Just in the Nick of Time

All my Christmas decorations are down.  I finished just in the nick of time - last decoration packed away at 8:00 PM, so no bad luck for me.  And soon the east coast will be ringing in the new year.  So now I'll sit back and wait for 2012.

Happy New Years Eve

Enjoy the day and reflect back on this year and then look forward to the new one coming.

And if you're going out to party tonight, please be careful and watch out for the other drivers.

Falling Needles Family Fest Day

Today is a day to start thinking about getting rid of the Christmas tree if you had a "live" one.  And while you're at it, think about putting away all the other Christmas decorations as well.  If you're like some of us from the South, we believe it's bad luck to have any Christmas decorations up on New Year's Day.  So guess what I'll be doing today and tomorrow.  That's right - putting our decorations away and getting ready for a brand new year. 

Tick Tock Day

Today is tick tock day.  That means time is running out before the end of 2011.  Have you gotten everything accomplished that you had planned to get done before the end of the year?  Me neither.  But the good news is that a brand new year is almost here and we get a fresh start.

Merry Christmas to you and yours

Merry Christmas to everyone!!!!!

Merry Christmas from Nickers!!!

Nickers wants to wish you a Merry Christmas so please click on the video above.

Winter Solstice

The December solstice will occur at 05:30 (or 5:30am) Coordinated Universal Time (UTC) on December 22, 2011. It is also known as the winter solstice in the northern hemisphere and the summer solstice in the southern hemisphere due to the seasonal differences.  For those of us in the northern hemisphere, the December solstice marks the day of the year with the least hours of daylight.

Humbug Day

Holiday stress getting to you? Today’s the day to bring out your inner Ebenezer.

The craziness of the season is well known: planning, shopping, wrapping, and, inevitably, spending. Christmas comes but once a year, so we take the insanity in stride. But there comes a breaking point where we must air our grievances – and today, you’ll get a free pass. That’s right, it’s National Humbug Day, a day where it’s kosher to be crabby.

Humbug Day was created by Thomas and Ruth Roy to allow people let off some steam before Christmas kicks in. Their instructions say you’re allowed 12 free humbugs on December 21st. Today’s the day to curse all things Christmas – overpriced toys, endless lines at the post office, and, of course, the havoc-wreaking snow across much of the country. How else will you celebrate?

Happy Hanukkah!!

To all my Jewish friends and family, Happy Hanukkah!!!



Hanukkah begins at sundown on December 20, 2011 (Wednesday). It ends at sundown on December 28, 2011 (Wednesday). 

Snow in Long Beach, CA???

Okay, so it wasn't snow, but it sure looked like it after all the hail fell.  Here's a photo standing on my front door step that I took on the 15th. 

The storm started out with some loud thunder and bright lightening which we don't get very often here.  It started raining just a bit and then before I knew it, it was hailing.  After it finished hailing, it started pouring and washed most of it all away.  But for about 15 minutes we had our own "white Christmas" here in sunny CA.

Wright Brothers Day

Wright Brothers Day is celebrated in the United States on December 17 each year. The date commemorates the Wright brothers' first successful flight in heavier-than-air, mechanically propelled craft, accomplished on December 17, 1903, near Kitty Hawk, North Carolina.  So for all of us that travel by air, we thank them.

National Chocolate-covered Anything Day

Being the chocoholic that I am, this is a holiday that I can totally enjoy!!!!  So go get yourself some chocolate, melt it in the microwave or on the stove top and start covering all those goodies.

Bill of Rights Day

When : Always December 15

Today is Bill of Rights Day. To Americans, the Bill of Rights are key amendments to the U.S. Constitution, that protect our individual rights.

On March 4, 1789, the Constitution of the United States of America was ratified by the (former) 13 colonies, and went into effect. States and individuals were concerned that the Constitution did not properly cover and protect a number of rights of individuals. The Constitution was signed by the original 13 states with the requirement, or understanding, that a Bill of Rights would be created, amending the new U.S. Constitution.

On September 25, 1789, the First Congress of the United States proposed to the state legislatures 12 amendments to the Constitution. 10 of these amendments were added to the Constitution on December 15, 1791.

The Bill of Rights includes these Amendments:
Amendment 1- Freedom of speech, press and religion
Amendment 2 - The right to bear arms
Amendment 3- Protection of homeowners from quartering troops, except during war.
Amendment 4 - Rights and protections against unreasonable search and seizure
Amendment 5 - Rights of due process of law, protection against double jeopardy, self incrimination
Amendment 6 - Rights of a speedy trial by jury of peers and rights of accused
Amendment 7 - Rights to trial by jury in civil cases
Amendment 8 - Protection from cruel and unusual punishment, excessive bail
Amendment 9 - Protection of rights not specified in the Bill of Rights
Amendment 10 - States rights, power of the states

Of the 12 original amendments, which ones were not approved? Amendments # 1 and 2. These dealt with the number of representative to congress, and compensation to representatives.

