Just call me "Mrs. Mayor" or "Your Royal Mayorness." I'm cool.

Saturday,  after a big garage sale (I swear it's the last garage sale I host!)  as a family we sat down to watch a movie.  Tangled.  It's cute and easy.

3/4 of the way through comments began:

Elvis: "Dad, some day you will be King."

Q (from a lounging position): "King of What?"

Mr. Handsome: "There's a song that might help us with that."

Me: "Wait, let me check Youtube,  I think it's something like King of Anything."




Ladycakes: "Yes, I love that song!"

Mr. Handsome: "No, that's not what I was thinking.  It mentioned being the mayor....."

Me: "Is this it?"

Mr. Handsome: "Yes! Best song EVER!"




Me: "oh yeah, that makes WAY more sense.  You totally are gonna be King."





Add "Mayor of Simpleton" by XTC to my Life Soundtrack.

PUMP. Please Understand My Pituation.

I mentioned that I wanted to discuss "stuff."  The accumulation of goods,  from clothing to toys to lamps to craft supplies.  Just stuff.  Here at the hive, we have a lot of stuff.  It seems to grow.  Stuffed animals are procreating in closets.  The sock draw is a hot bed of sock love.  A virtual swingers club for socks where I am noticing most couples end up single.

When I had the realization that a lot of my stuff is bringing me down, we had a sign.  A sign from the heavens.  Actually a sign from our gutters.  As Mr. Handsome headed down into our crawlspace to store just a little more "stuff,"  he stepped into 3 inches of water.  3 inches of water that is sitting atop plastic sheeting and then good old fashioned mud.  It's ugly.  It's messy.  It's not life threatening, but it's super annoying.




So this minor inconvenience got me thinking even more about stuff.  As I am pulling up pillows that I have been saving (why?)  frames that I've been saving (why?)  gift boxes I've been saving (why?)  I wonder why is it so hard to let go of stuff and why do we accumulate it?  I know there are reality shows out there that look into this.  I am not a hoarder.  But I am an average American.  There are 3 families (ours included) on our street that have a garage sale EVERY summer.  That is not okay.

I  have decided to work on what I purchase.  I am sick of buying junk.  I am going more high brow.  I want to buy things that I plan on having for a long time.  If I can't afford it now, I will wait until I can.  No longer substituting with something crappy just to fill a void, in other words stop hanging out at TJ Maxx or Walmart.   I think it will make my body feel lighter.  It will make my brain feel clearer.  It will make my house feel happier.  It will make my world feel healthier.



Now, off to use the pump I just bought from Home Depot.  Luckily this purchase is something we will have for a long time, hopefully we will only have to store it in the crawlspace with only a little  other stuff and it will be one of those purchases we never use but are so glad we made it.





Add "Pump up the Jam" by Technotronics to my Life Soundtrack because according to my friend Cal  "That's so you!"  Wow. and I know.

It's not my fault so please don't trip.

I listen to XM Radio for a good portion of my day.  I'm in the car a lot and I tend to listen to the "20 on 20" more than I should.  It's a bit addictive and I end up singing along to songs that aren't really age appropriate.  I went through some old CD's today and I really should be listening to those.  LL Cool J, Luscious Jackson, R.E.M.  Instead I'm karyoke-ing to Miranda Cosgrove, Ready Set Woe, and yes, the occasional Lil' Wayne.

While driving with the family yesterday,  a song came on and I announced that it was my new "theme song."  Everybody shut up and listened to the lyrics.  Then all of a sudden, there was a huge burst of belly laughter from the back seats.  All three offspring were laughing hilariously.

I am so proud of my ability to make my children and myself laugh.  There is nothing funnier than making fun of yourself.  I happen to be really good at it.

Below is my new "Theme Song."  It's catchy.  Just try to not sing it to yourself, or do....... it will make feel silly and happy.  and maybe beautiful.






Add "Pretty Girl Rock" by Keri Hilson to my Life Soundtrack.

Another VD (Valentine's Day) comes and goes. And I feel great.

I remember when Valentine's Day was important to me (college).  I waited for it with great anticipation.  I wondered what I would "get" for Valentine's Day.  I hated Valentine's Day.

