Noodles Is Still Missing

Some of you readers may know that I own a rat terrier named Satchmo and am an avid dog fancier.  I can only imagine the pain I would feel if something were to happen to my beloved companion.  Because of how strongly I feel about pets, and rat terrier dogs in particular, I am cross-posting this message below.  If anyone anywhere can help bring this baby home, I want to give them the chance to do so!  Please read below and if you have a blog, post this to your blog to try to help find a lost little pet.

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Please help my friend find Noodles, her beloved Rat Terrier, who went missing Dec 10th in the San Antonio area. If you don't live there, please cross post on your blog or send this posting to someone you know in the area. My friend's only wish for Christmas is to get her Noodles back. Please help by getting the world and her photos out there in the cyber world.

She is microchipped so if there is any doubt, take her to a vet or shelter to check for it.Miss Noodle is a special little girl and is very much loved by her family. They are distraught by her disappearance. Let's see if we can get her face and story all over the blogosphere and increase her chances of making it home by Christmas.

Posted by My Little Family: at 9:59 PM  

Labels: Noodles

Make this for your Christmas tree

Here is another great tutorial for making Christmas Tree ornaments with the family.  This one uses Makin's Clay that you buy at your local hobby/craft store.  I have never used this product before, but after seeing how cute this turns out, I may have to give it a try.

One of the things that appeal to me about this clay is that you don't have to paint it.  It comes already colored.  I'm not sure of the cost and I also worry about how to store the unused clay.  If it is costly and can't be stored for very long, then maybe I won't be able to try it.  However, I do think this is a very cute ornament.

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Supplies:

* Makin's Clay®

• 60 gram Yellow Clay
• 60 gram White Clay
• 60 gram Black Clay
• 60 gram Blue Clay
• 60 gram Red Clay
• 60 gram Green Clay

Recommended Makin's® Tools:

• Chisel
• Mallet
• Roller
  

Other Materials:

• 1 piece of Gold Thin String 
• White Glue
• Black Pen

How:
			1. Print and cut out the pattern.
			2. Roll yellow cClay into a square sheet with Makin's Roller.
			3. Cut the star shape out as shown then pin two holes on each arm of the star.
			4. Roll white clay into balls in the size of the faces.
			5. Roll neon orange clay into teardrop shapes then add onto the faces. Pin in the mouth with Makin's Chisel.
			6. Using desired colors, make the hats and details according to the pattern.
			7. Add the eyes with a black pen and the writing with a silver pen. Twist and attach a gold ribbon or rope.

The Santas are coming along!

For anyone who remembers my posting earlier about making little santa ornaments for your tree, I am now going to post some pictures of my progress.  I know, I know.  I am moving at the speed of a slug, but I'm just pleased to be moving at all. 

I hope to finish these this week and get my tree up.  I have mixed feelings about doing that, but I know I will get the tree up before long.  Anyway, here are three pictures of my progress with these cute little ornaments!

12 Smart Ways to Save Big on Christmas Shopping

 
I figure that since we have less than 25 shopping days left until Christmas, I would post an article I found that talks about ways to have a "frugal" Christmas without having a boring Christmas.  I especially enjoyed the last suggestion in the article.  I may have to think about that next year.

Anyway, I know that everyone is out there in a shopping frenzy, so here are some suggestions to make this Christmas more fun and save the wear and tear on your pocketbook!

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Oh the weather outside is frightful, but your wallet can still be delightful. And since we’ve got gifts to give, let us find the ways to save! Yay!
Yes internets, it’s that time of year when the turkey leftovers and that tryptophan stuff have settled in our stomachs. After awakening from the holidaze slumber, it may be time to turn our attention towards Christmas. Now, I’m not big on the whole Christmas consumeritis thing that turns many smart people into spending splurgers.

But, I do love to find frugal ways to celebrate the holidays without spending a bundle. So to get you into the holiday spirit, here are 12 smart ways to save big on Christmas shopping.

1. Go online shopping

Skip the stores and save yourself some holiday grief by going online shopping to save a bundle. Many retailers offer online holiday sales and specials that aren’t available in stores — especially on Cyber Monday! So get clicking online before stepping foot in the mall to save 10% to 60% on everything from books to electronic gadgets like the Kindle. Just be sure to get free or cheap shipping before hitting the checkout — there’s no sense in killing your deal with costly shipping charges.

