Miss Jeanne Mania

Unique Colorful Dip - Cowboy Caviar

2011-11-13T15:44:00.001-06:00

Are you tired of the traditional dips? Don't get me wrong, I love salsa, ranch, and other traditional dips! But, when you try something truly unique, it can become quite addictive. This dip is just that, ADDICTIVE! It's a good thing that this recipe makes a big huge bowl full! I adapted the Cowboy Caviar recipe that I found on Recipelion to get to this version.

Combine all of the following ingredients, chill and serve with chips.

1 can whole sweet corn, drained
1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
4 roma tomatoes, diced
1 bunch green onions, chopped including greens
1 bunch cilantro, chopped or 1/3 tube cilantro herb blend
3/4 bottle of zesty italian salad dressing
2-3 Tbls. lime juice
1 avocado, chopped
1 can black olives (optional)

I would think that this would be a hit at any potluck or party. It's just so unique and not something that most people have tried. I also would think that it should be fairly diet friendly since there is nothing too awful bad in it. Use low calorie dressing and baked chips to make it extra healthy. Enjoy!

Troublesome Squirrel

2011-07-15T20:18:00.000-05:00

Can you believe this guy?

My bird feeder really is intended for the birds. Like this beautiful little guy!

But, this innocent looking squirrel decided that he really needed that bird food!

Notice the thin iron bird feeder holder on the right of this photo; he actually climbed it!

Then he hung by his toes!

I suppose hanging by his toes gave him the best vantage point for eating the bird seeds!

Just like groupon

2011-05-10T14:44:00.000-05:00

This new daily deal website, seize the deal, seems almost identical to groupon, but it has some other cities featured. Check it out and see what you think!

Remember that if you want to see all of the fun daily deals that I have found:

Just click on daily deals in the topic cloud on the left side, down just a bit and it will bring up all the entries that I have made on that topic!

Fabulous Daily Deal Site - My FAVORITE So Far!

2011-05-04T13:34:00.001-05:00

This new site that I found is simply fabulous! You will love it! What makes them different is that like groupon, you get a certificate or a one-time-use code when you purchase or within a day. You don't have to know what you want right now, you can buy it whenever you have browsed that vendors site and decided what you want. Unlike groupon, it doesn't tend to be eating places and local entertainment. It is typically very useful items like... vitamins, nail polish, kitchen gadgets, handbags, flowers, electronics, bedding, decor, etc. These deals also tend to be very inexpensive, often under $10.... So... here you go...It's dealpulp!

I hope you enjoy this daily deal site as much as I do!

Remember that if you want to see all of the fun daily deals that I have found:

Just click on daily deals in the topic cloud on the left side, down just a bit and it will bring up all the entries that I have made on that topic!

Another Crafting Deal of the Day Site

2011-04-12T22:01:00.001-05:00

Scrapace has a new deal each day directed towards the scrapbookers out there. Enjoy!

Remember that if you want to see all of the fun daily deals that I have found:

Just click on daily deals in the topic cloud on the left side, down just a bit and it will bring up all the entries that I have made on that topic!

GE pays no Federal Taxes for 2010 - What about you?

2011-04-04T20:11:00.000-05:00

Most people find the fact that the largest corporation in the U.S. is paying no corporate income tax unbelievable and frustrating. Does it make you wonder if there is more that you can do to pay less? Here is an interesting article that talks about how to do just that! As an accountant I can tell you that not all of the information is 100% accurate...(for example, they use the example of a $150,000 income and then talk about some deductions which are actually phased out at that income level)... but, it still makes for an interesting read. If you really feel ambitious, read some of the over 2000 comments for more entertainment!

Simple Gift Tag Idea!

2011-03-25T15:14:00.000-05:00

This is a great idea for a gift tag. If you don't have time to buy or make a card, the simple gift tag works just as well. It never hurts to have a few on hand.

The simple tutorial is ....

Cut a rectangle from a bright happy paper. The backside of mine was the same happy orange, solid color. The solid orange side is where I wrote who it was to and from.

Randomly stamp "Happy Birthday" on top of the design. Optionally, stamp a design on the bottom.

A simple coordinating die cut or chipboard is glued to the top.

Use a corner rounder on the corners and punch a hole for the ribbon. Cut a simple coordinating ribbon and string it through the hole. Use this to tie onto your package.

And that's it! Simple and Quick!

Deal of the Day - GROUPON

2011-03-20T09:56:00.001-05:00

So... I began telling you about the deal of the day sites before anyone knew what Groupon was. But, just in case you have not heard about it yet...
Groupon is a daily deal that showcases some store, eatery, or service in your metropolitan area. This Groupon deal changes daily. You can check it on their website, or get their daily emails or tweets. When enough people "purchase" the deal (which is often at 1/2 price) then everyone gets the discounted deal. You typically have a year to use it before your certificate expires. They are very well-known and have grown by leaps and bounds in the last year or so.
These are especially great for anyone that likes to eat out and try new places.
If you want to see all of the daily deals that I have featured... click on the daily deals in the word cloud on the left of the screen.

Peanut Butter - Raisin Cookies - Easy & Fast

2011-03-19T13:06:00.000-05:00

My favorite kind of recipe is easy and fast! This one takes the cake, I mean the cookies!
Actually, I am not a huge fan of peanut butter cookies, but these are fabulous and I just can not stop eating them!

1 Pkg. Moist Classic Yellow Cake Mix
1/2 Cup Creamy Peanut Butter
1/2 Cup (1 Stick) Butter or Margarine, Softened
2 Eggs
1 Cup Raisins

Heat oven to 350.
Grease baking sheets.
Mix all ingredients, except raisins, in large bowl until well blended.
Stir in the raisins.
Drop rounded tablespoons onto prepared cookie sheets.
Bake 9 - 12 minutes, until lightly browned.
Cool two minutes on sheets and completely on racks.
Cookies stay moist when in tightly sealed container.
Enjoy!!

HINT: Cookies are also great for freezing and taking out for surprise guests. Make extras and freeze with a layer of freezer paper between the cookies, then you can just pull one layer out as needed.

Minnesota Record Snowfall for December

2011-01-12T17:30:00.000-06:00

After record snowfall in Minnesota this December, I thought I would show you what my bird feeder looks like right now! I am really beginning to miss summer and the birds, and yes, even the pesky squirrels!

Job Scam

2010-12-20T15:40:00.001-06:00

Sometimes you can recognize a scam when you see it. Like a job offering you $100,000, work from home, make your own hours! I assure you, you probably have to buy something and then you have to build your own client base.

Other times, however, they are not quite so easy to recognize. A recent job offer on Craigslist showed a job for someone to pack boxes and run company errands for a little over $10 per hour. Seems reasonable and legitimate. It wasn't, here's why...

Upon responding to this listing, the applicant is sent an email such as this:

"Thank your for your interest in this position. We currently have both full time and part time positions, with 4 more slots available. The more common tasks would be lifting , loading, packing boxes, unloading pallets, and similiar tasks.

On your extra time, or on slower days, you would be running company errands and purchasing supplies with the company credit card. Therefore, we require you, per company policy, to get a recent credit score. which we will keep on file along with a copy of your drivers license, so please have a copy of that as well. Get it here below:
**Website information deleted, for your safety**

If for some reason you have terrible credit, we will discuss that in the interview. When you have all the neccesary documents, please email me with ONLY your phone number and a best time to reach you, then we will schedule an interview. Do not email any documents as it may have your personal information and we will only accept it in person.

If for some reason you are no longer interested in this position, please let me know so I can continue on with the hiring process. Have a good day."

Does it seem legitimate to you?

Sometimes job listings contain obvious language issues, indicating a foreign element, seems to be a recurring theme to be wary of (many instances of asking for your banking information for direct deposit, only to have your account drained or used for illegal activity.)

Here there are only a few minor spelling mistakes, some that may not be obvious even to good spellers, so nothing that would be an immediate concern.

The thing that struck me is that there is no indication of what company this is for. It is a local ad, indicating a location in the city. Yet, no mention of the company in the response email, kind of suspicious. But yet, you feel because you are going to be meeting in person, everything is fine right?

So, a person would prepare and click the link. The link brings you to a very professional looking website which helps you access all three of your credit scores for free! We've all heard of this, no reason not to do it, right? You are required to bring your credit score information in when you meet them, because you will be using their credit card for errands. Makes sense.

Guess what!? The information that you enter.... Name, address, social security number.... it isn't going to a legitimate source! It is going to be used against you - to steal your identity! There is no job!

It is sad to think that in this economy, scams are being built around job openings, but they are! Beware!

Photography Hint for the Holidays!

2010-12-19T14:27:00.001-06:00

Just in time for the holidays, I have a simple photography tip for you! ZOOM IN!
You can really capture the feeling of your subjects when you don't include all the exterior things going on. Sometimes those items are essential to the subject matter, but usually you want to focus on your subjects.
In this photo you really focus on the happiness of my beautiful sister, Traci and her new husband, Greg!

In this photo, the subjects are still beautiful and it might be important to get a shot with the bike, but it just doesn't portray the same feelings that the zoomed in photo does. So, remember to focus on the people you love this holiday season! Merry Christmas!