It's a weird holiday.  I am a romantic.  But not really.  I think I might be a little to practical for romance.  I kind of feel like you should be romantic all year round.  But that's cliche.  I do not practice what I preach because life takes over.  And since when have parent/teacher conferences been romantic.   The last time I took my car to be repaired, hardly romantic.  Scooping the kitty litter.  not romantic.

I love watching my kids discover love.  Crush like love.  But a little love none the less.  I love watching my kids celebrate their friends.  Loving their friends.

Happy Valentine's Day.  However you celebrate, with whomever you celebrate.  I love love.






Add "Eternal Flame" by The Bangles to my Life Soundtrack.

It's a weird cloud. And, it's gross.

Q decided to be the one to talk in the car today.  Didn't ask me to shut Ernie D down, Q allowed a little background music.  I think it was Pink singing "Raise Your Glass" playing on Radio Disney.  I LOVE PINK and I love that song.  But on Radio Disney.  Hhhhmmmm.  But again, I digress.


So Q had a revelation at school today.  Thank God (wait not thanking for the revelation) my kids go to school.  Clearly they are getting all sorts of shit out of it.  And ladies and gentleman, it is not just the 3R's.  Which again, 3R's (Reading, yes, Writing, uh no,  and Arithmetic, totally no in the "R" arena!)  Again....sorry.

Revelations and not of the religious kind.  Q experienced something we have ALL experienced.  My experience involves an airplane.  Oh yea baby.  Q was on the playground.  Doing what 4th graders do.  Acting like dorks.  Just kidding.  Playing football, picking their noses, acting cool around the cute girls and then crying when they don't get their way.  An adorable bunch.

Q walked through a fart.  It was a first for him.  In his words.....

Q:  "Hey, you know how people fart just randomly."

Me: "Yes, that is kind of how it happens."

Q: " Well, today when I was on the playground, someone must have farted."

Me: " Really?"

Q: "Yes, because I was out there and I walked through something that smelled disgusting.  It was a fart cloud."

Me: "Right on, so you had a good day?"

Let's go ahead and add "Raise your Glass " by Pink to my life soundtrack because....why wouldn't I?

I Hope This Gets To You

I love this. I makes me feel like I have fallen in love all over again.

Get on that pig and hold on tight.

For Mr. T.  A man who inspires 11 to 12 year olds.  God love him.

Add this to my Life Soundtrack because in a matter of 15 minutes I have heard it 330 times.  Baby monkey, Baby monkey....I'll tell you, it's catchy.

Rockport Reservoir or "The place teenagers go to drink beer"

"

So, the river in the mountains was super fun.  We felt like keeping the "outdoor time on the weekends" ball rolling and check out the reservoir that is about 15 minutes away from our house.  My thought was it would possibly be easier to swim in because it was rushing down a mountain, perhaps just a smidge safer.

Well it turns out my kids won't swim in water that "smells like dead fish."   Nice.  Okay admittedly, it totally smelled like dead fish.  I didn't see any dead fish but I certainly could smell them.  Then, there were the deer flies.  These things are nasty and persistent and totally ruin a fine picnic by smelly dead fish water.

I know what you are saying.  "I thought you hive folk would love all winged insects."  Uh, no.  About an hour into our grand outdoor time at the local reservoir, I was beginning to hear the grumblings.  The "I'm bored and ready to go" grumblings.  Remember how we didn't yell at anybody when we were by the river in the mountains?  There was yelling at the reservoir.  We had to yell at Q when he dropped an enormous log onto Elvis while trying to throw it into the reservoir.  We had to yell at Elvis for purposely knocking over a stone tower Ladycakes had built.  There was yelling.

On a good note, we did our part and picked up 2 dozen beer cans that were scattered all around that dead fish smelling beach.  It became a scavenger hunt of sorts.  We did find some pretty cool drift wood that made awesome "weapons."  We did see a cool drunk teenager-type structure.

We stayed about 2 hours.  That's not too bad.  We were pretty glad to get out of there actually.  Next weekend we are going back to the river in the mountains. Or maybe we'll just go to the mall and buy skinny jeans and video games.



Add this to my Life Soundtrack.  Kid Rock isn't afraid of a little dead fish.  He'll even make love in dead fish.  So there.

Dear Ms. Sampson, I Double-Dog Dare You!

The other night I actually Double-Dog Dared my friend, Jamie.  An AMAZING photographer whose work I love and respect.  She bought a crazy t-shirt but was worried about wearing it.  She needs to embrace her inner t-shirt-wearer and wear it proudly.  Let me give you a couple of examples of how you do that.

