Wednesday, November 30, 2011

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.

Tuesday, November 29, 2011

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.

Monday, November 28, 2011

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!!!

Sunday, November 27, 2011

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:

Saturday, November 26, 2011

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.

Friday, November 25, 2011

Black Friday

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

Thursday, November 24, 2011

Happy Thanksgiving

Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours!!!

Wednesday, November 23, 2011

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!!!

Tuesday, November 22, 2011

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!

Monday, November 21, 2011

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.

Sunday, November 20, 2011

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.

Saturday, November 19, 2011

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.

Friday, November 18, 2011

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!!!!

Thursday, November 17, 2011

Great American Smokeout

GASO Image
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.

Wednesday, November 16, 2011

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. 

Tuesday, November 15, 2011

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!!

Monday, November 14, 2011

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.  

Sunday, November 13, 2011

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?

Saturday, November 12, 2011

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!"

Friday, November 11, 2011

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.

Thursday, November 10, 2011

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.

Wednesday, November 9, 2011

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. 

Tuesday, November 8, 2011

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.)

Monday, November 7, 2011

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.

Sunday, November 6, 2011

Daylight Savings Time ends



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

Saturday, November 5, 2011

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.

Friday, November 4, 2011

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!

Thursday, November 3, 2011

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.

 

Wednesday, November 2, 2011

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.

Tuesday, November 1, 2011

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!