Fresh from the garden stir-fry

2010-11-27T18:57:00.001-06:00

I just love stir-fry using whatever we have available. Knowing that you are using fresh foods and knowing that you are using your own resources make it all the better!
We like to use many combinations of ingredients.
Here are some of our favorites:
Meat of any kind, sliced thin.
Tomatoes, Zucchini, Potatoes, Green Peppers, Red Peppers, Banana Peppers, Corn, Garlic, Beans, Carrots, Pea Pods, and Various Fresh Herbs.
Delicious and it's a meal on it's own or use as a side dish.
It's quick too (especially if you use a food processor for slicing), that's my favorite kind of meal!

When I am 61...

2010-11-15T19:24:00.001-06:00

I can only hope that when I am 61, I am rockin' like Gene Simmons. Kiss played at the Minnesota State Fair this year and they were as fabulous as ever! Take some time and do something you enjoy, just for you! Rock out, my friends!

Be In THE MOMENT of NOW

2010-09-24T11:47:00.000-05:00

Thank you to the talented scrapbooker, Ali Edwards, for this cute and appropriate photo!

Greeting Card Box Tutorial

2010-07-20T20:08:00.001-05:00

I like to make greeting cards and I like to have them on hand for just the right occasion. I, often, have "saved the day" by having a card available and I enjoy giving something that might mean more than a store bought card. I have never had a very good system for my cards though. Now I do! I organized them so that I would have categories that made sense to me. I also found out that I had big gaps in categories that I should have cards for but didn't. So, it also helps to save money if I can make cards instead of pay outrageous store prices for them.

Everything that I used to make this project, I already had. I didn't buy anything. I had wanted to have a cute basket with no top, but after contemplating decided that I would save money and allow for "stacking" buy having a lidded box. The box I used was my son's athletic shoe box, larger than a regular shoe box, it measures 13-1/2" x 10-1/4" x 5-1/2". This size allows for all my cards and envelopes, as of today. It is also big enough for my largest card, which is 5" x 7".

My box was a little beat up, but my plan was to cover it with black spray paint anyway! I needed to reinforce the corners and fix up the tears, so I did that with duct tape! Then I spray painted the whole box, except the inside, with flat black spray paint. Now, the areas with the duct tape do have edges that can look a tiny bit different than the rest, but it really does work well overall. I love, love, love spray paint and believe that a little spray paint can make most anything look good!

I pulled out all my cards and put them in piles to use for categories. My cards created more categories than I thought they would.

I measured the inside of the box and made dividers for the number of categories that I had. My dividers are 9-1/2" x 4" and they are cut from regular white cardstock that I already had. I made them shorter than the box because I knew that I would want my category labels to stick up.

I printed the category titles onto a simple piece of lightly decorated card stock with a nice simple font. I cut these out, making sure to cut them all the same size.

My categories ended up being:

*Tags (for on gift packages)

*Birthday - Boy

*Birthday - Girl

*Birthday - Man

*Birthday - Woman

*Wedding/Anniversary

*Baby

*Graduation/Congratulations

*Get Well

*Sympathy

*Thank You

*Friendship/Love

*Other

*To Alter (these are cards that need to be finished, old store greeting cards that I can use as backing, or cards that I just think need something done to them before they are truly useable)

*Envelopes

*Any Occasion/General (these are great to keep on hand for a quick transformation into something more specific)

I added one little embellishment to each divider after I stapled the label on at an angle. I used an epoxy flower on this one, but each of them has something different, sometimes correlating to the category title.

Now to start decorating the outside of the box! I used chipboard letters that spell "cards" and a chipboard file frame. I picked out some cute paper that I had been saving from an Archiver's exclusive design pack. This is going on the front and side of the box.

I glue the chipboard onto the paper. Make sure that anything which has a "right side" is glued right side down onto the paper. I don't know that the glue type matters as long as it is a glue that is not going to make the paper buckle. Then I cut out the chipboard; I'm sure that it could be done with a scissor but I used an exacto-knife with a cutting mat.

I wanted my chipboard to have a nice blended look, so I used a similar colored ink pad and I dobbed (is that a word?) the ink pad with a sponge and wiped the edges of the chipboard a bit with the sponge.

Prima flowers can make everything look a little sweeter. So, I chose a few flowers for their shape not their color, because I knew that I didn't have any the color I wanted. I sprayed them with a Terra Cotta walnut ink. I still didn't have the color I wanted.

I then sprayed them with some glimmer mist in black cherry. That gave me the color that I was looking for!

I used a white ink pad and stamped some butterflys and sayings on the box. My stamping did not come out great because of the flexibility of the box! I would recommend a block or something stable on the backside when working with something that is difficult to lay flat. I didn't want to wreck my corners by forcing the areas that I wanted to stamp. I actually think it gave it a bit of a whimsical look. I also repaired some areas by adding bling!

The chipboard and flowers got glued to the box! I added sparkly stones to the centers of the flowers.

The short side of the box got the chipboard file frame with paper added behind it and sticker letters, to again form the word "cards". This way no matter which way I stack my box on a shelf, I will know that it is my card box. I also added another bling stone to that frame.

On the top of the box, I added more flowers, bling, some epoxy stickers, and another piece of paper with more letter stickers. Guess what they spell? Yep, you guessed it, cards again! I don't think it would be possible to not know what was in this box!

My projects always turn out quite a bit different than what I am imagining. This one actually turned out a bit sweeter than I thought it would! So, now the box is finished and I my cards are completely organized!

Tutorial for greeting card box... up next...

2010-07-18T21:10:00.000-05:00

I make greeting cards. I wanted to get organized and know what I had on hand and what I needed. I finally got this box finished and it turned out great. I will share what I learned along the way with you as well as how to make it. I used what I had and didn't buy anything for this project, so it is a real reuse project. The tutorial is coming up next, stay tuned!

Summer Parfaits and Homemade Jam

2010-07-13T18:10:00.005-05:00

Summer Parfait

This fun summer parfait is super fast to make! Have you noticed yet that it is really important to me to be able to make some really cool things, but super fast!!

Blueberry Summer Parfait

Make a yellow cake mix as directed.

Cut into small square pieces.

Dip your glass into caramel sauce then into crushed graham crackers to coat the rim.

Layer the inside of the glass with multiple layers of the following:

The cake pieces

Blueberries

Prepared vanilla pudding

Whip topping spray
Sprinkle a little more of the crushed graham crackers on the top layer and add one more blueberry!

EAT!!

Canned Jam

Jams and jellies are so easy to make! I don't know why I don't do it more often. Here's a fun easy and yes, quick jam. This recipe came from my stepsister's mother, Judy. She's a very nice woman, and yes, it's a complicated family that I am a part of, but I love it and wouldn't have it any other way! How many children of divorce say that?

Rhubarb Cherry Jam

6 cups rhubarb (cut up)

3-1/2 cups sugar

1 - 21 oz. can Cherry Pie Filling (chopped)

1 - 6 oz. Pkg. Cherry Jello

Mix rhubarb and sugar. Let stand for 15 minutes.

Boil 8 minutes. Add cherry pie filling and boil 2 more minutes.

Turn off heat and add cherry jello and stir until disolved.

Put in jars and let it cool.

Seal with wax or can as normal. (She sealed hers with wax and I canned mine).

ENJOY!

A Sewing Daily Deal

2010-07-07T09:27:00.001-05:00

Here's another fun daily deal! This one is for all my crafting and sewing friends! Check this one out, Stitch Steals has a new bargain each day!

And remember, to see all of the daily deals that I have "collected" so far, scroll down to see the word cloud in the left column and click on daily deals! Enjoy!

How Smart Are You?

2010-07-06T13:04:00.002-05:00

How smart are you? I've dared to think that I'm rather intelligent from time to time. Then I found this website! The "seekers" or submitters of challenges offer thousands of dollars if you can solve their problems. Sounds great!! Well, I couldn't dream of being a solver.... why, you ask? I can't even understand the problem, much less come up with a solution! So, if you are a smart scientific-type go and try to win! To check the innocentive website out, click here.

Full Serenity Prayer - Prayer Journal Cover

2010-07-01T19:45:00.000-05:00

I designed this prayer journal cover for my nephew Cody's first communion. I also made a pinky-purpley version for my niece Amy's first communion. I wanted to give them something that had a true feeling of the day and was something that they could use intimately in their "walk with God".

So many people only know the beginning of the serenity prayer and the whole prayer is so beautiful. Everyone should have a copy of it!

As a little how-to... I just designed the cover with a graphic design program and then printed it on glossy photo paper. I covered a composition notebook with cardstock, used fiber for a decoration and pasted the printed cover on the top. The photo you see above is just the cover printout.

Veggies!!! From a 1/2 share from a farm!!

2010-06-30T21:16:00.001-05:00

Can you believe all these wonderful veggies!!
This all came from one week (and the leftovers from last week) from a 1/2 share that I purchased. I've never done this before, but so far I think it's fabulous! I still don't know what some of the stuff is that I have received... especially the herbs...and it's rather fun (and healthy) to be sort-of forced to make sure all this stuff gets used.

Super Fast Southwest Layered Salad

2010-06-27T20:01:00.001-05:00

This was a super fast salad to make! Tasty too!