Example #1

Now this is a thrift store t-shirt I couldn't pass up.  Man shirt yes. But it's AC/DC and worn so it's like old AC/DC and it was two bucks....so you buy it, right?  Right.

And then, if you have a shirt like this, you can ask your husband to photograph you acting like a fool, or yourself.  Mr. Handsome, you make me look emo-cool.  Thank you darling!

Dear Ms. Sampson, I double-dog dare you to take that Edward Cullen shirt and wear it baby!  Wear it like you stole it.  Which I know you didn't!

">And by the way, I'm back in black, hit the sack, I'm glad to be back!




And please don't judge me by the size of my fingers! ;)

Cheesy? Perhaps, it's how I roll.

I've been known to be a bit obsessive.  Shocking?  Nah?!

But once I get a bee in my bonnet (so to speak) it buzzes about until I've driven the rest of the Hive cccahahaaharrraaazzzyy!  Luckily, Mr. Handsome is tolerant  (aside from the fact that he's hot), it's definitely one of the reasons this whole chestnut works so nicely.  He indulges me.  You'll understand once you see the rest of this nonsense.  I know, go with a brand and just embrace it.  But really?  Really?  Should I be SO committed?


Oh yes, I should!

And then, yes I did!

But wait and what and then huh? and what?

But excuse me a minute, that's not it. That's not enough.  Let's take it a step further.  The kid's aren't totally bugging the shit out of us.....

So let's drive a little bit further and see if we can indulge Mama Bee just a smidgen' more.  I think it can happen, oh yes it can happen.....

OH YES IT DID !

So, the Beehive Cheese Co. in Uintah, Ut.  Rocks my world. Delicious? yes.  Local? (for me) yes.  Such a great idea, oh my goodness and an amen yes.  Two retired men, choosing to keep on keepin' on and therefore making amazing cheese, award-winning cheese.  It will knock your socks off, blow your mind and then tickle your pickle.  You are gonna love this.  Go, Order, Indulge, Digest and then do it all over again.

I LOVE CHEESE!


For those wanting to check our new family theme song.  Check it, Check, Check, Check it.  1, 2, 3, 4.....

Add "Imma Bee" sung by Black Eyed Peas to my Life Soundtrack.

I'm a Scrappy Crafter, which is better than a Crappy Scrafter.

I am aware of my thrifty ways.  When crafting, I like to use what I have or find what I need in the discount bin.  I just love that challenge.  The materials I chose to use for Elvis's Valentines are just that, what we had and what I bought at Big Lots, just because I knew some day I would use it.  Elvis is still young enough to let me be in charge of his Valentines.  I love that.  The control is exhilarating!  Next year, it's all him.

I love using scraps.  I've mentioned it before.  The scraps inspire me.  Here's what we started with. Scrap packs of paper, I only use the colors I have, it's part of the challenge.  Foam pieces which are quite fun.  Not only do they add dimension but they can be whatever you want them to be.

Next,  a little robot drawing, easily copied on the good ol' printer.

Coloring each was therapeutic for me.  I love to color.

The robot is coming together, now what would a robot say on a Valentine?  Sadly, I spent way to much time trying to figure this out.  Finally I settled on text speak.  It's what all the kids are doing today.

Clever?  Probably not but I'm pleased with the message.  Elvis has 9 Boys (oh yes I said 9 boys, his teacher is a Saint!) in his class.  These needed to be boyish.   If you need other great boy ideas, follow that link.  We are leaving the lovey-dovey stuff to Q.  Or as we are referring to him lately, "Romeo."

A shout out to Urban Craft for the heart in cartoon-speech balloon.  It just worked perfectly.  So one child is ready for Valentine's Day.  Q has some work to do including a Valentine mailbox, we have a good idea.  I'll share it tomorrow.  

In the meantime, robot love is quite nice.  I'm feeling it.

Add "Robot Love sung by Allison Iraheta" to My Life Soundtrack.

Mr. Handsome has all the luck.