2. Shop with secret online coupons

Paying full price for anything when a better deal can be found can turn any Santa into a Scrooge. Bah Humbug! To get shoppers into stores, many retailers offer online printable coupons to boost Christmas cheer with big savings. So before buying that perfect gift, get online and search for coupons by entering the retailer’s name and then “coupon code”.
Check out these 8 Stealth Ways to Uncover Big Savings with Secret Online Coupons for even more ways to save like Santa.

3. Dump department store credit cards

When the cashier at your favorite department store offers you a huge discount on your holiday wares just for opening a store credit card, do your wallet a favor and take a pass. Those pesky credit cards offered by retailers carry huge interest rates that can chew into any deal if not paid off. Carrying numerous credit cards can also hurt your credit score, and no one wants to take a credit hit just after the holidays.
Want to pay off your balance sooner? Try this Credit Card Calculator to see how paying more than the minimum balance can make a HUGE difference this holiday. Results may shock you!

4. Use cash this Christmas

Save yourself some credit card shock tomorrow by spending only the cash you have today. Besides, you could save a few bucks by using cash and asking the store to cut your cost by the 2% to 3% interchange fee that banks charge retailers for credit card transactions. Become a really sneaky shopper by trying these 5 Ways To Screw Your Credit Card Company.

5. Skip brand names, buy generic

Don’t believe the expensive marketing hype behind many brand name products. Marketing costs big bucks and you’re paying for that cost every time you buy a brand name. Besides, brand name items are not necessarily better than the lesser-advertised alternatives. By purchasing quality generic products this holiday you can save 10% to 50% on gift giving.

6. Be brave, ask for a discount!

Get over your silly shyness and ask the store manager, “Is this the best price you can offer me?” You may be surprised by how often a retailer will give you 10% to 15% off the sticker price just for asking. Asking for a discount is free and saving 10% in under five minutes of work is time well spent.

7. Find bargains in bulk

Cut the cost of your holiday meals by up to 60% by buying bulk grocery items. Bulk bins are a fabulous way to save some bargain bucks on candy for stocking stuffers, baking goods for delectable desserts, and going nutty over holiday nut mixes. You’ll also find huge savings on rice, pasta, spices, and lots of mixes for the big family dinner.

8. Wrap gifts without wrapping paper

Pass on the glittery gift bags and shiny rolls of gift wrap. Wrapping paper is big business and can add to the cost of even the most frugal of gifts. Instead, get crafty by wrapping your gifts in something useful, like a reusable shopping bag. If you’ve got a baby gift then swaddle it in a baby blanket. But if you’ve gotta have that pretty paper then stock up on wrap after the holidays, when it’s 50% off.
Want more wrapping ways? Check out these 11 Ways to Wrap Gifts without Wrapping Paper and top that gift with one of these 6 Printable Holiday Gift Tags.

9. Make it a homemade holiday

Get the family on budget while having some fun by making it a homemade holiday. If you’re a shutterbug then get the family together for a photo. If you’re crafty then knit a scarf, make some ornaments, or sew something special like a Softie Christmas Tree or a Sling Backpack. For those who love baking, go ahead and get creative with cookies, cakes, and sweets. Got a hiker in your family? Then make some homemade granola!
If you’re less handy but love a fun treat, then try these 8 Homemade Gifts in a Jar — the S’mores in a Jar are super cute!

10. Keep ALL your receipts

Whether you’re shopping online or in-store, always keep your receipts. Retailers want your holiday cash so they discount and mark down items often, so there’s always a chance that the gift you bought yesterday is on sale today. If you find a price cut on a recently purchased gift, bring in your receipt and ask for a price adjustment. Most store managers will give you the better deal up to ten days after your purchase if you have the receipt. So just ask to get your discount!

11. Make a list and check it twice!

Be like Santa by writing a Christmas gift list to plan out your budget and time. There’s no sense in going over budget on a gift because you ran out of time on Christmas Eve. A well-planned list can also help you curb impulse shopping when the flashy holiday displays catch your attention.
To get you started, download the Free Printable Grocery Shopping List and plan your dinner sooner — it’s easier to catch a sale or find a coupon when you’ve got a shopping list ready to go!