On Bill of Rights Day, we hope you celebrate you American Citizenship, and spend a few minutes reflecting upon the freedoms that you enjoy. These freedoms do not exist in many countries of the world.

Monkey Day

Monkey Day is a holiday celebrated internationally today.  Hallmark Cards describes it as the "one day when monkey business is actually encouraged.  The holiday was started in 2000 by Casey Sorrow and Eric Millikin.

The holiday is primarily celebrated with costume parties intended to help draw attention to issues related to simians, including medical research, animal rights, and evolution.  Often there are competitions to see who has the best costumes, who can act like a monkey the longest, or speed knitting of monkey dolls.  The holiday cuts across religious boundaries and provides opportunities to share monkey stories and contemplate our simian relatives.  Other Monkey Day activities include eating Ben & Jerry's Chunky Monkey ice cream, and spending the day at the zoo.

Poinsettia Day

The Aztecs considered poinsettias a symbol of purity because of their brilliant red color. They were also highly prized by Kings Nezahualcoyotl and Montezuma but because of the high altitude climate of their city, poinsettia plants could not be grown in their region of the Aztec Empire.

These flowers were first introduced in the United States in 1828 by the first U.S. Ambassador to Mexico, Joel Roberts Poinsett. While visiting Taxco, Poinsett found the flowers growing on the hillside and he sent some of them to his home in South Carolina. The flowers grew well in his greenhouse and so Poinsett began distributing them. The name poinsettia soon became the accepted name of the flower in English-speaking countries.

Poinsettias are well known for their association with Christmastime. They represent over 85 percent of the potted plant sales during the holiday season.  Another interesting fact: Over eighty percent of poinsettia purchases are made by women!

To celebrate National Poinsettia Day, purchase a beautiful poinsettia plant for a friend or for yourself!

Worldwide Candle Lighting Day

The Compassionate Friends Worldwide Candle Lighting unites family and friends around the globe in lighting candles for one hour to honor and remember children who have died at any age from any cause. As candles are lit at 7 p.m. local time, creating a virtual wave of light, hundreds of thousands of persons commemorate and honor the memory of children in a way that transcends all ethnic, cultural, religious, and political boundaries.

Now believed to be the largest mass candle lighting on the globe, the Worldwide Candle Lighting, a gift to the bereavement community from The Compassionate Friends, creates a virtual 24-hour wave of light as it moves from time zone to time zone. Hundreds of formal candle lighting events are held and thousands of informal candle lightings are conducted in homes as families gather in quiet remembrance of children who have died, but will never be forgotten.

The Worldwide Candle Lighting started in the United States in 1997 as a small Internet observance but has since swelled in numbers as word has spread throughout the world of the remembrance.

So please light a candle tonight at 7:00 PM in your time zone in remembrance.

Human Rights Day

The Universal Declaration of Human Rights was drafted between January 1947 and December 1948. It aimed to form a basis for human rights all over the world and represented a significant change of direction from events during World War II and the continuing colonialism that was rife in the world at the time. The Universal Declaration of Human Rights is considered as the most translated document in modern history. It is available in more than 360 languages and new translations are still being added.

The UN General Assembly adopted and proclaimed the Universal Declaration of Human Rights at the Palais de Chaillot in Paris, France, on the December 10, 1948. All states and interested organizations were invited to mark December 10 as Human Rights Day at a UN meeting on December 4, 1950. It was first observed on December 10 that year and has been observed each year on the same date. Each year Human Rights Day has a theme. Some of these themes have focused on people knowing their human rights or the importance of human rights education.

International Anti-Corruption Day

I think with the way politics is affecting us all, it is very important to support this holiday.  Here's the information on it:

 

The United Nations’ (UN) International Anti-Corruption Day aims to raise public awareness of corruption and what people can do to fight it. It is observed on December 9 each year.

 

International Anti-Corruption Day is a time for political leaders, governments, legal bodies and lobby groups to work together against corruption work by promoting the day and the issues that surround this event. On this day anti-corruption advocates organize events to engage the general public to effectively fight against corruption and fraud in communities. 

Corruption is an issue that affects all countries around the world. It can refer to the destruction of one’s honesty or loyalty through undermining moral integrity or acting in a way that shows a lack of integrity or honesty. It also refers to those who use a position of power or trust for dishonest gain. Corruption undermines democracy, creates unstable governments, and sets countries back economically. Corruption comes in various forms such as bribery, law-breaking without dealing with the consequences in a fair manner, unfairly amending election processes and results, and covering mistakes or silencing whistleblowers (those who expose corruption in hope that justice would be served).