Arrange 6 cups of lettuce (I used torn romaine lettuce) in the bottom of a glass serving bowl or on a serving plate. Then layer the following on top of the lettuce:
1 can (15 oz.) black beans, rinsed, drained
1 regular size can of corn
3/4 cup Salsa
1/2 cup Shredded cheese (I used a mix of cheeses)
Drizzle with 1/2 cup of Ranch Dressing
Break up tortilla chips and layer with at least a cup of the broken chips.

Eat!!!

Father's Day Card Ideas

2010-06-17T20:56:00.001-05:00

Sometimes it is hard to get away from the girly cards that we all like to make. Here are a couple ideas for cards for the men in your life!

This card uses the fabulous licensed realtree design that most hunters like. This paper is available from Papers Best dealers or on their website. This paper is fabulous for making masculine cards. I have also used it to cover a journal and a clipboard. How about desk accessories for gifts?

These were birthday cards, but they would make great father's day cards, as well. Use some fishing themed paper with eyelash fibers to look like something made for a fly-fisherman.

Something that looks like wood is also masculine in nature. Nature... wood... get it! Ok, silly play with words, I know! I'm not sure where I got this particular paper, but I do know that Papers Best carries something similar, as well. In general, they are a great source for more realistic (rather than cutesy) outdoors themed papers and products targeted towards men.

Moist Rhubarb Strawberry Cake

2010-06-12T11:19:00.000-05:00

Moist Rhubarb Strawberry Cake

1-1/2 Cups Sugar

1 Egg

2 Cups Rhubarb, cut up (see notes below)

1/4 Cup Strawberries, sliced and partially mashed with juice

1 tsp. Vanilla

1/2 Cup Butter, melted

1 tsp. Baking Soda

2 Cups Flour

1 Cup Buttermilk/Sour Milk (see notes below for tips on how to make this)

Grease and flour 9x12 pan. Mix ingredients together. Pour into cake pan.

Mix these additional ingredients together:

1/2 Cup Sugar

1 Tbs. Cocoa Powder

1/4 tsp. Ginger

1 tsp. Cinnamon

Sprinkle this mixture over the batter. Bake at 350 degrees for approximately 35 minutes (check with a toothpick to see if it is done).

A couple of things...

You may want more rhubarb, if so just add another 1/4 cup or so.

Rhubarb should be cut into 1/4 - 1/2 inch slices.

To make buttermilk, you can add 1 tsp. to 1 Tbs. vinegar to regular milk and let sit for 10 minutes.

Enjoy!!

Be Healthy AND Save Money!

2010-06-08T16:00:00.002-05:00

How often do you grab something from the snack machine or convenience store because you didn't plan ahead and , dang it, your hungry?! A little planning is all it takes! Keep a little storage of snacks available. It will keep you from buying something unhealthy and it will keep you from spending the excess amounts on convenience.

I keep granola bars and a bottle of water in my handbag most of the time. I have a little stash in my desk drawer at work. If you don't have a desk drawer, maybe you have a cubby or a tool box drawer, or keep it in your car or tote bag... be creative with your solution! At work, I keep nuts, granola, pretzels, crackers, packets of tea and lemonade, and even oatmeal packets! If you have a fridge available, you can keep cheese, yogert, and veggies. The oatmeal has really been handy when I forget my lunch.

Bringing your lunch every day saves money and helps you eat healthy too! Don't forget the fresh fruit and veggies! Just plan ahead when you go grocery shopping. Another tip: mark it on your calendar - prepare your week of lunches and snacks on the weekend when you have more time.

All of this works for eating healthy on-the-run too. Just a little planning can really add up to being more healthy, losing weight, and saving lots of money....

If you save even just 4.00 per day by bringing your lunch and/or not buying snacks.... and you take 2 weeks of vacation... then 5 weekdays x 50 weeks x 4.00 = a savings of OVER $1000. PER YEAR!

Another Crafting Deal Site!

2010-06-04T10:04:00.001-05:00

Scrappin steals and deals is a brand new site, so I really don't know much about it. You will have to check it out for yourself and see what you think!

Remember that if you want to see all of the fun daily deals that I have found:

Just click on daily deals in the topic cloud on the left side, down just a bit and it will bring up all the entries that I have made on that topic!

Some bad things to say at work and in general:

2010-05-31T19:25:00.000-05:00

There are some words and phrases people frequently utter, without realizing they’re making themselves sound noncommittal, undependable or untrustworthy. It's a really good idea to limit use of these words and find alternatives. Forbes wrote a more in depth article about the relevance of this pertaining to work, however I believe their points are well taken for all situations.

“Try” – Even if you don’t mean it, when you say you’ll try to do something, others will think you’re just paying lip service and have no intention of getting it done.
“I’ll get back to you” – People often use this phrase to buy some time, and never actually get back to the person they say it to. To avoid giving that impression, specify the day and time when you’ll touch base.
“We’ll see” – This is most often used as a way to avoid confrontation or having to say “no.” Instead, just be honest.
“I guess … ” – It’s a common phrase people often tack on to the beginning of their thoughts. But it can also give off the impression you aren’t really sure of what you’re talking about.
“If” – People use this as a way to shift blame — for example, by saying something like, “If Bob finishes his part, then I can do my part.” It’s better to avoid the “if” and assume a successful outcome.

I believe all of these statements are vague and don't do the communicator justice.

Another Crafting Bargain Site or Two!

2010-05-30T15:12:00.002-05:00

I have found a couple more crafting bargains! And yes, I will share them with you!
(Link here removed - no longer applicable - updated 4/5/11)
And all the clearance fabric at fabric.com is only 1.95 per yard!
(Link updated 4/5/11)

Remember that if you want to see all of the fun daily deals that I have found:
Just click on daily deals in the topic cloud on the left side, down just a bit and it will bring up all the entries that I have made on that topic!

An Ancient Plum Tree (correction)

2010-05-24T22:42:00.001-05:00

A plum tree has been discovered! I've lived here eight years and did not know this tree existed. This year, I've walked my ten acres more than I have in the entire eight years that I have lived here. My honey discovered this one though!

The span of the branches is massive. The entire thing was covered in blooms. It was absolutely gorgeous. The trunk is weathered and many, many roots are showing. I don't know much about these trees, but I can tell that it is quite old.

It really is beautiful and I was able to capture a number of adorable photographs of the spring blooms. In autumn, it will be exciting to see all the plums and determine what to do with them.
**Correction** August 2010 - Ok, so I was told it was a plum tree and it is not - it is a crab apple tree! Bummer for me (jam and jelly considerations) but still adorable and interestingly old!

I absolutely LOVE coffee....

2010-05-23T17:57:00.001-05:00

This is the logo that I use for all my ebay auctions! I love coffee! Flavored coffee, iced coffee, coffee with cream, frapps, whatever.... I often drink coffee all day long. My favorite smell is coffee beans. I wish it wasn't so much work to roast my own, I would do it.

I do consider a great cup of coffee as my one real vise, and that's okay, I deserve it! What do you deserve? Make sure you treat yourself from time to time, you are worth it!

I plan on passing along some great coffee recipes, so stay tuned for that.

However, before you go to Caribou Coffee next, you may want to check this out:
http://www.snopes.com/politics/business/caribou.asp
Is it something or is it nothing? What do you think?

Activities at the Bird Feeder

2010-05-20T20:17:00.000-05:00

It was surprising to have five of these birds at the feeder at one time! Yes, I know, you can only see four of them in this photo. They are so pretty. They didn't stay long though, I was lucky to capture them.

My son made the barn feeder when he was young; I'm thinking that he was only 5 or so and he made the whole kit and painted it himself!

This adventurous creature has broken the feeder house three times now! I just don't understand how he gets up there and my man is quite upset with Mr. Squirrel.

Thrift Find - Wire Manequin

2010-05-19T17:24:00.001-05:00

She is so pretty! I was able to find this gem for only 12 dollars! I'm not quite sure what to do with her though...

I thought of draping her with scarves and other accessories that are currently hidden away in the closet, but I really don't want to cover up all her beautiful details. So, I am thinking that she will go into my studio and be used as storage for beads and ribbons and other items girly things. What would you use her for? Do you have any inexpensive ideas for a pole and base? Click on the comments below and let me know what you think!

Photography captures a moment in time...

2010-05-16T21:03:00.003-05:00

On a crisp autumn morning the first virgin snow fell gently. I hastily grabbed my camera and dashed wildly out the door. I longed to capture the precious time sensitive moment. One single precious moment in time can be captured to last forever with photography.

In a single photograph, I transported the feelings of the delicate morning. All was soft, quiet, and crisp. White, pure, new snow intermingled with still green leaves define the backdrop true to the day it was captured. These colors of bright white and patches of dark green are blurred; you could easily not know what they are. In the forefront of the background, just peaking down from the top edge of the photo, are two more defined, yet still blurred shadowy green leaves. The stillness is strikingly present.

