the public, in print and online.

I am NOWHERE near ready!!!  I have until November 20th to get ready!

So, I finished my 'craft' last night, that I would like to sell at the craft show.  And I'd like your help!!  Basically, I'd like you to name my price!

Here she is, in all her glory:

I was planning to price it between $12 - $15.  My best friend said she'd pay up to $20.  What would you pay at a Holiday Craft Bazaar? 

I have a couple other things I'm working on as well that I'll show you in the upcoming days.

ALSO, remember I mentioned on Monday's post HERE that I was planning to do a giveaway when I hit 70 followers...well, this is what I will giving away as well!!  :)

We are only 7 shy of hitting that number...so what the heck...let's go ahead and do it now!  It's close enough! :)

So, here's the criteria:

*  You must be a follower of my blog

You will have two additional chances to win, tell me in separate comments:

* What would you pay for this piece at a Holiday Bazaar?

* What other words or sayings would you be interested in seeing on a plaque like this?

THANK YOU for taking time to help me get ready for my FIRST TIME craft show!! 

And good luck to everyone on the giveaway!  I will end the giveaway next Tuesday, October 26th at midnight EST.  Pass the word along! :)

Until next time...

My, oh my....Stinker Pie! (For real this time)

I accidently published my post the other day and did NOT mean to at all. I deleted it, but it still went to your reader or email anyway.  So, here it is, actually ready to be posted. ;)

LOL...there is absolutely no connection to my stupid title and today's blog in case you were wondering! ;) I'm one of those people who make up dumb rhymes and even worse songs all the time.

Each pet, and my Doodle, all have songs of their own.

Fritzy, for instance, (also known as Boo Stank, Lizard Head 2, Moose Boy, and Manny Cat - and many more) I sing "He's a Manny Cat, Manny Cat on the run"...completely out of tune to the 1980's song by Hall and Oats "She's a Maniac".

You are welcome....I know you'll be signing it all day now. :P

 

Anywho...

You know how it is when you start out blogging...you get so excited over your first follower and then your second...and you start dreaming about the day you'll have 10 followers, etc. It's like "WOW! Someone is interested in what I have to say!"

Well, I had a 'goal' in my head a couple months ago that I'd like to get to 30 followers by January...I think I was hovering around 10 followers when I made that goal. Keep in mind, I haven't been blogging all that long, since July is all.

So, as my number started growing a few weeks ago...and FAST...I figured I'd do a big giveaway for hitting 50 followers.

Well as of this past weekend...that number has come and gone my friends!!!

http://clip-art-free-clipart.blogspot.com/

THANK YOU! THANK YOU! THANK YOU! :)

Unfortunately, I did not get a giveaway planned in time. :( So, now I have to come up with a new number!! And figure out WHAT in the world to do as a giveaway?? ;)

When we (we, as in, me and you, because I just feel like the facilitator in a joint effort here) hit 70 followers I will host another giveaway! :)

And between now and then.......I'll figure out what that will be. LOL

Can I tell you a secret, hopefully without sounding all 'whenchy'...my first give away didn't go so well. My feelings were hurt so tremendously, I've been totally gun shy about doing another give away.

I was so excited about it, I made it in conjunction with voting for my logo, (which hasn't been debuted yet because I haven't figured out how to make it NOT so GINORMOUS everytime I post it! I'm about 'this' close to giving up and hiring someone).

I didn't want to make people 'follow' me to win or vote. I want people to read because they connect to me and my blog, not because I forced them to. I gave away these frames, and while they weren't expensive to make, shipping wasn't cheap and I took care to wrap them in bubble wrap, and then nicely in tissue sealed with a little sticker with my new logo on it, and I handmade a little card to go inside the box. You know...I wanted it to be special. I was SO flippin' excited about it.

And nothing.

No, "Thanks, I got the frames, they were much uglier in person." No, "They made it in one piece." No, "Wow, the package arrived today and brought a smile to my face." No, "I appreciate the effort you went through to send these."

Nothing. :(

I didn't expect neon lights and awards and honors. I just thought I'd at least get a quick email saying they arrived. So, my feelings have been hurt and I've been licking that wound for awhile now.

Photo Courtesy of http://vegtalk.blogspot.com/

What can I say...I'm BIG on common courtesy and thank you's!  And I won't apologize for that.

BUT...I've decided I can't let one bad experience sour me from sharing and enjoying with my 'friends'!!! :)  BUT, you will have to be a follower to qualify this time. :(  I'm sorry! 

So....70 followers...and I do a giveaway!! :) 

How 'bout them apples!?

Until next time....

No Function Friday - Porch Halloweeny-fied!

Yep, I make up words all the time! :)  "Halloweeny-fied" has a mighty fine ring to it if I don't say so myself!

So, as promised (although a little late today), I finally got pictures of my front porch all Halloweeny-fied! 

My $2 candleabra from the Christmas Tree Shoppe!  I LOVE that place! :)

WAIT!  Before I show you anymore pictures, you know I always feel the need to point out my shortcoming and beg for designer forgiveness! 

Yes, my pillows are still all summery looking!  I actually have outdoor fall looking fabric I got on clearance at Joanne's a couple months ago recently that I haven't gotten around to making slipcovers out of of!  

And yes, I do have a bright green extension cord for my lights!  I had good intentions to replace it with an appropriate one...but you know time gets away from you and before you know it's two weeks before Halloween and your all like...f-it.  Yeah, that's pretty much where I am with the green extension cord now.

Oh...and mums!  Yep, I actually do plan to buy a mum for my red planter I moved by the door.  But it could easily slip into the green extension cord category. ;)

Ok, phew....I fell better!!  Moving on: 

My Halloween Ribbon Wreath from this post, I forgot needed something to HANG from, duh, so I added this bow and some ribbon to hang it from.

Here's some of the goodies spread throughout my flower bed:

My little mum that was transplanted last year.  We weren't sure if it was truly a mum, but saved it anyway just in case...last year it sprouted one flower.  This year, she's growing up. ;)

And a Praying Mantis even stopped by to add to the outdoor fun!!

Ok, so there you have it!  My Halloweeny-fied front porch and flower bed! :)  Most of the stuff in the pictures I've had for years.  I just add one or two items to it ever year.  

One last thing...Melissa at Bursts of Creativity is having a Halloween tag giveaway!!  She did 5 tags everyday this week and they are FABULOUS!  Stop by and check them out and tell her which one you'l like to win! :)

I hope you all have a wonderful weekend!! :)


Until next time...

More Halloween Ideas

Yes, MORE Halloween!  :)

I know you might be getting sick of Halloween crafts by now, and honestly I thought I was out of Halloween posts...except my porch (which I completely FORGOT about until JUST now!). 

BUT I got an email from Better Homes and Gardens the other day and fell in LOVE with all the cute and simple ideas they had for Halloween and just had to share! 

And last but not least:

 Ok, seriously, how stinkin' cute and EASY are all these ideas!!

I will be honest, I got all giddy when I saw them, but I am so busy painting stuff and trying to get things together so I can go sign up for my antique booth with confidence, I just don't think I have time for anymore Halloween crafts this year. 

But these were too awesome not to share!!

Until next time....