By resolution 58/4 of October 31, 2003, the UN General Assembly designated December 9 as International Anti-Corruption Day. This decision aimed to raise people’s awareness of corruption and of the role of the United Nations Convention against Corruption in combating and preventing it. The assembly urged all states and competent regional economic integration organizations to sign and ratify the United Nations Convention against Corruption (UNCAC) to ensure its rapid entry into force. UNCAC is the first legally binding, international anti-corruption instrument that provides a chance to mount a global response to corruption. 

Posters, slogans, and other promotional material on International Anti-Corruption Day have featured a slogan or logo that takes up two lines. The first line reads “CORRUPTION” in capitalized red words, and underneath are the words “Your NO counts”. Most of the second line is written in black text except for the word “NO” which is highlighted in red capital letters within a white speech bubble.
The UN logo is also associated with promotions for this event. It features a projection of a world map (less Antarctica) centered on the North Pole, inscribed in a wreath consisting of crossed conventionalized branches of the olive tree. The olive branches symbolize peace and the world map depicts the area of concern to the UN in achieving its main purpose, peace and security. The projection of the map extends to 60 degrees south latitude, and includes five concentric circles.

Christmas is getting closer

National Cotton Candy Day

Between the sweet, sugary taste and the soft, fluffy texture that melts in your mouth, what's not to love about cotton candy? It was first invented in 1897 by William Morrison and John C. Warton, but was not introduced to a a wide audience until 1904 at the St. Louis World's Fair. It was instantly a great success at the fair where it sold for 25 cents, half the cost of the admission to the event! 

Back then cotton candy was referred to as "fairy floss." Today in Greece, Israel, and India, it is often referred to as "old woman's hair." That doesn't sound very appetizing! Around 1920, the candy was renamed as cotton candy. 

Cotton candy is typically found in pink and blue colors but it can also be made into any color using food coloring. Though it is most commonly consumed during the summer months, you may be able to pick up some delicious cotton candy at your local grocery store to enjoy on National Cotton Candy Day!

 

Miners' Day

Mining is a hazardous, but incredibly important profession. Miners are responsible for providing us with many of the raw materials which we rely upon in modern manufacturing, but do so at great peril deep underground. Miners’ Day recognises the hard and dangerous work undertaken by miners, and rewards their dedication.  So take a moment to thank all the miners out there.

Bathtub Party Day

There's nothing like a good bubble bath to relax you after a hard day.  So celebrate this holiday by taking a nice soak with some candles burning and a glass of wine (or whatever your preference).

National Cookie Day

What a great holiday this is!!!!  I'd have to say that my favorite recipe for cookies lately is this one that I got from Suzy Plantamura years ago during one of her classes:

Holiday Gingersnap Cookies

1 cup packed brown sugar (I use dark brown sugar)
¾ cup shortening (I use the solid Crisco)
¼ cup molasses
1 egg
2 ¼ cup all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking soda
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon ground ginger
½ teaspoon ground cloves
¼ teaspoon salt
Granulated Sugar
White dipping chocolate (optional)

Mix brown sugar, shortening, molasses and egg in large bowl.  Stir in flour, baking soda, cinnamon, ginger, cloves, and salt.  Cover and refrigerate at least one hour.

Heat oven to 375.  Grease cookie sheet lightly (or use Silpat and don’t grease).  Shape dough by rounded teaspoonfuls into balls (I use the cookie scoop thing-a-ma-gig – you know what I mean); dip tops into granulated sugar.  Place balls, sugared side up, about 3 inches apart on cookie sheet.  Bake 10 to 12 minutes or just until set (cookies should be fairly light to assure they are chewy and not hard).  Remove from cookie sheets and let cool on wire rack.

Optional (for holidays):  Melt white chocolate in microwave (approximately 1 -2 minutes, stirring half way through).  Dip ½ of cooled cookies into white chocolate, let extra drip off.  Then place cookies on wax paper to cool for at least 1 hour. 

Makes about 2 dozen cookies.  They last well in the freezer.

Yum!!!

I saw Martha Stewart make one of these trees on her show one day and knew I had to make it as well.  Be sure to get extra candy because you'll have a hard time not sampling as you create.

All you need is a styrofoam cone, straight pins, some tinsel and about 4 - 6 bags (depending on the size of your cone and how much you are able to resist sampling while creating - LOL) of the Ghirardelli chocolate squares that are all decorated for Christmas.  Just hot glue the tinsel on and then use pins and pin the chocolate squares onto to the tree.

Enjoy!



National Mutt Day

Dec. 2 has been dubbed National Mutt Day, but whatever you call it, if you're ready to give an animal a lifetime of love, please adopt a true American original - a mixed-breed dog or cat - from your local animal shelter or rescue organization.  Dogs and cats of diverse heritage are every bit as loving and loyal as animals who have "papers," and usually more appreciative.  They seem to have a "sense" that you saved them.  Adopting a mutt from a shelter also saves a life and avoids supporting the "pet" farms industry, which churns out litter after litter of purebred puppies and kittens while millions of equally deserving animals must be euthanized in shelters for lack of good homes.