You know me.  I'm star struck.  Stupid star struck.  Mr. Handsome got lucky today.  He's been Mr. Mom this week, next week too.  He rises to the challenge like no other.  Whilst driving the young bees to swim team (actually to be honest the little bees had been dropped off at this point) Mr. Handsome had a celestial encounter.  An encounter of the coolest kind.  Can you sense my jealousy, my envy?  You gotta be shittin' me kind of encounter.  Driving down the road, minding his own business Mr. Handsome sees a bit of a traffic situation.  Some guy standing by the crosswalk, waving folks (cars through) like bowing graciously and suggesting they just keep driving.  Mr. Handsome is an observer.  He would make a great detective.  Big black bus in the parking lot on the left.  Posse gathering next to said man waving traffic through.  Puffy coat, ear phones, Swagger on said man waving traffic through.

Oh yes it is.  Oh No it isn't.  Snoop F'ing Dogg is waving Mr. Handsome through.  Saying, "go ahead I'll wait.  You drive, I'll cross after you. "

Meanwhile, I'm at home sitting on the couch.  Just sitting, it's what I'm supposed to be doing.  Uuuuggghhh!  I missed Snoop.  Thank God, I would  have made an ass of myself.

Mr. Handsome was so proud, so excited.  He rolled down the window and called out "Peace, Snoop!"  Snoop peaced back.  Mr. Handsome is WAY cooler than me.  Thank God it was him and not me.

Add "Sensual Seduction by Snoop Dogg" to my Life Soundtrack.

Every New Beginning is Another Beginning's End.

So I am going dark for a few days.  Have a few things that have to be taken care of.  Don't miss me too much.  I'll be back.  Perhaps on some pain meds which will either make me totally annoying or even more inspiring.  I might set up a poll on the sidebar just to keep track of that.  We'll see.  Good luck in the days to come.

1.  Create something pretty.  Glue something to something else.
2.  Enjoy your children, even when they are whining about the dinner you just served them.
3.  Scratch your pets, and them put some jerky on your face.  They will love you forever.
4.  Go to McDonald's, their Happy Meal toys are super annoying and worth all of $4.58.
5.  Do something great for the Earth.  I'm thinking just go for a walk and look around.  The Earth is a really pretty place.  Check out the birds.  Someone let me know that Valentine's Day is often when birds pick their mates.  

In fact, I challenge all of you to make all five things mentioned above happen.

Take a child (it doesn't matter if it's your child) to McDonald's and buy them a Happy Meal.  Keep the signature box that Happy Meals come in.  Come home, remove any remaining fries.  Save them for later.  Cut out a door on one side of the Happy Meal box.  Now glue some embellishments onto the box.  Feathers, beads, glitter, birdseed, fabric scraps, paper scraps.  You name it, just glue.  Now take that Happy Meal box and hang it in a tree for all of those horny,Valentine birds.  If they are going to get it on, at least the can have some privacy.  Go back inside and let your pets eat the remaining fries off your face.  You will laugh your ass off.

See you in a few days Ladies and Gentleman.

Add "Closing Time" by SemiSonic to My Life Soundtrack.

One Small Change

So I have a ritual in the morning.  After tending to the needs of the little bees, I make my way to the computer and waste a ton of time reading the blogs in my blog roll and then bouncing around all over cyberspace reading other blogs.  But while doing this, I learn stuff, lots of stuff!

While visiting The Prairie Girl, I became aware of a little challenge called One Small Change.  I read further.  It's a challenge to make one small change a month to make our lives a little greener.  Here at the Hive, we think we are green.  We are so not green.  We buy LOTS of new stuff.  Some of us leave the lights on in our rooms (Ladycakes!)  We do like 50 loads of laundry a week (Me!)  We eat at McDonald's.  We have a Wii and we play it a lot.  We have a ton of work to do.

So with a name like "One Small Change"  I feel less intimidated.  We can do this.  However, I'm making each of us take the challenge.  Not just one challenge for the whole family.  Everyone has to suffer with me.

Here is what we are committing to this month.

Ladycakes will turn off the lights in her room and closet EVERY time she leaves that space.

Mr. Handsome will program the thermostat to hold steady at 68 degrees during the day.  We currently hover at 70 degrees.

Q will walk to school at least one morning a week unless the weather does not permit.

Elvis will try wearing a pair of pants or pajamas more than once before throwing them in the hamper.

I will boss them all around and remind them that they are not green!  Just kidding.  I promise to bring out the cloth napkins, walk with Q on the days he walks to school and remember to take my re-usable bags to the grocery store.