From the bottom of the photograph two brown and green stems protrude two-thirds of the way towards the top. These stems are solid, stoic, and seemingly ever present against the white backdrop. Jabbing, daunting thorns adorn the stems and seclude themselves within the drapes of leaves, waiting to pounce upon the unexpecting admirer. Dark green, glossy smooth, wide leaves envelope areas of the stems with dramatic importance. These leaves stand at attention, full of life and not yet ready to release the summer. Yet, snow drapes and clumps upon a central tangle of leaves.

Significantly more prestigious, atop the stems are the truly divine buds of glorious roses. The right bud is solidly closed, keeping comfort from the snow, and thus, keeping the stamen, stigma, and style secure within the confines of the petals. The left bud is ever so gently open towards heaven with only the slightest of distance between the petals. The powdery, white, and crisp snow takes haven atop those mighty petals as if a great weight upon the delicate, buttery soft petals. The petals of these roses are blushed with deep red on the exteriors fading to a soft peachy glow on the interiors of the petals; the contrast is stunning. The edges of the petals curl only slightly inward, as if in silent, unhurried, calm preparation for winter. Tiny, chilly ice crystals sparkle, and adorn the buds like extravagant diamonds. These buds sit perched upon the crown of five pointy, barely green sepals.

A snug grouping of three additional stems hug together as if to cling to the warmth of autumn and fight the contemplation of the oncoming blustery winter. They protrude into the photo from the bottom and angle slightly to the left. Holding loosely to these stems, dipping slightly and extending out of sight to the left are groups of leaves. Leaves of tender medium green are dusted slightly with powdery snowflakes. These mighty stems extend only to a third of the photo. These strict, dark brown stems, lacking any of the green of the others, have a characteristic that I did not notice when I meticulously closed the shutter for the photo. Concentrating so intently on the new snow laden atop the bud, I had not noticed the hacked off stems. Recently cut stems bore fresh open wounds of tender flesh. A triad of stems had lost their heavenly buds to a thief of the morning.

My coveted tool, my camera, is securely wrapped within the cushioned black bag and perched upon the seat next to me; I make my way to the warmth of my home smug with the knowledge that I have captured the transitioning seasons. I have seized this special moment in exactly the way my mind had imagined. As the photograph intermingles bright fresh snowflakes with the still alive summer flower buds, green leaves, and autumn hued sepals, it encompasses the sensation produced by a moment that converts the season. The evidence of one moment is portrayed for eternity.

FREE Licensed Software Programs!!!

2010-05-13T10:07:00.001-05:00

What could be better than free?
Trust me, this is not a fluke or a virus-filled site! I've used it a few times and it's fabulous.
Each day, they offer a different program for free! The goal is to get the word out about the program.
Giveawayoftheday has a link that says "Proceed to download page" right below the description of the day's product. Once you click on that, you get all the REAL information. Then you can decide if it's for you! Listed are really, really helpful reviews, key features, system requirements, etc. It will also tell you the regular retail price and the file size.
One thing that I would caution, however, that I was not originally aware... The terms of use in the read me files require that it is downloaded, installed and registered before the deal expires!
Personally, I have downloaded a really fabulous photography add-on and an organizing program. I don't like to download too many things that are going to bog-down my computer, so I am picky. I can truly say that these are fabulous!! And... How can they not be worth the price? Can you say... ZERO!!!
What a great way to go shopping without spending money... Enjoy this link!

Definition of Mania - My blog name

2010-05-11T10:44:00.002-05:00

I have a confession. When I named this blog, I didn’t really realize what the definition of mania was. It fits though; let me explain.

I thought that mania would be all-encompassing, like lots and lots of topics. This is still true. Because I love so very much about this world and all the things it encompasses, I want to discuss everything and anything!

ma•ni•a
[mey-nee-uh, meyn-yuh]

–noun
1. excessive excitement or enthusiasm; craze: ex. The country has a mania for soccer.
2. Psychiatry . manic disorder.
–noun
1. an ancient Roman goddess of the dead.

a combining form of mania (megalomania); extended to mean “enthusiasm, often of an extreme and transient nature,” for that specified by the initial element (bibliomania).

I am a bit crazy, so it fits! I get overly excited about many things. I get really excited and passionate about things that I really enjoy doing, like art! I get excessively enthusiastic about my career and devoting huge blocks of time to accomplishing those goals! I also give raving crazed outbursts of opinion to everyone around me! You haven’t seen this on this blog yet, but my family and friends know that I am quite opinionated and vocal! I want to share these things with you. I have been told that this is not a good idea. For the sake of my career and such… “they” feel that I should not use this blog as a soapbox. I have written blog entries and not posted them. I want to share my feelings. This is the fight that I am waging with myself. I thought that I would let you know that I think about you, my reader, and I think that I want to share. So… I will probably be writing… writing about my local school system, current congressional issues, touchy parenting issues, and things that may be considered to controversial for some of the people that care about me. I hope that you will look at these things that I share with you as a woman gone a little mad for the few minutes while I am typing and then assume that I really am normal once I vent. Whatever normal is… if there is such a thing. Maybe I should look that word up too! Stay tuned!

Oh, and the goddess part of the defination... oh yes, that's me!! But not of the dead... Goddess of the very excited living!

~Decorated & Altered~ Memo Boards - Tutorial

2010-05-05T19:21:00.001-05:00

These magnetic dry-erase memo boards are fun and easy to make! I made all four of these in one afternoon!
Secret: Read all the way through to discover my mistake!
Here's how I made these, however feel free to use your own ideas and whatever you have on hand. I started with 12x12 memo boards that were on sale at my local craft store. The frames were an unusual reddish wood-tone that I didn't like. I didn't want a stark white with the white memo board either though. So, I taped off the inside with paper and spray painted them all a nice cream color. Since most of my office accessories are cream and black with dashes of red, I thought this would be a perfect start. Can you guess which one I am keeping for me?

While the paint was drying, I made the magnets. I used buttons or brads for the centers. some were layered with a couple of prima flowers. Make sure to do the brads before you glue them onto the magnets. I then glued the flowers to the magnets. I used heavy-duty magnets ( 3/4" diameter) because I wanted to make sure they were good and strong! I had a bit of a problem with the bigger brads; the magnets wanted the brads to go to the side, so I just had to hold them for a bit longer than I would have liked until they started to dry. I used 527 multi-use glue for the magnets because I was told that worked well. And it did.

I actually would suggest letting the magnets and the paint sit overnight, but I was anxious to continue on...

I used rub-ons in the upper left corner of each. A different one, depending on who it was for! I also added some little accessories here and there, like the corner embellishments and the epoxy flower stickers. The rub-ons actually work really well with the board. If you are like me, sometimes rub-ons don't agree with me and they did this time!

On the bottom right-hand corner I added a few more things. I took two ribbons and made a bow out of the two of them together. This looked especially nice with one of the ribbons being organza. I glue-dotted some more flowers with buttons and brads. I stamped some swirly rubber stamp designs and added a tag or another embellishment.... and wahla!! Instant (or not so instant) gifts!!

Oh, yes, my mistake. I did promise to reveal that secret, didn't I?
Well, you are going to want to pay attention when you begin. I just worked away at these without realizing there is an up side and a down side!! On the back, there are hanging brackets in a certain way. Needless to say, mine are on the side or bottom ........Urggghhh

I hope you enjoy this tutorial, please leave me a comment and let me know what you think!

Imaginisce To Love and Cherish Giveaway!

2010-05-04T10:55:00.000-05:00

Samantha at "Me and the Little Rascals" Blog is giving away the entire To Love and Cherish Collection! So visit her blog here to win! Entries close the end of May, in addition she is giving away an item from the collection each Saturday! I absolutely love black and white designs and these are some of the best I've seen!

Winner Announced!

2010-05-03T10:48:00.003-05:00

The winner of my first blog giveaway is Bonnie in SC!! Congratulations! I sent you an email and as soon as I get your mailing address, your scrapbook package will be on it's way to you!

Giveaway!!

2010-04-27T09:42:00.003-05:00

Don't forget to enter my giveaway! Scroll down to my April 24th blog post and leave a comment for your chance to win!

Is There Anything Better than A Giggling Baby?

2010-04-26T10:43:00.002-05:00

They capture the pure essence of innocence. Babies have no idea of the nature of the world and they are totally consumed in living in the moment. What better way to express this than uncontrollable giggling? Have you laughed today?

My first giveaway - Happy Mother's Day!

2010-04-24T19:51:00.001-05:00

Your chance to win!

In honor of Mother's Day, I am giving away this fabulous scrapbook collection. It is the Vintage Scrapbook Box Kit by Remember When by Colorbok. It includes 377 pieces and makes up to 20 pages. Included is a 12x12 Postbound Album, 10 - 12x12 Page Protectors, 20 - 12x12 Patterned Papers, 30 - Accent Stickers, 18 - Journaling Stickers, and 298 - Alphabet Stickers

How do you win? You have three separate ways to win. Each way gives you an additional chance!
1. Leave me a comment below - Simple!!
2. Get another entry by becoming a follower and then leaving me a comment telling me that you did it; if you are already a follower, just leave me a comment telling me that!
3. If you have a blog or a website, put up a link to this contest and then leave me a comment with the url to your link!
All simple ways to increase your chances of winning!

This giveaway will go on until midnight central time on Monday, May 3rd.... Good Luck!!

Daily Deals on Household Items!