Nickers is our "rescue" pooch.  To know her is to love her.  And one has to wonder who saved who.  She had us from the moment we picked her up and held her.  She put a paw on each side of our face and gave us a kiss and she had us sold. 

Here's a photo of the day we found her:

And here she is now - 8+ years later:

 

Happy December 1st

Wow!!!!  Where did the year go?  I can't believe it's the first of December already.  I've gotten some of my decorating done, but still have more to do. 

Here's a little peek at our staircase to get you in the spirit and started decorating.

Computer Security Day

Security is an important consideration when working with computers, the Internet or indeed any electronic devices. Use Computer Security Day to ensure that your passwords are regularly updated, that your personal information is safe and secure, and that your systems are protected.

Electronics Greetings Day

Save a letter carrier, save a tree, save a stamp! Today’s the day to send your greetings the free, electronic way, via the Internet.

Cyber Monday

Take advantage today of all the cyber sales.  Those are the ones I like best.  They make it way to easy to shop online - all relaxed at home without fighting the crowds and traffic.

Enjoy!!!

Shopped out yet?

Is everyone exhausted from your Black Friday shopping?  I actually didn't brave the crowds.  Instead I stayed home and have started getting my Christmas decorations out.

My web guy (aka Barry) is home from hunting and has updated the Dare You Say It store with reduced prices.  No need to even get out of your chair to shop.

We didn't list the Merry Memories 2011 kit as there is only 1 remaining.  So if you are interested in that kit, just email me.  The cost is $38.

Also, I have 1 of the Studio Ali October 2011 stamp sets remaining.  The cost is $15 plus shipping.  Email me if you'd like it.  Here's a picture of it:

And I have 2 of the Ali December Daily 2011 stamp sets remaining.  The cost is also $15 plus shipping.  It's the same set as last year, but they have changed the year to 2011.  Email me if you'd like one of these.  Here's a photo of that one:

CSI Miami comes to Long Beach

So this is how I spent the Wednesday before Thanksgiving - which meant I had to get up extra early on Thursday to get all my cooking done, but it was so much fun that it was worth it.

It was so funny.  Barry was in Vermont deer hunting when they called and asked if they could come to look at our place to see about filming an episode at our house.  I made sure the house was spotless.  When they got here, all they wanted to see was the outside and of all things our garage.  I started laughing and the guy said he was serious.  Anyone that has seen our garage knows how much "crap" is stuffed in there.  So anyway, they looked in it and said they'd let me know.  I called my sister and told her they saw my garage and she said "I can't believe you let them look in there.  I would have said "No Way".  But to make a long story short they called me that afternoon and said they wanted to shoot here.  So they built a false wall to hide all my crap and brought in their own things to put in it to fit the scene.  It was really interesting to see what all it takes to film and episode and see the whole set up.  They invited us to eat with them and you wouldn't believe the great food.  Everyone working on the set was so nice.  We're hoping they want to come back.  The episode will air January 29th.

Black Friday

Let the holiday shopping begin!!!  Good luck finding all the deals you are looking for.

Happy Thanksgiving

Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours!!!

Tie One On Day

When I first read the name of this day, I thought it had to do with drinking, as in "tie one on".  But after researching it, I found out differently.  I went to Apron Memories and found this information:

Women clad in aprons have traditionally prepared the Thanksgiving meal, and it is within our historical linkage to share our bounty.” EllynAnne Geisel
Six years ago, I noticed that Thanksgiving was talked about in terms more commonly associated with stress, than joy. I remembered my mother’s absolute love of Thanksgiving, as a day more than anything else of sharing and gratefulness. So I created National Tie One On Day™ as an annual opportunity to return the “give” to Thanksgiving by sharing our good fortune with someone in need of a kind gesture.
National Tie One On Day™ has nothing to do with purchasing anything special or even driving!
Participation is simple. On the day before Thanksgiving, November 23rd this year, pause in the preparation of your own meal, wrap a loaf of bread or other baked good in an apron, tuck a prayer or note of encouragement in the pocket, and tie one on…an apron, of course! and deliver the wrapped bundle to someone without your bounty… a neighbor, friend or family member in need of physical or spiritual sustenance, a bit of recognition or just a kind word.

I know it to be true that whether you live in a high rise apartment building or on a quiet block, no matter which direction you walk out of your own front door, someone deserving of a gesture of kindness is close by.

National Tie One On Day™ is a win-win, for the participant and the receiver. By embracing National Tie One On Day™, you will make someone else’s day brighter.

What a great idea!!!

Humane Society Anniversary Day

The Humane Society has been dedicated to protecting animals from abuse for more than fifty years. They are dedicated to advocating public policy that will prevent cruelty to animals, as well as upholding existing laws for their protection and educating the public on animal issues. Every animal lover owes it to the Humane Society to celebrate their anniversary as a way to show thanks for all the hard work they do!