It's a gentle start for us and this challenge.  I think we can do it.  Next month, we will dig a little deeper.

Who wants to join us?



Add "It's Not Easy Being Green" sung by Kermit the Frog to My Life Soundtrack.

Live a Simple Life in a Quiet Town

I read a great blog. It's on my blog roll. Creative Little Daisy. It's charming. While reading her last post, I was compelled to follow along. Find one word to work with as your New Year's Resolution. The lists. They're too much. You can't keep up with them. But one word. Can't we all try to make one word work for us daily. I think I can. I'm going to try. Here's my word.

stead·y (std)

adj. stead·i·er, stead·i·est

1. Firm in position or place; fixed.

2. Direct and unfaltering; sure.

3. Free or almost free from change, variation, or fluctuation; uniform: a steady increase in value; a steady breeze.

4. Not easily excited or upset: steady nerves.

5. Unwavering, as in purpose; steadfast.

6. Reliable; dependable.

7. Temperate; sober.

tr. & intr.v. stead·ied, stead·y·ing, stead·ies

To make or become steady.

interj. Nautical

Used to direct a helmsman to keep a ship's head in the same direction: Steady as she goes!

n. pl. stead·ies

The person whom one dates regularly, usually exclusively.

---

steadi·er n.

steadi·ly adv.

steadi·ness n.

There are so many things that need to be steady in this girl's life. I'm going to try out this word for a month or so. See how it works for me. Steady in emotion. Steady in spending. Steady in judgement. Steady in reaction. Just steady. I think it will work. It is definitely attainable. One day at a time.

Tomorrow means back to the real world. 2 of 3 don't feel great. Mr. Handsome is dreading the alarm. I am dreading the lunch boxes. Steady the course. Steady.

Good luck tomorrow. It will be fine.

Add "Steady as she goes" sung by The Rancontuers to My Life Soundtrack.

Adieu to you, 2009. Good riddance. 2010, you better be nice!

New Year's Eve is an interesting night in my book. I remember being younger and crazier, hard to imagine since I'm still crazy just not as young. Getting ready for a big party. Enjoying the process. Make-up, outfit, when do we arrive, when do we leave? It all used to be so fun and mysterious. Now....not so much. And I like it so much more.

Now...here is the plan.

Snuggy pants. check.

Drink in hand. check.

People I love close and safe. check

Dick Clark's New Year's Rockin' Eve dialed in and ready to rock. check. (Oh Ryan Seacrest, you media-whore you! and I hope Dick doesn't show up. It really brings me down.)

7 layer dip. check. (Ladycakes eats it like a starved child. Cotillion might help that.)

Resolutions. check. (All in my head and totally unattainable. Really Jen, debt-free in 2010?Are you high? 20 pounds lighter? Have another! Reading with your children every night before bed? Get a grip!)

However. I do know that I am lucky and happy. Faced with a few new things but that's okay. From pre-pubescent children to an almost Kindergartener. Old dogs who just keeping getting older and young dogs who act old. Household junk that needs to be handled and so not prepared to take care of them. Honestly, I missed the class on budgeting.

I love my husband. He is calm and in control. He keeps me in check. Ladycakes is lovely. Finding her way and becoming her own darling self. Someone I wish I could be. She will rule the world. Q is brilliant and funny and handsome and wonderful. Elvis. Oh Elvis. I am so glad I have you. I relish each and every moment with you. As my youngest, you remind to stop and remember. Don't just blow through it to get to the next, really enjoy it. No matter how rotten or misbehaved or gross it is.

Adieu 2009. I've had enough. I'm done with you. 2010. I love you. You are fresh and new and full of promise. Tomorrow everything changes.

Happy, Happy friends.

Jen

And because it is...just listen. Add this to my Life Soundtrack.

I'm feeling the crunch and I'm not talkin' Ab exercises!

I'm trying to come up with ideas that utilize supplies I have been hoarding for a while and gifts that will be fun for some of the folks on my Christmas list. I have quite a bit of craft felt. I also have a supply of puppet forms I purchased from Oriental Trading. I had dreams of making puppets that I could use to tell goodnight stories to my children. I'm a dreamer. (That supply is going to another project, another post.)

So I used the puppet form and the felt to create more puppets (there is a method to this madness) and got a mad, crazy idea.

