Shrinky Dinks and me

Oh what fun I had with these growing up! Who didn't do Shrinky Dinks? Well if you didn't have the chance it's time to start a romance with this time treasured craft! Ok, so I've updated it a bit and still tweeking. I have upgraded since once using my colorbooks and waiting patiently with my nose almost glued to the little window, while I watched them magically twist, puff and turn!

You got it! I still do that! Well at least I'm less conspicous about it now...

I hauled out my rubber stamps, pads, hole punch and some sand paper. If I recalled back in the day if you colored your Shrinky Dinks the color would adhere better if you sanded the plastic first. So I did! I am not sure if I would do that again, but it did give a cool look to the finished product.

I stamped, colored a bit and then stuck them in the oven- 325 for 1 to 3 mins. And for giggles I threw in some cut and slice cookies! They did their magic and VIOLA! Of course I thought about it and realized what was I going to attach my creations to?

After careful thought, I raided my growing stash of t-shirts and sheared off a bit (1/2"). I choose blue and cream colored tee's. Oh and I added some lace for softness. I proceeded to hit my junk vintage jewelry pile, jump rings and needle nose pliers. After a bit of imagination I have a necklace! I'm pretty please with it. Tomorrow I will model my creation for you! I hope to make a few more for etsy. Have fun!

I used the Clear plastic, the store was out of the white but no worries. I'm happy with how they turned out!

Now I'm not a Stamper. I muddled my way through stamping. I only have black and brown for color. Wish I had gold or silver...

Forgot to take a picture before I threw them in the oven on the cookie sheet! Don't forget to add corn starch or a little flour so they don't stick. I'm thinking parchment paper should be ok to use, correct me if I'm wrong... They may get too sticky. Sounds like a science project!

I cut off the waist on my t-shirts so I didn't have to sew anything. Yes, I cheated! I used the arms to snag smaller circles to use for my bows.

Wondered when I was going to use this found fundangle!

A couple of vintage jewelry pieces that were calling out to me to use!

I ended up cutting the ends from my cream tee. I cut them for fringe on the ends. I really like how it turned out, but the true test will be tomorrow! Stay tuned!

Aging UGH!!

"How old is your grandson?"
"How many grandchildren do you have?"
"Is this your first grandchild?"

GGGRRRR FACE!!!

The horrible truth is that I am old enough to be a GRANDMA! UGH! I am not attacking anyone my age that is a Grandparent already, but I don't feel old yet. I feel silly to skip from time to time in public, sing out loud and dance in the aisle randomly! SIGH!

In my mind I still see my grandparents, greying/salt & pepper hair, slightly wrinkly and a fond smell of old person (not nasty just like older types of perfumes/cologne). NOT ME!





I went to the mall in Ohio and I, "OOOO'd and AAHHH'd" at several stores that I loved! I shuffled through the racks (I don't go shopping much except thrift stores, Walmart and if I'm feeling daring Target or fancy, Kohl's), I shuffle and shuffle and shuffle through racks and racks...

There are no sizes over size 10 in many of the stores. L or XL? Fat chance! No pun! HA!

My shoulders slumped over as I watched smooth, bouncy, no cellulite, or wrinkle teeny boppers squeak and squeal as they found the same shirt and other clothing that I sadly rummaged through.

I saw a few Mom's like me, wearing baggy clothes to hide that unsightly tummy and the bumps that seem to attack the back of my legs like tiny soldiers puffing up under my skin here or there. Hey, no it's not pretty! Stretch marks have taken over many parts of my body that I didn't know existed!

And what's with the hair that has sprouted up on it's own on my chin, face and half a dozen other places!

I went to Cinnabon to drown my woes of feeling old. Looking at my sleeping baby in his stroller, lucky for him that he isn't seeing me like this. When did I stop being cool? Where did those lines around my mouth come from? Those white hairs on my head seem to have popped up overnight! Crow's feet?! Heck I have a nest on the sides of my eyes! SIGH!

Oh and don't even get me started when I wave my arms. The arm jiggle is quite happy on my arms. EWWW!

My diet? I started the 17 day diet but stopped not only did I lose 6 days but I did read that it's not good to do while I'm nursing. Which brings me to my boobs! I bent over and saw them in the mirror and cringed! What the heck happened to those things? They used to be so smooth and perky...

So back to Ohio... I saw a gorgeous looking woman about my age, with flawless skin, boobs up to her neck (I'm sure they aren't real or she has never had kids), clothes that were crisp (no baby drool or stains from cleaning liquids), perfume and trendy. I threw out my Cinnabon, I totally lost my appetite.

I took both of us back to the car, dragging my emotional sorry butt to the hotel. And feeling so down for myself. I did bring a few dresses with to get dressed up for my favorite guy. I admit after a shower, crying, and feeling sorry for myself, I ended up feeling better. I checked myself out in the mirror and was happy with what I saw.

The dress covered the imperfections of my cottage cheese and the thigh rub thing I got going on. I had splurged a month ago and bought a push-up bra so the girls looked good! I added some powder to my face to help with the blotches that sprang up a few years ago, threw on some bling, heels and was out the door. I felt even better when I arrived to see him and he had the biggest smile on his face. And told me how good I looked. BIG CHEESY GRIN!

I mentioned the mini melt down later. Oh I left out several parts. I whined enough. I am getting older, I had my first toothache today, which means my first cavity, not bad considering I am 40. I decided to just let my hair go white or grey or whatever it wants to do. It's silly to see women in they're 60's, 70's or older with completely blond or dark hair. (How old is Nancy Pelosi?)