Wold Hello Day

November 21, 2011 is the 39th annual World Hello Day. Anyone can participate in World Hello Day simply by greeting ten people. This demonstrates the importance of personal communication for preserving peace.

This celebration was begun in response to the conflict between Egypt and Israel in the Fall of 1973. Since then, World Hello Day has been observed by people in 180 countries.  People around the world use the occasion of World Hello Day as an opportunity to express their concern for world peace. Beginning with a simple greeting on World Hello Day, their activities send a message to leaders, encouraging them to use communication rather than force to settle conflicts.

So let me be the first to say "Hello" to you this morning.

Merry Memories 2011

We had a great time at the class today.  We picked a really good day for a class as it was pouring rain so it was great to be inside.

We have a few kits remaining if you missed the class and want a kit.  You can either call Tony at Scrapbook Daisies or email me.

Name Your PC Day

If you're like me, you probably spend a lot of time at your computer, whether that’s at home, work, or on the road.  There are probably even times when you spend more time on the computer than with your friends or family! Yet even with all this time together, you probably don't have a name for it.  So seize the opportunity today to give your computer a name.

Merry Memories 2011

There are still a few spots left in the class at Scrapbook Daisies for tomorrow so if you didn't get a chance to sign up but want to come, just be there before 12:30.  We'll have snacks and giveaways as well.

Use Less Stuff Day

Today is all about re-using, patching up, recycling and handing things down rather than throwing them away and buying new things.

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas.....

I know, we haven't even had Thanksgiving yet and here I am going on about Christmas.  Don't you hate all the Christmas decorations out starting at Halloween? 

Well, in the case of scrapbooks, it's a good idea to get your album all put together so that during the holidays all you have to do is drop in your photos and do your journaling.  This album kit is one that you will easily be able to do just that.  Make yourself the photo mats from the cheapest copy paper and put that in the place of the photos.  Then put the album together.  If there is an embellishment hanging over the photo, simply put the adhesive (whether it is glue or a pop-dot) on the part of the embellishment that is not over the photo.  That way, it truly is possible to do everything ahead of time.

(Sorry about the photos.  I was taking these pictures about 1 AM and had to use the flash.)
This kit is absolutely packed full of product and it has taken me over a week of doing almost nothing else but kitting to get it all cut, stamped, and punched.  After putting the album together you will have a lot of product left to use for other projects. 

The kit includes:
Full Teresa Collins Christmas Home Line (the collection pack, brads, stickers, die cuts, album)
My Minds Eye Lush Red & Black 10 different papers and matching brads
Buttons, Bling, die cuts, Bazzil Borders, felt elements, sticky back canvas flowers, American Crafts Alpha, ribbon, twine, 8 chipboard pages and tags

Techniques: Making rosette flowers, working with sticky back canvas, creating your own embellishments, stamping, layering and more!

What to bring to class:
Glue (Wet glue: Helmar Craft Glue, Glossy Accents, or whatever one you like best.) You will need the Glossy Accents to cover the green holly leaves on one of the pages.
Adhesive (tape runner)
Cropadile or hole punch
Pop dots
Optional: Silver Stickles

Please also bring 12 - 4x6 and 4 - 5x7 white photo mats to class.  These photo mats can be cut from regular copy paper since you will glue them down while creating your album and then later add your photos over them.

And for a cost of only $38, you are getting an early Christmas present from us.  Come on down and join Amy & I at Scrapbook Daisies this Sunday the 20th from 12:30 - 3:30 to put yours together and enjoy some holiday treats.  If you can't make it to the class, you can call to purchase a kit because as always our kits are pre-cut, packaged in the order you assemble the kit and includes both written and photo instructions.  You can also email me and if we have remaining kits after class, I can ship it to you.

Happy Birthday Mickey Mouse!!!

Mickey Mouse was born November 18, 1928.  Happy Birthday!!!!

Great American Smokeout

The American Cancer Society is marking the Great American Smokeout on November 17 by encouraging smokers to use the date to make a plan to quit, or to plan in advance and quit smoking that day. By doing so, smokers will be taking an important step towards a healthier life – one that can lead to reducing cancer risk.


Tobacco use remains the single largest preventable cause of disease and premature death in the US, yet more than 46 million Americans still smoke. However, more than half of these smokers have attempted to quit for at least one day in the past year.

Quitting is hard, but you can increase your chances of success with help. The American Cancer Society can tell you about the steps you can take to quit smoking and provide the resources and support that can increase your chances of quitting successfully. To learn about the available tools, call the American Cancer Society at 1-800-227-2345.

International Day for Tolerance

The United Nations’ (UN) International Day for Tolerance is observed each year on November 16 to educate people about the need for tolerance in society and to help them understand the negative effects of intolerance. 