2010-04-23T15:51:00.002-05:00

Here are some more fun daily deals. If you would like to see more of the daily deals look down on the left column and click on daily deals in the topic cloud. These are websites that you can check daily, if you like, they feature a new and special deal every day!

Organize.com's Deal of the Day
Happy Home's Kitchen or Household Item a Day
Wrapable's Daily Deal
Orange Onion's Deal of the Day

Enjoy!

Pen - Pencil - Marker Storage Ideas - Blog Hop!

2010-04-19T21:10:00.014-05:00

Pen - Pencil - Marker Storage Ideas

I have so many ideas when it comes to storage of pens, pencils, and markers! I hope some of these ideas can help you transform your space and make things more convenient for you. There are some things to take into consideration when deciding what will work for you.

I believe the main issues are:

Displayed vs. Put Away ~ (Do you work better when your area is free from clutter or do you feel that everything must be visible?)

Vertical vs. Horizontal ~ (Do you believe that pens work better if stored horizontally or vertically? - some manufacturers are specific)
Quantity ~ (A cup full or a file cabinet full)
Portability ~ (Do you travel to crops or with friends often, or do you work at home?)

You don't need to spend a lot of money to make a really attractive storage solution. Some of the best ideas are dollar store finds or reuse ideas!

I believe that everything looks better if it is containerized... so, if you decide to use cups or vases or glass jars, you may want to containerize them further such as with a basket, box, old drawer, or tray (such as a dresser tray or serving tray) - This also makes your entire collection much more portable!

Just walk through your home or a dollar store...any container has the potential to hold your writing utensils...

Think about paint, paper, fabric, decoupage, trim, stamp, splatter, play with a cut-off cereal box, cups, shoe boxes, sauce jars or cans, plastic bins, or vases.

How about taking a variety of garage sale vases and plant pots and spray painting them all the same matching color and putting them on a mirrored tray - now fill with colorful markers!!

Ikea has a fabulous set that includes a rod with hanging buckets that works fabulously.

Even a brochure holder can be used to containerize your pens, pencils, or markers!

You can even make a pen holder from old diskettes!

Large cookie jars and canisters make a dramatic statement filled with colorful markers or highlighters or colored pencils.

How about using a TV remote caddy, mini-paint cans or various Chinese carry-out boxes? Or a sock compartment from a dresser?

Or a silverware drawer organizer? Or a picnic table silverware caddy?

I was lucky! I found a store pen display rack at my local scrapbook store when they were going out of business. I covered the top and bottom with some of my favorite scrapbooking papers. I stamped "PLAY" on it and wah-lah!!

There are many different plastic organizers that can be used. Think clear plastic shoe boxes, Rubbermaid containers, and plastic bins.

Baskets, photo boxes, pencil cases, and cigar boxes make great horizontal storage.

Wonderful details on how Trudee from split coast stampers stores her Copic markers along with great ideas on how to keep track of your colors is available on her blog.

Any wine rack makes a great storage for pens, pencils, and markers; Just add glasses or cans instead of wine bottles!

Cubes, office rotary spinners, and Office Supply sources are general multipurpose ideas.

Acrylic or plastic drawers always work well.

Rolling Carts with Mini-Drawers are excellent options if you have many, many writing utensils.

Isn't this a gorgeous and innovative idea? Kristen Troyer has a fabulous idea made from pvc pipe that her father helped create!

Tami McBeath shows off the Color Cubbie; a new solution by a friend.

Artbin has a bunch of really neat storage solutions.

What if you have a lot of pens! Maybe you need to store them in a file cabinet, file box, or entire drawer!

Mister art has a zip up pencil pouch that is fun and expandable!

Dick Blick has a very reasonably priced solution here.

This spinning tray from mister art could be a lot of fun to fill and bright red too!

Expandable Copic Marker Rack – How fun... collect away!!

How simple is this idea from re-nest?

Even a dishwasher rack for silverware can be painted and used! Outta this funk shows you how!

I like these 12x12 storage boxes - they hold a lot and my goal is to fill each with different things. Different embellishments etc. I actually like the snap closure ones better but this gives you an idea. They are clear, portable, and stack well!

More Ideas:
Do you remember the vase that I decorated for valentines day? This makes a cool pencil holder!

A fabric/canvas/nylon roll-up storage system is convenient and portable. These typically have slots for individual items.

You could easily use a 6 pack beer or wine cooler package; use the way it is or recover with your special designs.

Sometimes the original cases are the best and you just want to store them all in a drawer.

A bunch of used grocery store sauce bottles inside of a basket! You could tie ribbons around these to make them cute!

Most large scrapbooking totes have great marker organizers built in with the elastic that holds them individually.

A tackle box or tool box that you already have might be just what you want.

Even an old mismatched shoe or boot can hold some miscellaneous items!

Any number of similar sized objects, like paint cans, cups, or tin cans can be glued together and stacked on their sides for horizontal storage!

I found a square bucket with ice cream and not having seen a square one before, really felt that it had to be purchased! For storage reasons of course, but I did eat the ice cream too! It would work nicely!

Various boxes - cereal boxes, pasta boxes, cookie boxes, etc... can be taken and cut off at the appropriate height and taped together, spray painted or wrapped with your favorite scrapbooking or wrapping paper and used for pen storage. These could be used for horizontal or vertical storage depending on the boxes you choose.

Cups are a traditional pencil cup solution. You could use the plastic dollar store cups that you actually get a few for a dollar and they are colorful. The traditional coffee mugs can be used, it's a great way to display any that are sentimental.

If you have a bulletin board near your desk, you can pin a carpenter pouch or sewn dishtowel to the bottom of the board and fill it up.

Metal wall vases make cute containers for a few pens or pencils that you want to hang near by an area. Maybe next to your phone or door.

This blog post is part of an organizational blog hop for scrapbooking supplies! Please continue on to the other participants and leave a comment at each one (including here!) and let us know what you think! Thanks for visiting and being a part of our blog hop!

Photograph Storage - Leanne

Embellishment Storage - Jo

Ribbon & Fiber Storage - Shellie

Stamp Storage - Wendy K.

Ink Pad Storage - Ramona

Pen & Pencil Storage - Jeanne M. **YOU ARE HERE**

Sticker, Die Cuts and Rub-On Storage -Amanda

Tools Storage and Paper Storage - Mary

Get your financial life in order....

2010-04-18T17:33:00.001-05:00

April is financial literacy month. Getting your financial life in order can be one of the most rewarding things you ever do for yourself! The sense of accomplishment in knowing that you are on the right path to achieve security or your financial goals is amazing. In my opinion, the best way to accomplish a goal is with consistent baby steps. Here is a website that will help to guide you along the path to financial wellness. They use 30 steps in 30 days and it will help guide you along your path. I also found this exercise journal that really gives you a thorough process to securing your financial future. From budgeting, calculating for retirement, and getting support, this book covers it.

Reading a magazine may never be the same!

2010-04-15T10:07:00.002-05:00

I love magazines! They are such a bevy of eye candy and interesting articles, in little tidbits, just waiting for my consumption! I told you a little about my thoughts on the Apple I-pad a while back. I won't be buying any of the e-readers or tablets available in black and white, and here's why...

Sports Illustrated - Tablet Demo 1.5 from The Wonderfactory on Vimeo.

You just have to look at this video on Sports Illustrated's new multi-media magazine! The possibilities are endless....

I can't wait to see some of the craft magazines that might follow this concept; can you imagine video tutorials embedded within the articles, and extra photos of projects... It's mighty exciting, I would say!

And... can you imagine how organized your house would be if all your magazines and books were in digital format. It's not quite the same to snuggle up in jammies with hot cocoa and a tablet computer though (although it's getting closer all the time).

Eat, Pray, Love ~ Now the MOVIE!!

2010-04-09T10:33:00.004-05:00

Back on January 7th, I told you about this fabulous book that I read, "Eat, Pray, Love"...

Now I have more information on the movie! It comes out August 13th! My Mom's birthday!
I doubt she'll want to go to the midnight opening showing like I would like to... but it is kind of cool timing!

Anyway, there are trailers that you can watch and a contest you can enter to get tickets to the premiere showing... Here's the catch....
If you win the tickets, you have to bring me! :)
So...

To enter the contest go to the facebook page (you don't have to be a member) and then click on the sweepstakes link!

You can watch the trailer for the movie at the official site of the movie by Sony Pictures here. I rarely think that a movie can capture the essence of a book; however, with Julia Roberts, other awesome actors, and the looks of this trailer, this could be a fabulous version of the book! I am excited! Mark your calendars for August 12-13 and let's go to the midnight showing!

Sporting Daily Deals!

2010-04-05T10:39:00.000-05:00

I found some really fun sites for sporting goods. My youngest son is a huge snowboarder, so I couldn't help but feature these!

One for hunting type sporting goods is Sportsman's Gear Daily
Camping, Hiking, and other sports enthusiasts will like Outdoor Daily's Daily Deal
Another Smokin' Deal has a deal a day targeted towards snowboarders and wakeboarders
ProBoardshop has pro deal of the day for snowboarders and wakeboarders
General outdoor gear and boarding gear can be found at 98 Main's deal of the day

Happy Deal Hunting!

