Read This Blog!

This blogger is so funny -- you'll LOL!

happymealsandhappyhour.blogspot.com


She is funny, and she has 500+ followers. I clearly am not funny and I have 8 (we'll actually, that's funny!).

Please follow my blog...please (yes, I am begging!). Thanks!

My Latest Creation!

I think this might be my favorite card to date! It was super easy to make, and I think it's just beautiful (if I do say so myself!). It's not an original idea, but a "case" from this great card-maker and blogger. Thanks for the inspiration!



Here's the recipe:

card base -- chocolate chip card stock
card background -- very vanilla card stock, which I ran through the big shot using the finial press embossing folder
stamp set - peace within (I love this set!), colored in with SU markers
ribbon - close to cocoa ribbon originals

I have discovered that I really love coloring with my markers -- they make the stamps come to life, and look professional. I am not artistic in any way, so I am always reluctant to use stamps and coloring, but I am definitely overcoming my fears!

If you would like to purchase any of the items mentioned in this post -- hop on over to my friend Jacki's blog. She is an official Stampin' Up! demonstrator, and she will be glad to take your order! Tell her "Lisa" sent you!

Free First Class Shipping at Three Chickadees!

For those of you who are new to this blog, in addition to my day job in the insurance world, I also co-own Three Chickadees, with my two good friends. Right now (through September 7, 2009), you can get free first class shipping on any retail order at Three Chickadees. There is no discount code or coupon required. Simply select the free First Class shipping option at checkout. Three Chickadees sells fabulous accessories for men, women and children, and I couldn't be more proud of our fine quality and selection.

I'd love it if you would help me spread the word about Three Chickadees! If you post about our free shipping offer on your blog or website, and you let me know about it, by posting a comment here, I'll send you a free keychain! Thanks!

New Card - SU Peace Within Stamp Set

Here's my latest creation! I definitely have to work on my "sponging," but I am learning. I made this card in just a few minutes!

Just Wondering...

How does this blogger get a billion readers to stop by her blog each day, but I can only get five people to stop by good ole preppy days? Now, don't get me wrong, I think her blog is great, but basically it's all about the blogger and her family. There is no earth-shattering news to be found on the blog, no cure for disease, no quick way to make money, no miracle weight loss information. It's the story of a pretty woman and her lovely family and she does have cute stories to tell, but I still can't figure out why a billion people want to read it each day. I suppose "a billion" is an exaggeration, but a ton of people read her blog each day. If I could get 1% of those peeps to stop by here, I would be more than thrilled. But, I am not going to write about my son, or show pictures of him. I just don't think it's a great idea to put your kids' names and pictures on the Internet. So, I won't do it. Plus, it seems that the people who put their kids names and pictures on the Internet have small children, and what they don't realize is that someday, and that day comes rather quickly, their small children are going to be a big kids, and they would "just die" if you put their pictures on your blog and wrote about them.

So what can I do to get more peeps to read this blog? Should I give away money lol?

I LOVE MY BLOG!

I am so "over the top" pleased with the fabulous new design of my blog. I purchased the new look from "Beautify My Blog." What a totally fab company! The list of accolades is endless! They were so quick to respond to my requests, did a fabulous job of interpreting my needs, uploaded my new blog templates, and even featured me on their home page. I can't say enough good things about Sarah and Lyndsay from Beautify My Blog -- they are fantastic!

Run out and get your blog "beautified" today! You'll be so glad you did!!

Taking Stock -- Part 2

Today, I met an old friend in the grocery store, and she proceeded to tell me that her marriage of 18 years is on the brink of collapse. What's so interesting is that she told me about her struggles and how she felt and it was just as if she was talking about me. She mentioned that she felt cheated, and that she had missed out on so much. I was so sorry to hear she was struggling, but it made me think. Struggling is part of most people's lives, and it's what you do with those struggles that really define your life. Do you stand up, take responsibility, and learn from your struggles to make a better life, or do you let your struggles get the best of you, and give up on the life you had hoped for? It's a pretty powerful question, and one that helped me realize that my destiny and my future are firmly in my hands. I can make the most of my life, or I can wallow in self pity. No wallowing here, and I get my inspiration from her.

Taking Stock

So, it's August, and I realized today that almost three quarters of the year has passed. I think it's time to take stock to see what I have accomplished, and to detail what is left "to do." Of course, I started a diet EVERY SINGLE DAY this year, and yet I weigh exactly the same as I did on January 1st. Did I lose the rotten 15 pounds I need to lose -- nope. There's one for the "to do" list.

Reading is a problem for me. I seem to find time to watch "Soap Net" into the wee hours, but read, nope. As best I can remember, I only read two books this year, both about dieting. Apparently, the reading was no help -- refer to paragraph one, above. I suppose #2 on the "to do" list needs to be "read a substantial book."

Next, let's take a look at my house. My closets aren't clean. I don't really have that many closets, so you would think I could have at least cleaned a few by now. Nope, they are all a mess. So, item #3 on the "to do" list is to clean closets. I think I have 10 closets in my house. They all need cleaning.

Let's move on to personal development and enrichment. I think I've almost got this one licked! I have spent a bundle on "Stampin' Up!" supplies, and I have discovered a hobby that I love. Now, the small problem is that I have LOTS of supplies, but not so much time to use my supplies to make greeting cards. So, item #4 on the "to do" list, is find time to make cards.

Next, is this blog. I subscribed to an online blogging class, which I have yet to finish -- although I have every intention of doing so. I bought the class to learn how to blog, so that people will read my blog. I had big dreams! I thought people would stop by every day for a good laugh or a heartfelt story, or to see what the heck I was up to that day. But, nobody stops by, mostly because I am not good at blogging. Since I really want to be good at blogging, this becomes item #5 -- get good at blogging, and fast.

I think that's enough for now. Maybe I should look at what I have accomplished this year, instead of what I haven't accomplished! :o)

p.s. - I am generally an over-achiever, so I am giving myself four weeks to turn things around and to get my to-do list done. I'll reply to this post with my accomplishments on September 14th!

My Latest Creation -- Thank You Cards

Today I made more cards -- and I had fun! I copied the style of the card from the latest "Stampin' Up!" catalog, and added a bit of my own flair. I really love the way they turned out!

I used the "Big Shot" die cutting machine for the letters and the flowers, and the rest is just cut and punched paper. And, I stuck a button on each card. It sounds simple, doesn't it? It is, and it's so much fun to make cards. Plus, people appreciate homemade cards so much more than your local store bought variety!

Want to try "Stampin' Up!" card-making? Visit my friend Jacki's blog, and you can then link directly from there to her official "Stampin' Up!" website. On that website you can buy any of the great "Stampin' Up!" supplies from the official "Stampin' Up!" site.

If you don't know where to start or what to buy, email Jacki. She is so knowledgeable! She'll be able to help you out and get you started.

Adoption Papers Submitted!

Today, I submitted adoption papers to the Connecticut SPCA in the hopes of being approved to adopt a dog from one of the local shelters. I have always, always wanted a dog. I have waited patiently to get one -- 43 years to be exact. Now I am ready. I have a big enough house, and a nice yard, and my son is 14, and no longer needs my constant attention. I have room for a dog. I have time for a dog. I have love to give a dog!

Everyone keeps asking me what breed I favor, but really I don't have a particular breed in mind. I want a dog that needs a family -- any model will do. Next Friday, there is a big shelter adoption taking place at a local pet store. I hope my application will be approved by then so that I can attend. Keep your fingers crossed for me, and I'll report back with any progress and news. Thanks!