National Bundt Pan Day

Nordic Ware designated November 15 as National Bundt Pan Day. This day signifies the time just before the Thanksgiving holiday in which most of the baking that occurs for the year begins. It reminds us to get our kitchens ready for the holiday baking season by making sure we have all our recipes lined up and ready to bake.

So what's your favorite bundt cake.  I would have to say that one of my favorites and easiest is this one:


Kahlua Cake


1 Box Devil’s Food cake mix
1 small box instant chocolate pudding
½ cup brewed coffee
4 eggs
½ cup vegetable oil
½ cup Kahlua
2 cups chocolate chips
Mix all ingredients. Pour into a greased Bundt pan. Bake @ 350 degrees for 45 to 60 minutes. (Cooked mine 45 minutes. Be sure & check.)

Enjoy!!

Happy Loosen Up, Lighten Up Day

This day encourages you to do what it says – take things a little slower, de-stress and unwind. We’re all busy, and it’s easy to get caught up into a spiral of stress so let's all just take a day to loosen up, lighten up, and find some balance in our lives.  

Happy International Tongue Twister Day

Okay, so here's my mother-in-law's favorite tongue twister that she and my husband try to get me to say:
"I slit a sheet, a sheet I slit, upon this slitted sheet I sit."  So go ahead and say this as fast as you can and see if you would be saying the same thing I say when I try to say it fast.

Anyone else have a good one?

Chicken Soup for the Soul Day

 

When is "Chicken Soup for the Soul Day"?

Always on November 12!
__________________________________________________________
What is this holiday?

According to the creators of the book series of the same name, Chicken Soup for the Soul Day was created as ".... a celebration of who you are, where you've been, where you're going, and who you will be thankful to when you get there!"

Veterans' Day

Be sure to take time today to reflect and appreciate what our veterans have done for us.  Thanks to all the veterans today for all you do for us.

Sesame Street Day

How many of us grew up singing "Can you tell me how to get to Sesame Street"?

On this day in 1969, "Sesame Street," a pioneering TV show that would teach generations of young children the alphabet and how to count, made its broadcast debut. "Sesame Street," with its memorable theme song ("Can you tell me how to get/How to get to Sesame Street"), went on to become the most widely viewed children's program in the world. It has aired in more than 120 countries.


The show was the brainchild of Joan Ganz Cooney, a former documentary producer for public television. Cooney's goal was to create programming for preschoolers that was both entertaining and educational. She also wanted to use TV as a way to help underprivileged 3- to 5- year-olds prepare for kindergarten. "Sesame Street" was set in a fictional New York neighborhood and included ethnically diverse characters and positive social messages.

Taking a cue from "Rowan and Martin's Laugh-In," a popular 1960s variety show, "Sesame Street" was built around short, often funny segments featuring puppets, animation and live actors. This format was hugely successful, although over the years some critics have blamed the show and its use of brief segments for shrinking children's attention spans.

From the show's inception, one of its most-loved aspects has been a family of puppets known as Muppets. Joan Ganz Cooney hired puppeteer Jim Henson (1936-1990) to create a cast of characters that became Sesame Street institutions, including Bert and Ernie, Cookie Monster, Oscar the Grouch, Grover and Big Bird.


The subjects tackled by "Sesame Street" have evolved with the times. In 2002, the South African version of the program, "Takalani Sesame," introduced a 5-year-old Muppet character named Kami who is HIV-positive, in order to help children living with the stigma of a disease that has reached epidemic proportions. In 2006, a new Muppet, Abby Cadabby, made her debut and was positioned as the show's first female star character, in an effort to encourage diversity and provide a strong role model for girls.

Since its inception, over 74 million Americans have watched "Sesame Street." Today, an estimated 8 million people tune in to the show each week in the U.S. alone.

National Young Reader's Day

Pizza Hut and the Center for the Book in the Library of Congress established National Young Reader’s Day to remind Americans of the joys and importance of reading for young people. Schools, libraries, families and communities nationwide use this day to celebrate youths reading in a variety of creative and educational ways. 

Read to your children today. 

Abet and Aid Punsters Day

In what direction does a sneeze usually travel? Atchoo!


What did one cowboy say to the other cowboy while they were rounding up cattle? Stop me if you already ‘herd’ this one.

A rubber band pistol was confiscated from algebra class because it was a weapon of math disruption.

I hope you didn’t find those jokes too PUNishing! November 8 is officially “Abet and Aid Punsters Day” so celebrate by torturing your friends and loved ones with your best puns. Not sure what a pun is?

Pun (noun) the use of a word, or of words which are formed or sounded alike, in such a way as to juxtapose, connect, or bring out two or more of the possible applications of the word or words, usually in a humorous way; a play on words. –http://www.yourdictionary.com/pun

Puns have been around a long time…read any Shakespeare lately? He was all about the pun.