12. Donate a cow

Talk to your family this year and consider starting new Christmas traditions by donating your holiday gift budget to charity. Organizations like Heifer International represent thought provoking gift ideas that go beyond the space underneath your Christmas tree. Gifts to Heifer International can include a Cattle share for $50, a Llama share for $20, or a Sheep share for $10. All livestock shares and donations can help families achieve self-reliance, can give a steady supply of nutrition in the form of products like eggs and milk, and can provide a dependable source of income from the sale of products like wool, honey, and produce. Think about making a real difference this holiday by donating to any number of charities this Christmas.


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Thanksgiving Day and all is well and waiting to shop tomorrow!

Image by minifig via Flickr

Here is a slide show from the ADO website.  This slide showcase is for Christmas ornaments that are handmade and that incorporate the concept of the art doll.  Enjoy!

Happy Thanksgiving one and all!

Tomorrow is the big Turkey day and everyone will be busy cooking and watching games on the tube.  It is a big day for families to spend quality time together, even when the quality is questionable.

It is also a day to look at ourselves critically and to review our blessings.  There is not a single soul that cannot find a blessing to be thankful for.  With that said, it is also a time to rejoice in the good company of family and friends--a time of coming together to recement the common bonds we all share.

I can make a long list of all the things I am thankful for....family, friends, work, enough money to stay afloat, good food, and so on.  I'm sure your list would be very similar.  But still, I'd like to encourage all to take a silent moment tomorrow to mentally review all the things we have to be thankful for.  Remember our troops in Iraq and Afghanistan who are separated from their families so we can be with ours.

I pray that all who read this enjoy the true blessing of this holiday and are filled with joy.  Happy Thanksgiving to you all!

Make your own Christmas Cards

Image by Salon de Maria via Flickr

I used to always make my own cards for special occasions.  My grandsons have quite a collection that they proudly display in their rooms going back to when they were very small.  I've made cards for my family for years.  This year I was thinking about making my own Christmas cards to give to my friends, since I don't usually give gifts to anyone except the boys.

I really enjoy making cards.  It is very relaxing to do and opens up your creativity.  I usually find myself looking at the calendar for the next big occasion while I am working on cards for the present occasion.

Below is directions for creating a lovely Christmas card.  Try it out, you might find that you love making cards.  Beware, though.  You may find yourself addicted!


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Joy Greeting Cards

Craft Project - Joy Greeting Cards

By Linda Peterson

Materials
AMACO® Craft Porcelain Modeling Material
AMACO® Rub ‘n Buff® — Gold Leaf
Loew-Cornell Water Color Crayons
Black Card Stock
Grey Paper
Decorative Papers in Colors of Choice
#2 Rounded Tip Clay Shaper
Fiskars Paper Edgers — Deckle Paper
Glue of Choice.
Helpful Hint: Keep a small bowl of water and paper towels handy. Wrap craft projects in wet paper towel to keep it from drying out.
Step 1
Letters are created by rolling a ball of clay into a log and shaping it into the desired letter. When dry to the touch, apply Rub ‘n Buff®. Note: The size of the ball determines the size of the letter.
Step 2
Holly berries: Roll 3 small balls.
Step 3
Leaves: Roll a ¼” ball into a teardrop and flatten. Feather edges of leaves until they are thin. Draw in veins with clay shaper.
Step 4
Place three leaves together. Paint green with watercolor crayons. Paint berries red and apply over top of leaves.
Step 5
Cut Black Cardstock:
# 6″ x 12″ (fold in half)
# 3″ x 3″
# 2¾” x 2¾” (cut edges with deckle scissors)
# 1½” x 5½” strip
Step 6
Cut Grey paper:
# 2⅞;” x 2⅞”
# ½” x 5½”
Step 7
Layer the paper using the picture as a guide. Add mullbery paper to top of square. Glue on holly embellishment and letters. Highlight edges of paper with Rub ‘n Buff®
Step 8
Add interest by varying the size of the card such as in the second sample. Embellish the letters with holly leaves or other flowers of choice.