Happy Easter!

2010-04-04T13:37:00.002-05:00

The Snow Is Gone, But the Photography Is Not!

2010-03-30T09:29:00.005-05:00

Here in Minnesota, the snow seems to last forever. Now, earlier than usual, we have no snow this year. My favorite season is summer. We have too little sun here and I cherish every moment of it! In saying good-bye to Winter, I am sharing this photo. This was taken during the first snowfall of 2009 and I thought you might enjoy it. Thanks to my honey, Jeff, for making sure I got time for myself and taking me out to photograph that day!

Are you finding beauty and love in your world?

2010-03-29T18:22:00.003-05:00

I hope you enjoy the new look to my blog! I want to start focusing more on artsy things! Trust me, I will still do all the things that I talked about in my very first post; I just want to bring some beauty and love to the world... and this blog is where I am going to begin! I hope you enjoy it.

In addition to the new look and colors, I have changed the little snippet description of the blog; it now reads...

"Are you finding beauty and love in your world?"
This is my new focus! I hope you find that this blog adds beauty and love to your world. As well as some knowledge, fun, art, home remedies, straight talk, and whatever I think of next ~ ENJOY!

That pretty much sums up my intention. You will be seeing a new banner heading soon too. I hope you continue to come back here and check things out. I have a giveaway coming soon too! Please leave me comments letting me know what you think of the new look. And if you are not already a follower, I would love it if you would click the little button and follow me!

Baby Shower Game

2010-03-27T11:54:00.003-05:00

This was a really fun baby shower game! I received a large pickle or olive jar (institutional size) from my wonderful sister, Tricia! I filled it with bunches of little things for the new baby and the new parents. Some things that I put in this jar were bath toys, baby wash cloths, hand sanitizer, q-tips, suckers with tags for each of the parents, a matchbox car, a bottle, wipes, teething ring, toy link, baby spoons, mini-first aid kit, on the go juice packets, and ... because my brother, Bill, the new Daddy, is a super hero fanatic... a spiderman mini-ice pack, and spiderman socks! I then added the blue polka dot fabric top with ribbon.

We passed the jar around for the women at the party to look at, and they could only look at it for 10 seconds each! Then guess how many items were in the jar! It was a fun game and the new mommy, Racheal, got to keep the jar of goodies!

You could use this idea for a bridal shower or centerpiece for an over-the-hill birthday party too!

For the Guys!! Deal of the Day - TOOLS!

2010-03-26T15:02:00.001-05:00

Here are some for the guys, I don't know any that don't like tools!

Great Gift Ideas and Handy Things for the House!

Tooliday's new tool every day

One Tool A Day's site

And one for my oldest son - Automotive Tools! He is an automotive genius, all I know is he can fix or figure out pretty much anything mechanical! (Sorry, link removed, it appears that tooliday no longer has a separate tool special for automotive - updated 4/5/11)

I even found a great soldering iron for myself on one of these sites, one day! Woo Hoo!

More Crafting Daily Deals!

2010-03-23T09:12:00.002-05:00

I have more daily deals for all my Artsy Crafty friends! Back on February 1, I believe, I wrote about some great daily deal sites and now I've found more! I will also be having some sporting and general ones coming up. If you ever want to just see all the Daily Deal postings that I have done, just click on the daily deals link in the topic cloud in the left column. Also remember when visiting these sites, to right click on the link and then left click on open in new tab, so that you can stay on this page too!

Kindred Creations Deal of the Day
Bazzinga's Today's Deal
Crazy Scrap's JW Deals
(Site previously listed here - has been removed, link is not working, updated 4/5/11)
Scrapbook dot com's Featured Deal
Blessed 2 Scrapbook's Daily Specials

Now, how fun is that!? Enjoy!!

Spring-Easter Craft Project

2010-03-13T16:31:00.004-06:00

This adorable Spring or Easter bucket is simple to make. I just used one of the paint cans with clear plastic base that you find in the craft stores. I cut circles for the top, a colorful one the exact size of the top and a coordinating plain colored one for inside of that. I stamped a cute little message on it. I did the same procedure for the center stripe inside of the can. I also tied a bunch of coordinating ribbons to the handle. I put some colored strips of paper on the base, inside the can. Finally, I added the coordinating tootsie-pop suckers!

My baby brother is having a baby! This is actually going to be a prize for one of the games at the baby shower on Sunday! What a fabulous little door prize or hostess gift! Whatever season or occasion it is, you can make it coordinate!

Healthy Nachos & Healthy Substitutions!

2010-03-12T16:18:00.001-06:00

It’s all about the choices! Simple substitutions for ingredients that you normally use can make a huge impact on your calorie intact. If you are trying to eat healthier, try some of these simple substitutions taken from Nachos that my honey and I made.

Tip #1: Use baked instead of regular tortilla chips, 8.5% less calories and 68% less fat! A minor change would be white corn instead of yellow corn, but this change alone is 14% less fat.

Tip #2: Add lots of veggies! We added corn and zucchini; it was delicious and more nutritious for us.

Tip #3: Lima beans have no fat! They are by far the best choice for beans. Even if you don’t go with the lima beans, you can still save calories and fat grams. Choose Kidney Beans, Black Beans, Pinto Beans, or Red Kidney Beans over Navy Beans and Chili Beans. This simple choice will save you 30% in calories and ½ the fat! And, the Lima bean would save you 36% in calories and all the fat grams would be gone!

Tip #4: The Cheese. Yes, the cheese is a huge culprit no matter how you look at it. However, you can still make better choices, Use American, Mexican Blend – Reduced Fat, Cheez Wiz, Velveeta, or Mozzarella instead of Swiss, Monterey, Colby, or Cheddar. Now cheese is my biggest weakness, so I won’t, probably, follow my own advice. If I did, I could save 28% of the calories and 67% of the fat grams.

Tip #5: Ground Turkey vs. Ground Beef. This one’s simple. It hardly changes the taste and saves 15% of the calories and 20% of the fat grams.

Tip #6: Salsa is Fabulous! Load it on! No fat grams! One ounce has only 7 calories. Make up for smaller portions of meat and cheese with more salsa and more veggies!

Tip #7: Taco sauce is similar to salsa; very low in calories and no fat grams! The green is ½ the calories of the red however. One ounce of green is 7 calories and one ounce of red is 14 calories.

Tip #8: Most spices have very few calories and fat grams. You can use quite a bit to make your foods taste better. There are a few to watch out for though; check the powders. Chili powder and onion powder have more than you would think.

Tip #9: Use sites, such as nutritiondata.com, to compare ingredients and determine what is best for you and your health!

Imagine, you can have 1/3-1/2 the calories and fat by making simple choices! Take these notes with you the next time you go shopping, or check the labels!

Now, if you save ½ the calories, that doesn’t mean you can eat twice as much!

Portion Control is the key!

Free Music

2010-03-06T10:32:00.002-06:00

There are still places on the internet that you can get free music and it's legal. Amazon has a fabulous selection of free and reasonably priced music. I thought I would pass this on for those that want to add some new music to your mp3 collection! Free Music Downloads on Amazon

Daily Health Habits

2010-03-04T10:46:00.004-06:00

We all need to be concerned with our health. It makes the difference on how we feel, how functional we are in a day, and how long we live. I feel that health is the most important thing we have. If our body is not healthy, it is very difficult to enjoy anything else in this life! With all of this in mind, I am trying to get into the habit of doing some healthy things EVERY DAY! So, I've created my DAILY HEALTH HABITS list. Let me know if you think I'm forgetting something important.

1. Drink Plenty of Water

2. Take Vitamins

3. Stretching & Exercize

4. Eat Healthy & In Moderation (count calories etc)

5. Moisturize & Sunscreen

6. Relax/Meditation/Spiritual

7. Mind Growth & Learning

8. Affirmations & Personal Growth

9. Brush your Teeth

10. Hug Someone!

Now that's not so bad is it?!

Another Daily Deal! PROMOTIONS

2010-03-01T13:34:00.002-06:00

As you know, I love these daily deal things!! Well, here's one that you can't miss if you have a business, non-profit, website, blog, or anything else that you would like to promote! You need to check out this daily deal type website! They offer a promotional product deal a day, but it is always limited and quickly sold out, so you have to keep checking back! You can also sign up for their advance notification and get emailed one hour in advance of the promotion being posted. Enjoy!

What If?

2010-02-27T14:38:00.001-06:00

What if? Lets say that you make $20 per hour, for a 40 hour work week, that's $800 per week. You get paid once a week. You are married with one child. You live in Minnesota. You are claiming married with 2 exemptions. Lets say that you have no pretax exemptions (retirement, health savings, etc.). On an average paycheck, EVERY WEEK, you pay in $139.20 to the government. ($50 to the IRS, $28 to MN Revenue, $49.60 to Social Security, and $11.60 to Medicare). What would happen if you had to actually write out a check EVERY WEEK for that $139.20? Would you be more cognizant of the amount of taxes that you pay if you had to pay it in yourself? Would everyone else be more conscious of it?
By the way, in this scenerio, your $800 paycheck has now been changed to $660.80 and multiply this by 52 weeks in a year and your $41,600 salary has changed into $34,361.60.
Take your last paycheck and really look at it. How much are you paying? I know you don't write out a check each week (unless you are self-employed), but take a couple minutes, on each payday and look at it, REALLY LOOK AT IT!