(Thanks to the City of Carrollton for this info.)

Dear Santa

This week is 'Dear Santa' Letter Week. This appears to be a VERY unofficial holiday, with only a few references online, one can never be over prepared for Christmas and Santa needs time to prepare for Christmas too.
For all of you that have a little one at home, here are a few sites with free printable 'Dear Santa' stationary:
Christmas Letter Tips
Martha Stewart
Print Stationary
Family Fun

In our modern times, a letter to Santa Claus can now be emailed to him. But for those old fashioned folks who want to use snail mail, his address is PO Box 56099, North Pole, Alaska 99705. We visited Santa while we were traveling in Alaska.  You can see from the photo above that he's chillin' until December 25th.

For more information, click here to go to the North Pole website.

Daylight Savings Time ends

Be sure to "fall back" and set your clocks back an hour at 2:00 AM this morning.

Sadie Hawkins Day

Sadie Hawkins Day, an American folk event, made its debut in Al Capp's Li'l Abner strip November 15, 1937. Sadie Hawkins was "the homeliest gal in the hills" who grew tired of waiting for the fellows to come a courtin'. Her father, Hekzebiah Hawkins, a prominent resident of Dogpatch, was even more worried about Sadie living at home for the rest of his life, so he decreed the first annual Sadie Hawkins Day, a foot race in which the unmarried gals pursued the town's bachelors, with matrimony the consequence. By the late 1930's the event had swept the nation and had a life of its own. Life magazine reported over 200 colleges holding Sadie Hawkins Day events in 1939, only two years after its inception. It became a woman empowering rite at high schools and college campuses, long before the modern feminist movement gained prominence. The basis of Sadie Hawkins Day is that women and girls take the initiative in inviting the man or boy of their choice out on a date, typically to a dance attended by other bachelors and their aggressive dates. When Al Capp created the event, it was not his intention to have the event occur annually on a specific date because it inhibited his freewheeling plotting. However, due to its enormous popularity and the numerous fan letters Capp received, the event became an annual event in the strip during the month of November, lasting four decades.

Use Your Common Sense Day

Today, November 4th, is Use Your Common Sense Day. Interestingly enough, my common sense tells me that every day should be Use Your Common Sense Day. Just think--what would happen if everyone used their common sense as often as they used their computers?


Enjoy!

National Men Make Dinner Day

Here you go ladies, a holiday to give you a break - have your man make dinner tonight. 

I'm lucky enough that Barry does most of our cooking anyway.  The deal is that he cooks and I clean it up.  And yes he does have brothers, but they are both married.

 

Customs Impressions Craft Sale

This weekend Customs Impressions is having a craft sale on Saturday and Sunday (November 5th & 6th) from 10AM - 4PM.  Be sure to bring your cash, checks or credit card as each person will be taking their own money.  For your convenience, we now have the ability to take credit cards. 

We will only be there on Saturday - selling our past kits at discounted prices, so please stop by to see us.  I'll make sure to have some chocolate at the table for you.

For those of you not familiar with their store, it's located at 16337 Bellflower Blvd., Bellflower, CA  90706.  You can view their website by clicking here.  

Hope to see you there.  

Cookie Monster Day

Gotta love the cookie monster!!!!  Have a cookie to celebrate.

Happy "Give Up Your Shoulds Day"

Today is the third annual "Give Up Your "Shoulds" Day" and YOU are invited to be part of it! For one day, you are invited to give up a certain "should" that leads to stress, guilt, misery, or any sort of sadness. Some examples of "shoulds" people gave up last year included:


I should clean the house
I should go to the gym
I should be making more money
I should lose weight
I shouldn't still be grieving this loss
I should be getting more work done
I should call my parents more often
I should stop eating the leftover Halloween candy

..And many many more. Everyone who gave up their "shoulds" last year reported feeling better that day. Some felt so good that they decided to give up them the next day too! Crazy as it seems, people generally live more calm and fulfilled lives when they give up the word "should." Go figure!

Happy Halloween

Hope everyone has a safe and happy Halloween!!!

Nickers wanted to show you her costume:

Merry Memories 2011

It's beginning to look like Christmas at Amy's house! (which is a bit of a problem because she's married to a guy who doesn't want to see any Christmas until after Thanksgiving). Her living room is filled up with all kinds of fun Christmas paper, ribbon, embellishments, brads and buttons. We're gearing up for a new class titled "Merry Memories 2011". We will be teaching at Scrapbook Daisies in Long Beach, CA and if you are not local we will gladly sell you a kit!


Class is in sesson on November 20, 2011 (Sunday) from 12:30 PM to 3:30 PM





Note: Eiffel Tower not included (Pier One Imports)

All kits come pre-cut and in order for easy, quick assembly. And we include both written and photo instructions (since our kits are so jammed packed full that we can't get it finished in a 3 hour class).  But we've asked and you love the chunky blinged out albums as much as we do so hopefully you don't mind that it takes a little while to assemble it all. 