I have a heat-transfer machine. Oh yea baby, I do. I own one. You know, the kind they used in the kiosks at the mall in the 80's. You probably had a Wham! t-shirt made at one of them.

Or one of these, you still have it don't you, in your pajama drawer? (if you don't check where those take you, take a minute and then just go for it.) Here it is. In my garage. It's there because it blows the fuse box if it's inside and the fumes from the transfers are toxic. I'm sure of it. (Sorry for the garage picture, it's like flashing your dirty laundry!)

I have been wanting to use the transfers for something other than t-shirts, that just gets old. Fun, but I want to be more" outside of the box." Well these little robots seem like great characters for a story or two. I know a kid who has a super funny Dad, who, with these puppets will tell some MAD FUNNY tales.

I hope it inspires my little pal to be creative and his Dad too. I can't wait for them to video tape their tales and share them with me. It will be delightful!

I got caught crafting in public and I LIKED it.

Those of you who have been tuning in have noticed I enjoy craft blogs. Have you been wondering about my crafting skills? Have you been asking, "Does this woman have any creative abilities?" Well, I don't know because my self-esteem is not what it should be, but here we go anyway. Meet my sewing machine. It's a Pfaff 1222. I love this thing. It was my Grandma's. It's amazing. I think she would be proud that I use it.

Meet what I have been working on this week. Dog toys. I love dogs. I love to sew. I got caught crafting in public. Mr. Handsome tolerated me taking a bag of fiber-fill into a swim meet so I could stuff dog toys. He tolerated a conversation between myself and a voyeur crafter (some lady staring at me while I stuffed dog toys at the swim meet.) I will admit when it comes to being creative and talking crafts, I'm pretty passionate. Mr. Handsome has gotten used to this, he puts up with me. I think he thinks it's sexy. This is how my conversation went, in abbreviated form.

craft voyeur: "Excuse me, what are you making?"

me (a bit shocked): "Oh, they are dog toys."

C.V.: "I thought so, but then I wasn't sure. They're cute."

me (still a bit shocked): "Thanks, they are really fun to make. Do you sew?"

C.V.: "Yes, I do. I just finished hand-piecing quilts for my boys for Christmas."

me: "Wow, that's impressive. Will they like that for Christmas?"

C.V.: "I sure hope so."

me, thinking to myself: "My boys would be totally pissed if I gave them hand-pieced quilts for Christmas. Q would want to know how his Wii remote plugs into the quilt and Elvis would be looking for how it becomes a Transformer."

C.V.:"Do you sell your dog toys online?"

me (embarrassed because how many times has Mr. Handsome said, "you should sell those online"): "Oh no! I just have friends who buy them from me."

Mr. Handsome: SCOWL!

me: "Have fun sewing!"`

So after recycling Calvin Kleins that I have been saving since 1987. And loving every minute of it. Here are the personalized dog toys, complete with squeakies inside. The luckiest dogs in all of Oregon are receiving these as Christmas gifts because of my cute friend, Geri. And while we are at it. Meet the Wonder Dogs. Our dogs. We love them as much as we love our children. They are amazing.

Left, is Titus, the one-eyed Wonder or "That Naughty Dog (TND)". On the right is Emma or "TND's accomplice". She's as naughty as he is, only she comes off as innocent. Just like Mr. Handsome! TND is new to us. Adopted at 8 years old. We are just getting to know him. He LOVES to eat. Want to see what he loves to eat? Here we go.....

One bag of Generic Frosted Flakes. I buy bag cereal. It's cheaper.

Bread, any kind of bread. Bread off the counter is the best. White, wheat, rye. Doesn't matter.

A little frozen chili with some Ziploc bag to go with that bread? Even better. No matter that it's frozen. TND loves a challenge. He has also eaten 2 lbs. of raw ground beef with the styrofoam tray, 23 cupcakes and 18 peanut butter and jelly sandwiches (That's a whole story in itself, Hey Jay!) I have a new list on my sidebar. It's what TND has eaten and survived. I love that dog so much I'm making him dog toys for Christmas. He'll probably eat them.

Add to My Life Soundtrack: "What you waiting for?" sung by Gwen Stefani

Hilary made me buy that! Really, she said I NEEDED it.