I will continue to exercise, it has been helping some. I would have to say that a tummy tuck is something I want to have after I'm done having children (One more please!). And possibly a boob job? That is still debatable!

So! When you see me next time, I promise not to think about my vanity or feel bad about growing older.

Just don't call me Grandma yet!

See who's walking!

Guess who's walking! TEEHEE! WAHOO! Of course in a few weeks I'll be more tired then I am now. LOL! And busy running after him! Just had to share!

Marry me!

Ok, I have wedding on the brain! I can't help but be fascinated with entertaining the thought of a wedding. GIGGLE! Even if it doesn't happen again with me down the road. (I don't want to go to jail for bigamy, of course I don't know why that strikes me as funny right now.)

In the grand scheme of things if you are reading my other blog,(www.hopewhentherewasnone.blogspot.com) it talks about my other side that is most serious. Here on this blog I can be silly, relaxed and let my hair down. Forgetting about anything scary or rough right now. I feel that I am drained physically and mentally right now. Not wanting to be a hysterical or overly emotional woman right now, and trying to get my mind, thoughts and prayers focused on positive or fun things. So bear with me a bit and allow me to indulge in a fun fantasy for a bit!

I found the most lovely and fun wedding things! From paper dresses, tulle bouquets, homestyle weddings (my fav!)! So in no particular order here are a few blogs and sites for your viewing pleasure!

http://mytwobutterflies.blogspot.com/2011/03/easy-diy-bridal-shower-card.html
http://greenweddingshoes.com/a-summer-vintage-inspired-farm-wedding/
http://lovemydress.typepad.com/blog/real-weddings-to-inspire/
http://onefabday.com/crochet-wedding-inspiration/
http://www.projectwedding.com/post/list/awesome-hand-homemade-wedding
http://www.funkytrend.com/unique-paper-dresses/
http://www.lunaandchloeweddings.com/search/label/Homemade

Lazy me!

Well not lazy per say, just lacking inspiration for a long time! I found bits and pieces of motivation here and there. Dug out my glue gun, some E6000, flowers, jeweldazzlery,plus a spark of imagination!

I found an oh so cute Anthro knock off months ago that I have been dying to make. I couldn't find any cotton rope but I found silkish. Definately going to look for cotton. The satin is shows the thread and separates alot easier. But I still have enough to make a few more items. Thinking about matching earrings and a bracelet! With that said here is the necklace!

It's still a work in progress! I ran out of jump rings and couldn't find the Gorilla Glue, GGGRRRFACE!

It came out well enough! A few more projects and oh darn it, open house at the elementary school. Then back to work!

Check out Tatertots and Jello neato tutorial and other projects!

http://tatertotsandjello.blogspot.com/2010/02/anthro-inspired-nautical-necklace.html

Remarriage!

SURPRISE! No not me! Still working on the divorce, but while working on researching filing Motions to submit. I became enamoured with the thought of a wedding. Yup, me, the one who said a few months ago, not doing it again, no way, no how!

I admit I started thinking about if I did do it again, what do I want? Beach wedding? What kind of dress? Vintage dress? Off the rack at a thrift store dress? Flapper style or some sort of knee length off white eyelet flowy type of dress...

In the name of research of course I have found so many wonderful and cute ideas! Rockabilly, vintage, candy themes, bright colors, soft colors, small, big, do-it yourself and more! Here's a few of my favorite pic's.
Of course I love the Do-it-yourself ideas. Especially this old jewelry bouquets, since old jewelry is my secret passion!

Check out in random order:
www.lovevintagetea.wordpress.com
www.thevintageweddingdresscompany.com
www.theweddingchicks.com
www.projectwedding.com
http://www.breguetpm.com/
http://loboheme.com/
www.thecoffeefilterbride.com

And these are just a few! Oh my goodness, I am just drooling and daydreaming, SIGH! So what was or is your dream wedding? Whether it's first time or remarriage?

Ohio Antique shops

Back from Ohio! Had a bunch of fun checking out antique shops and sightseeing  spots. And of course a lovely time seeing my favorite guy! Of course missing the heck out of him right now.

On his days off we were able to stop off at quite a few interesting places that sold a vast array of collectibles and antique items! Many of the homes in the area of Dublin/Columbus are breathtaking, quaint and have old world charm.

The Powell businesses were all very lovely, friendly and worth a trip back to see!

Powell Liberty Antique Mall had the most interesting older pieces of off beat finds. Some kind of creepy and others too cute.

Blackberry Patch featured a phenomenal amount of eye candy I have seen in a antique shop! The assortment of shiny things took my breath away!

Paris Flea Market had me drooling over the fabulous sea side displays and they had me longing for a home of my own to put these lovely treasures in! Very chic and upscale items that were at reasonable prices and oh so charming! http://aparisfleamarket.blogspot.com/

Westerville had a few neato antique shops and one really cool, this town was a great stumble!
I was really taken with A Gal named Cindy Lou! The awesome 50's, 60's and 70's throw back's took me back to a time when things were simple and so laid back. Loved this family owned business! Would love to go back! http://www.cindalou.org/A_Gal_Named_Cinda_Lou/Welcome.html

There was also...

The Greater Columbus Antique Mall! Oh my gosh! 5 floors of glory! Rich with a interesting history of highly interesting and cool antique treasures. Our feet hurt and we definately had a full morning of checking out nifty finds from way back! The history of the mall is also very neato and spooky! Loved this!

And of course we stopped at several other spots along the way, here or there and throughly enjoyed spying wonderful items from yesteryear...