Kit includes:
Full Teresa Collins Christmas Line (papers, brads, stickers, cut outs, album)
My Minds Eye Lush Red & Black papers, brads
Buttons, Bling, die cuts, Bazzil Borders, felt elements, sticky back canvas flowers, an American Crafts Alpha set, tags

Techniques: Making rosette flowers, working with sticky back canvas, creating your own embellishments, stamping, layering and more!

Come join us for a merry time of crafting, give aways and treats!

Also, we've just discounted our past kits on the Dare You Say It website --the prices are a total bargain for all the product packed into those kits!

(Thanks, Amy!!!  I just hi-jacked your blog and used it to update the information here.)

Happy Fall Y'all

I'm loving the cooler weather.  And I must say, that I actually enjoyed the rain (when I wasn't having to drive in it) and I know all my plants enjoyed getting a good rinse.

I just wanted everyone to know that I have reduced the prices of the kits online.  So if you are looking to get a jump start on a holiday book (we have Halloween, Thanksgiving and Christmas ones still available) or gift ideas, please take a look at our newly reduced prices on our website - Dare You Say It.

Now back to my Halloween decorating.  Even though we don't have children of our own, I love to put up decorations and get into the fun of it all.  We usually have a ton of Trick-or-Treators at our house and it sure makes us smile watching them walk up our driveway to get their treats.  I'll post some photos when I get more of the decorations out.

Reduced Shipping Rates

We've reduced the shipping rate on all our kits to just $5.  So check out our kits in our store front - http://www.dareyousayit.com/.

Where has the time gone????

Sorry I haven't posted in so long, but it's been crazy around here. 

First our poor little Nickers had to have another ear surgery.  She's recovering fine.

And I've been really busy kitting all the product for our next class - Summer 2011 - which Amy & I will be teaching at Scrapbook Daisies.  The class is next Sunday, August 21st from 12:30 - 3:30.  They are located at 3962 N Studebaker Rd # 203 in Long Beach, CA.

Here's what my table looks like right now:

This kit took me over a week to kit with all the punching and stamping.  It is stuffed full of product.  It is a fun album using a 6x6 American Crafts Album with chipboard, page protectors, and acrylic for pages!  And it includes the full Summer line by Fancy Pants (all the papers, cards, rub ons, journaling spots, full journaling notebook, stickers, alpha...the works!), bling, an American Crafts alphabet, buttons, flowers, chipboard frames, and more! 

To see more photos of this kit click on these titles:  Summer Album Part 1 and Summer Album Part 2.

Hope to see you in class.  If you can't make it to class, but would like a kit (if there are any remaining), either contact the store or email me.

$5 FLAT SHIPPING

For the remaining kits, you can now purchase them and get a flat shipping rate of $5 total no matter how many your order.  And if you buy 2 or 3 kits, you will get $5 off your total.  If you purchase 4 or more, we'll give you $10 off your total.  Be sure to email me at sallybasiliere@dareyousayit.com to get these prices.


Document Life - This kit includes a custom lasered front that was designed by Amy specifically for us.  We started with a Teresa Collins black scallop cover.  It is already bound for you using the red binding coil.  You get 17 sheets of Teresa Collins papers and 2 sheets of black cardstock to create your photo mats, along with other embellisments.

The cost of this kit is currently $30.  The retail value of all the products included is over $50.


Good Times - This is a fun mini album with some gorgeous colors.  It's packed full of product including 2 full alphabets, rub ons, American Craft stickers, 3 colors of bling, and buttons.

The cost of this kit is $25.  The retail value of the items in this kit is over $40.


Celebrate Summer - This kit uses a Maya Road envelope binder.  We have included a full pad of summer journaling cards so you'll have plenty of room to journal after adding all your fun summer photos.

The cost of this kit is $25.  The retail value of the items in this kit is over $40.


Celebrate Good Times - This kit includes the complete Teresa Collins Celebrate line along with American Craft Thickers, bling, chipboard, sheers, and photo mat pages.  Record all your celebrations for the year in this one album.

The cost of this kit is $40.  Retail value of the items in this kit is over $54.


Spring 2011 -  This kit is the perfect place to house your spring photos.  You have room for over 24 6x6 layouts. It includes shaped chipboard pages along with 6x6 pages and TONS of product. Products included are: a full 6x6 pad of Jillibean Soup's spring line, all the paper embellishments for this line and the full sticker page that goes along with it, a full American Craft's fabric alphabet, tags, American Crafts embellishments (full package), Maya Road chipboard butterflies and sheer birdies along with buttons and two colors of bling. This is the chunkiest book we have ever put together!

The cost of this kit is $38.  The retail value of the product included is over $45.

Remember, these prices are before taxes.  So for those of you that are in CA, you will be billed sales tax as well.