Check, check, check it! Look at these.... I mean, really look. These are why Advent calendars ROCK! Are you kiddin' me? Spongebob sweatbands! I'm thinkin' just regular sweatbands would have rocked Elvis' world but Spongebob? It's perfection. He wore them to swimming lessons. Not just TO swimming lessons but to swimming lessons. Like in the pool with his goggles swimming lessons. It's marvelous. You actually do sweat when you swim you know. For the picture, I made him wear them with Spongebob's face looking toward his hands. However, for real life wearage... he prefers Spongebob's face looking right up at his. They have a relationship, with that configuration they can communicate. It works for Elvis.

You'll be pleased to know Q opened his Advent calendar today and found........wait for it..............

Spongebob sweatbands! It's beautiful! Although Mr. Handsome immediately asked, "How are we going to be able to tell who's is who's?" That Mr. Handsome, he's a thinker, a worrier. So, what did Ladycakes do, you ask? Went lookin' for the box that was sweatband-shaped is what she did. It's not there! Oh no. Will there not be Spongebob sweatbands for Ladycakes? You'll have to tune in to find out.

In the meantime, we put up our Christmas tree. What do think? Isn't it gorgeous? It's a bit smaller than last year but we love it just the same. Take a look.

JUST KIDDING! Can you imagine? I don't have the energy to bring the Christmas stuff up! Maybe tomorrow I'll feel inspired. I just wish I could snap my fingers and it was done. I'll get into it, promise. And, I'll show pics. First, I want to show you a project with 2 pringles cans and a hot chocolate container. I know, it sounds like the start of a really bad joke. Maybe, it is!

I better get ready cuz Santa Claus is comin' to town!

Jingle lingle ling!

Can you believe it's December? I mean really, December? Christmas is practically next week. I haven't done any shopping. NONE. First of all, there's no money left for Christmas so I am gettin' my creative on. Making socks, underwear and all the other necessities look Christmas-y is one large task! Okay, I do have a few special people on my list that I need to shop for. And, because I took the pledge (see my sidebar) I am sticking to handmade and hopefully local. I'm going for it ladies and gentleman, taking the challenge and running with it.

Here are the hot spots on my list for this weekend....please join me if you live in the area. If you don't, Salt Lake City is a Delta hub. Hop on a plane and join the fun.

Friday, December 4th from 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Allison Dayton Jewelry and Cherella USA is having a sale and it's their biggest sale yet. This is great jewelry, clothing and accessories that you can't miss out on. Look at this stuff, it's amazing! I'm going Friday. I'm going for the good stuff folks, step out of my way. This is going on Saturday as well. If you want directions let me know. I share well with others.

Saturday, December 5th Ladycakes will once again be working her little tush off selling those darling barrettes. Cute as a Button Barrettes will be featured at The Little Dickens Boutique here in Park City.

The Little Dickens Holiday Boutique

When Saturday, December 5, 2009 - 10:00 am - 4:00 pm

Where The Park City Community Church - Fellowship Hall

4501 N. HWY 224, Park City (behind Park City Nursery)

Come on by and say hello. We'll be there all day. It's going to be fun. She's made some darling holiday barrettes that will look great with any holiday outfit.

Finally Sunday, December 6th. Come on down to this. This is one you can't miss, seriously. And, I really like the gals participating in this bad boy. I've talked about them before and here I go again. Nice, talented, local! Totally cool!

What: a 'Holiday Gift Boutique'
There will be some soup, lite snacks, tea and most likely some wine!

When: Sunday, Dec. 6th from 3-8 pm

Why: So you can buy locally made products, directly from the artist!

Who: Threadheads (me) - handmade hats, scarves, jumpers etc.
Ashen Moon - recycled sweater mittens
Katie Stelpflug - ceramist; coffee mugs, vases etc.
You've Been Framed - the coolest picture frames out west!
Brent's Bread- amazing, fresh breads and possibly some chutneys and/or jellies/ hot sauces etc.
Marcy Hacisavas - LMT offering gift certificates for tense loved ones:)


Where: My house 335 McHenry St.
Follow Deer Valley Dr. toward Snow Park
Turn right onto Rossi Hill Dr.
Follow Rossi around to the left then back right
McHenry vears off toward your left (dead end street)
I am the 3rd house on the right, with a for sale sign out in front

If you don't find what you need, you just ain't lookin'. As always, happy to help you spend your moolah. It's what I do!

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas! A must add to this month's Life Soundtrack. Excellent.