Me a magazine writer? Who knew?

Filled with excitement and anxiety at the same time.   I have been given the opportunity to submit an article to a family-centered magazine.   Over two years ago, I had made an inquiry about the possibility and it seemed to fall through.  Then last week, I got an unexpected email asking if I was still interested in writing for them.  "Sure," I said before I could let fear get in.   They then sent me the details.   Soooo...I have been thinking and thinking and thinking about what to write and the style in which to write the article.   I want to stay true to myself and not pretend I am something I am not.   Finally, I got an idea and I am going to run with it.   The issue will be concentrating on gardens and springtime.   The title I came up with is "Grow Your Creativity".   I will write about using what's around us in the garden and yard to make useful home decor, unique ways to plant, and fun crafts,Wish me luck.  Even better, pray for me.

Christmas album from rcycled kids book!

I'm finally got my 2011 Christmas album started.  Instead of using a premade album and just sticking photos inside, I decided to use my My Story machine.  I got it for $12.50 while on vacation with 3, yes 3 cricut 6"x12" mats.  What a steal!  (I had been drooling over one for several years and I just couldn't resist it at that price, so I decided to "gift" myself for Christmas.)

Some extra time came up in the last few weeks and it seemed the perfect time to try out this nifty machine.  I had gone to my local discount store a week or so ago and bought some used children's story books.  35 cents apiece!  More savings!

Choosing one of them, I removed the pages leaving the cover intact. Using the original pages as a template, I made new sheets out of scrapbooking paper.  I decided to include some filler strips between the pages so I could add embellishments.  I then discovered from the internet that a strip of hot glue gun glue can be substituted for the more costly My Story laminating strips.  Woo hoo!  Even more money saved! 

I recovered the book cover with holiday wrapping paper and set it aside to dry.  I drew a thick line of glue inside the spine where the pages would go, just short 1/4 inch of each end.  (The glue will spread out.) I let the glue dry for 5 minutes while I straightened my pages,making sure the ends were even. 

The glue eventually set and I was ready to put the cover in the My Story machine with the bundle of freshly cut papers placed between the covers and inside the spine area.  I held the pages in place for a little while and then let the process take care of itself.  It turned out wonderfully!  I was so thrilled with the result that I went out and got lots of children's books. 

So for a little money, I made a unique Christmas album from a recycled children's story book.  I plan to use the other children's books I purchased for other types of albums through the year.  In the meantime, I am having fun adding fun embellishments to the pages of the album I just made, making it even more a one-of-a-kind album.

Governor's visit and I was on TV...sort of

What a great opportunity last night to see Governor Daniels at the Chamber annual dinner.  The room was abuzz with anticipation.  Excitement was in the air.  The audience was very diverse with different age groups and a mix of business leaders and the average citizen. 

The Governor captured the audience's attention with his passion for conservatism.  Unfortunately, the catered meal didn't fare as well.  Hell's Kitchen, Chef Ramsey would have been disappointed with the meal. It was a shame as the decor was beautful and the evening went smoothly with no hitches.

I watched the news when I returned home and saw he had been been interviewed by a tv station.  As I watched, I thought I saw something familiar in the background.  After a few minutes, I figured it out.  They were interviewing the Governor right behind our table and there I was in the background...or should I say my jacket was.  The camera caught me talking and moving and getting up, but never a face shot.  

Not enough time but you still want to make some unique and special valentines for those special loved ones?   Here are some cards ideas from Archivers that are easy to make.  They even have a class you can take to make them. 

Red velvet crepes

Here is something special for your special loved ones on Valentine's Day.   Easy to make and definitely packs a message of love.   For breakfast or for dessert.

http://www.caramelpotatoes.com/2012/01/09/red-velvet-crepes/

Love Note Pillows

I am thinking Valentines!  With 4 grandchildren, a husband and son-in-laws, sibling, etc. it's not too soon to start.   I found a really great idea for my grandchildren...love note pillows.  I have seen several ways to make them, but this is the easiest method and I can hardly wait.  Forget costly photo tranfer paper and printers!

These love note pillows are simple to make!  Sharpies.  Pillows.  Cloth to cover.  Sewing.   You can even buy a pillow already made and just recover it to make this go even faster.  No sewing machine?  No problem!  You can sew by hand.  That's what they did before the invention of sewing machines, right? 

http://daysofchalkandchocolate.blogspot.com/2012/01/love-note-pillows-and-question.html

QR codes and how you can use them.

     QR codes are square barcodes that smartphones and tablets can read. I'm sure you've seen them around. A QR code can contain information ranging from a website address or app download link to a calendar event or simply plain text. Once scanned, the information will show up on the person's phone.
     So? How can the average person use them? Put them on invites and include a Google map link or on shipping boxes when moving, listing what exactly is in them. You can even include videos onto Christmas cards.
     Simply create them on your computer using sites like QRStuff.com and Kayway . Just enter the information and you have an instant QR code. You can download it as an image, print it or email it for free.

     You make them simple or add color and images. Once you've created a code, you can download it as an image file, print out and use it.  

     Are you ready? Take a picture of this with your smartphone camera or android tablet camera and see what this qr code says. Let me know what you think.