Valentine's Day - Decor & More

2010-02-13T14:20:00.004-06:00

One last post for Valentine's Day!

This is such an adorable idea from Martha Stewart, a container in a vase with flowers.

This super cute conversation heart pillow is just adorable.

You can find the tutorial from Tara on her blog, sewtara.

I adore collage, and this gorgeous valentine's collage is no exception.

To see the full view of this work of art by Nifty Thrifty and to see the tutorial go to the spotted canary.

This wall decal is so stunning and perfect for valentine's day.

Elephannie sells them on Etsy.

Valentine's Day - The Movie

2010-02-12T21:53:00.004-06:00

This is a must see movie for any couple!

It's not just a "chick flick" ~

My honey thought it was great and is telling others they need to see it.

Like Julie Roberts said in an interview about the movie,

"There are going to be a lot of babies born 9 months from now!"

Not only are there a few great story lines and lots of famous actors,

it's got some sensible relationship advice woven into it!

This movie is now on my all time favorite movie list.

I may even have to get the Soundtrack!

Valentine's Day Vase - Tutorial

2010-02-11T21:34:00.001-06:00

This was a fun & simple project and the result is stunning!

You could fill this vase with candies, red and pink marbles, flowers or any number of cool valentine's ideas.

You will need:

A Vase - I used a simple, inexpensive rectangle vase from Target.

Candies - or marbles or whatever you are going to fill it with.

Ribbon -I used dark red with white dots. Or use plain red or one with words on - like "I love you"!

Rub-on or vinyl stickers with your desired design - This could be a simple scripted "Love" - I used a couple of the rub-ons from the fancy-free collection by fancy pants design.

A Glue Dot.

Tie the ribbon tightly around the bottom of the vase and secure with a glue dot. Position the rub-on in the desired position and hold in place while you rub the entire design to the vase. Do not remove the top layer of the rub-on until it is completely secure. Lift the top layer slowly, if any design stays on the top layer, carefully lay the top back down and continue rubbing until the entire design is in place. I used two separate rub-ons for my design but just one simple vinyl sticker or rub-on would look elegant. Now, fill it up and you are done!

Super Simple!

Simple & Classy!

The ribbon with words on it was my original idea with a more simple rub-on but I couldn't locate the rub-on that I had planned to use. Someone make one like that and show me your creation! Actually, show me any versions that you decide to make, I would love to see it!

Valentine's Day - Food Ideas

2010-02-09T20:26:00.003-06:00

This gorgeous treat is made from candy canes!

These could be a treat, a gift, or decor!

Fabulous idea from Jodi at Pleasant Home.

Raspberry Frappe

Oh My! Valentine Treat from Heaven courtesy of

Better Homes and Gardens.

These Gorgeous Valentine Hearts

are made from crescent rolls.

This wonderful idea is featured by Pillsbury.

I hope you enjoy all this valentine eye candy!

There is more on the way!

Valentine's Day - Gift Ideas

2010-02-06T23:19:00.004-06:00

I always have more ideas than time! I have so many things that I want to make.... I just love crafting and arts. I always want to make things for the people that I love, I feel like the time and love that I put into the things that I make will be conveyed to the recipient. Here are some fabulous ideas to show your loved one how you feel, some are easy to make, some are a bit more difficult, and some you can purchase.

Better Homes and Gardens offers you the directions for this cute card.

This cute book can tell your honey all the wonderful reasons that you love him/her. It's actually made from a simple one dollar deck of cards! Check out the tutorial by Kelly at Trans-craft-inental.

Gifts for you now has many personalized gifts from intimate apparal to coffee mugs. This is also a great resource for wedding thank you gifts and shower gifts.

It's always a challange to come up with a creative kids valentine project.

These cute valentines by Family Fun are ingenious.

And... More...

Top 10 Last Minute Valentine's Day Gifts

Click here for: These cute and practical ideas from about.com are fabulous!

Opening in another window

2010-02-02T15:14:00.000-06:00

I've been doing research on getting my links to open in a new window/tab. I will soon be able to make my links do that. In the time being, if you would like to remain on my blog and open a link ...
follow these directions...

1. Hover your mouse over the link and right click.
2. Scroll down to (hover over) either open in new tab (usually the 2nd option) or open in new window (usually the 3rd option).
3. Left Click

You will now be able to close out of that link when you are done with it and remain here, on my blog!

Hope this helps!

Daily Deals are FUN!

2010-02-01T17:29:00.018-06:00

Even if I never buy anything, Daily Deals are Fun!! Have you seen these websites?

You can check these websites each day to see what the new bargain is...

Just like you never know what you will find on this blog from day to day, you never know what you will find at a steal of a deal each day on these websites!

So… Here are some links for some common ones, some not so common, and some specialty ones, and just for added measure, I’ve thrown in some that are weekly deals.

General and Special Daily Deals:
Target’s Daily Deal
Razor Dog Deal’s Deal of the Day (on the right-hand side of the screen)
Daily Deal’s Deal of the Day
Amazon Daily Deals
Daily Steal’s Deal of the Day
Ebay’s Daily Deal
Daily Memories Deal
Daily Checkout’s Daily Deal
LTD Commodities Deal of the Week (Weekly Deal – Scroll down to the bottom of the page)
REI’s Deal of the Week (Weekly Deal for the Sports Minded)

A Couple Sites that have a “Popularity” list of Daily Deals:
Zero Day Deals (You can click on the top bar to choose daily deals or weekly deals)
Deal Sucker

For my boys (this proves I’m cool!):
The Xbox Live Deal of the Week

For all of my Artsy Friends, who have been waiting ever-so-patiently for me to do something-anything (I promise there is lots more coming!) crafty:
Flowers to Flourishes Today’s Deal
Peachy Cheap’s Today’s Deal
Crop Chocolate’s One Sweet Deal at A Time
Scrapbook Steal’s Daily Steal
Two Peas In A Bucket’s Deal of the Day (link updated 4/5/11)
Crafty Steal’s Hot New Steal

Oh My Craft’s Daily Deals
(I removed a link from this location that was no longer working - updated 4/5/11)

All My Memories Steal of the Week (Weekly Deal)

**I do believe this is the most extensive crafting daily deals list I’ve seen anywhere!! ENJOY!!**

New Tax Deductions for 2009

2010-01-29T13:45:00.003-06:00

Make sure that you don't miss out on some of the new tax deductions that you may qualify for.
Here is a good article, summarizing some of the most popular ones.
Some common deductions that are often overlooked.
Just a side note, I did hear that anyone filing the new form 5405 are having their refunds delayed because of processing time. If you are in a hurry, my recommendation would be to file your return without it, and then file an ammended return with the form.

And just for fun, the five most bizzare tax deductions around the world!

See how well you know your deductions with this quiz!

iPad, Kindle, or Mini-Netbook? My comparison:

2010-01-28T12:58:00.012-06:00

Apple made a big announcement. Everyone is listening.
Do we love the new iPad?
I found reviews and comparisons. I think … It depends. It depends what you are looking for.

Now, I don’t claim to know more about the technical stuff than these reviewers, but they are not all entirely accurate. Example: Kindle does have an SD slot, Kindle can handle photos/diagrams (just not in color)… If you have a particular feature that is important to you make sure to … go to the source for more info…

Sources: Kindle (Basic)specs, Kindle DX specs,
Apple iPad specs, HP mini netbooks specs,
Toshiba tablet pc specs, Dell mini netbooks and
Barnes & Nobles Nook specs

Here are some reviews that I found interesting, although not entirely accurate:
http://www.crunchgear.com/2010/01/27/the-ipad-vs-the-kindle-spec-for-spec/
http://www.electronista.com/articles/10/01/27/apple.banking.on.color.and.apps/
http://seattlebubble.com/blog/amazon-kindle-vs-apple-ipad/
http://socialmode.com/2010/01/27/ipadibooks-vs-kindle-vs-nook/

My obsession with books has meant that I want to own as many as possible, I just don’t want the clutter! Kindle to the rescue! Ever since it came out, I thought it was a fabulous idea. I haven’t purchased one though. I just know that technology is moving quickly… when will the next best thing be here? Is it the iPad? Here is my take…

For books, the Kindle is still better. You can’t beat the non-glare e-ink for reading. One negative, for crafts, how-to, and magazines – color would be nice! With the Kindle you can “sync” your books on your computer, Amazon library, iphone, and blackberry – you will never run out of storage space because Amazon will store your entire library! You have tons more books available through Amazon than through Apple’s iBook store. Amazon’s last count was 400,000 books in addition to magazines, newspapers, and blogs. And it is not stopping: Quote from Amazon, “Our vision for Kindle is to have every book ever printed, in any language, all available in under 60 seconds.” And huge: No monthly fee!! Free 3G connectivity. No internet or mobile service fees. This adds up every month, people!! Why aren’t the other reviewers making a big deal about this feature?

My final choice... I'm still waiting.

Fabulous Website Find & What to do with all those USER MANUALS...

2010-01-27T10:12:00.001-06:00

I needed a user manual. We have a complicated phone system at the office and no one knows how to use it. We pay with our first born children (and dogs and cats) every time we need to call for assistance. I decided to see what I could find to download online. I didn't know how much it would cost, but it would be worth it, I was sure! Lo and behold, I found a site to download user manuals for free!!

Now, talk about eliminating clutter and keeping organized at home! You know longer have to keep the physical paper user manuals if you can download a copy or go to the website if you need to reference something. I used to keep a file of user manuals and warranties but often forgot about it or didn't like the bulkiness of it. Right now, I am keeping my manuals with the item or within close proximity, which works nicely. I have the tv and vcr/dvd manuals under the dvd player. I have coffee pot, blender, etc manuals with the cookbooks. Mentally, for some reason, files represent "things to do" for me. One good rule of organization is to keep things where you use them.

There are probably more websites like this one out there, but here is the one I found: http://safemanuals.com/ Go forth and enjoy paperless manuals!!

New Years Resolution: A BACK UP SYSTEM FOR YOUR DATA!!

2010-01-13T20:52:00.005-06:00

Back it up before you lose it! I can not stress how important this is! If you've used a computer long enough, you've lost data! If you have not already, some day you will. I guarantee it. Your hard drive will crash, you will get a virus, or you will corrupt data. It may not be your fault, but it will happen. Do this to save yourself a lot of headaches. Sign up for an automatic online backup system. It's one of the smartest things you can do for yourself. It will save everything you have in your my documents folder; all of your photos, music, letters, everything! It will also backup your desktop files and your outlook files. Typically, it will not backup your programs or external drives. For the peace of mind and security it is a small price to pay. I believe they also have a free program. I would suggest Mozy Unlimited Backup - $4.95/Month.

How to return a Christmas Gift:

2010-01-09T12:44:00.001-06:00

1. Pretend to love it. (By the way, this is not referring to ANY Christmas gifts that I have received; I truly do love them all!)

2. Keep it in the packaging and keep all tags attached.

3. Think about where they probably purchased it, but be embarrassed to ask.

4. Think about the gift on your next ten trips to any stores and scout out the source.

5. Keep forgetting to bring it along.

6. Remember to put it by the door so that you can grab it next time you go to the store.

7. Keep forgetting to grab it.

8. Finally, remember to put it in the car, so that it is there!

9. When at the store next time, forget it in the car.

10. Make a special trip back to the car.

11. Go to customer service.

12. Get told that it was about forty dollars before Christmas but with all the after Christmas discounts and no receipt, they will only give you a five dollar store credit!

13. Decide to regift it.

14. Wonder if they regifted it to you.

15. Put a post-it note on it so you don't forget who gave it to you.

16. Keep rethinking whether you should really regift it or maybe donate it.

My take on eat pray love

2010-01-07T15:32:00.003-06:00

I have always loved books. I tend to collect them in mass quantities. Only a small fraction of which ever seem to get read. Thanks to Amazon’s want list I no longer have to buy every book that I want to read (like I couldn’t have made a list of my own!)… As of late, I have tended to bury my head in books the likes of, Analytical Management. I always tend towards the self-help and how-to type books. As normal, always feeling like I should be accomplishing something, even if it’s time for me!

Well, this time I wanted light reading. I discovered this book, eat pray love, By Elizabeth Gilbert. This is still a true story, however it’s pure enjoyment! Elizabeth sets out to find herself after a typically nasty divorce. She takes a year to travel (lucky girl) and “find balance”. She not only travels, she digs herself into these fabulous local spots. Whether she is in Italy, India, or Indonesia she is burying herself in the culture and making true friends. I adored this book. For me this was a slice of heaven, I long to visit Italy. I learned things about meditation that most don’t ever contemplate. I learned some about achieving balance in my own life. I adored Elizabeth’s candor and down to earth manner. I felt as though I bonded with her. I really don’t think it had anything to do with her battle with emotional relationships!

The movie will be released this year, 2010, and features Julia Roberts in the lead role of Elizabeth “groceries”. (When the movie, Erin Brockovich, came out there were a few people that said she reminded them of me. Since I don’t believe it was her gorgeous beauty or lovely thick long red hair, I would say that it was probably her bullheaded determination. Anyway, I still took it as a compliment.) I am ecstatic that my favorite actress will be playing the role of my most recent favorite “real” book character. I don’t believe that it would be possible for a movie to capture the depth of this story, but it will be interesting to view, none the less.

I found a blog completely dedicated to this book! http://eat-pray-love-fans.blogspot.com/

Big Hint: Don’t read the blog until after you’ve read the book!

Another Hint: The links to products don’t work, I'm guessing they were copyright infringing.

What is your W-4 saying about you?

2010-01-06T10:18:00.004-06:00

How many exemptions are you claiming?
Do you get a large refund at the end of the year?
Do you want the government to use as little of your money as possible?

Many people feel that they would rather be SAFE than sorry and they have large amounts deducted from their earnings and then receive a large refund. These people would rather walk on glass then owe the government any money.

Others feel that they would rather have/use/invest their money all year; they try to MAXIMIZE their exemptions. These people are the risk takers of life, they would rather jump from an airplane then miss out on an opportunity.

You can change your W-4 withholding exemptions at ANY TIME with your human resources department. However, now is the perfect time to contemplate changes. What does your tax refund/debt look like this year? Have you had any major changes: Marriage, Divorce, Births, Adoptions, Children becoming independent, Deceased dependant….? What would you like your tax return’s bottom line to look like next year?

Intent of Blog

2010-01-04T18:50:00.004-06:00

I seriously am not sure I should be doing this! I am busy already, however I do intend to share some knowledge, opinion, and fun with you! My thoughts are not to keep this blog to one subject like a lot of people do.... My writings will be hugely varied! To give you a quick overview of my current intentions:
The typical: Home life, family, relationships, parenting, health...
The passions: Photography, travel, art, interior design, scrapbooking, crafts, home remedies, recipes, books, upcycling, jewelry, accessories, organization, yoga and meditation...
The necessities of my career: Accounting, management, business, careers, money....
The future: Government, politics, green issues, heritage...
I will probably stay away from that last group of ideas until I have a great group of followers, then I will offend some later! Hopefully not, but it's bound to happen and I hope you will love me so much that you look beyond it!

Miss Jeanne Mania

Unique Colorful Dip - Cowboy Caviar

Troublesome Squirrel

Just like groupon

Fabulous Daily Deal Site - My FAVORITE So Far!

Another Crafting Deal of the Day Site

GE pays no Federal Taxes for 2010 - What about you?

Simple Gift Tag Idea!

Deal of the Day - GROUPON

Peanut Butter - Raisin Cookies - Easy & Fast

Minnesota Record Snowfall for December

Job Scam

Photography Hint for the Holidays!

Fresh from the garden stir-fry

When I am 61...

Be In THE MOMENT of NOW

Greeting Card Box Tutorial

Tutorial for greeting card box... up next...

Summer Parfaits and Homemade Jam

A Sewing Daily Deal

How Smart Are You?

Full Serenity Prayer - Prayer Journal Cover

Veggies!!! From a 1/2 share from a farm!!

Super Fast Southwest Layered Salad

Father's Day Card Ideas

Moist Rhubarb Strawberry Cake

Be Healthy AND Save Money!

Another Crafting Deal Site!

Some bad things to say at work and in general:

Another Crafting Bargain Site or Two!

An Ancient Plum Tree (correction)

I absolutely LOVE coffee....

Activities at the Bird Feeder

Thrift Find - Wire Manequin

Photography captures a moment in time...

FREE Licensed Software Programs!!!

Definition of Mania - My blog name

~Decorated & Altered~ Memo Boards - Tutorial

Imaginisce To Love and Cherish Giveaway!

Winner Announced!

Giveaway!!

Is There Anything Better than A Giggling Baby?

My first giveaway - Happy Mother's Day!

Daily Deals on Household Items!

Pen - Pencil - Marker Storage Ideas - Blog Hop!

Get your financial life in order....

Reading a magazine may never be the same!

Eat, Pray, Love ~ Now the MOVIE!!

Sporting Daily Deals!

Happy Easter!

The Snow Is Gone, But the Photography Is Not!

Are you finding beauty and love in your world?

Baby Shower Game

For the Guys!! Deal of the Day - TOOLS!

More Crafting Daily Deals!

Spring-Easter Craft Project

Healthy Nachos & Healthy Substitutions!

Free Music

Daily Health Habits

Another Daily Deal! *PROMOTIONS*

What If?

Valentine's Day - Decor & More

Valentine's Day - The Movie

Valentine's Day Vase - Tutorial

Valentine's Day - Food Ideas

Valentine's Day - Gift Ideas

Top 10 Last Minute Valentine's Day Gifts

Opening in another window

Daily Deals are FUN!

New Tax Deductions for 2009

iPad, Kindle, or Mini-Netbook? My comparison:

Fabulous Website Find & What to do with all those USER MANUALS...

New Years Resolution: A BACK UP SYSTEM FOR YOUR DATA!!

How to return a Christmas Gift:

My take on eat pray love

What is your W-4 saying about you?

Intent of Blog

Another Daily Deal! PROMOTIONS