UxCritters Place

It's Good as anytime to start blogging again...

2012-01-30T13:12:00.002-05:00

With Winter comes a time to slow down and stay warm inside, away from the cold weather elements. I once enjoyed winter sports, like snowmobiling, tobogganing, skating, etc. Now I enjoy staying safe and warm inside and looking out the window and watching it all like a winter wonderland television series. lol

My birds, heh yeah, I call them all "my birds", as they are like my extended family. Birds are a huge part of my life all year long, but I especially look for them in winter with hopes they get enough food and special treats when it's cold and blowing and not the most pleasant for their tiny feathered bodies.

Today, luckily enough, is a sunshine filled day and I am enjoying it immensely. We missed out on the sun for a few days in a row, and I tend to really notice it when it's absent. I gotta have my sunshine. Thanks so much for shining here today!

Princess Sodalite Mine RVing Adventure

2011-07-18T17:44:00.051-04:00

John's 70th Birthday & this weekend RV trip was his early Bday adventure surprise! He had no idea what the RV trip was about until he arrived there.

A wonderful July day to visit a rock shop!

~*~
NEXT,we went to the MacDonald's Mine ~ The vortex ~

The entrance to the Vortex.

John looking down at the cave opening wondering how is he ever going to get down that hill.

Seon, Carrie, Lisa, & Sylvia walking the trails nearby the MacDonald Mine vortex.

Click on the photo to see the family that were at the opening of the cave to the vortex when we arrived. They can barely be seen from the top of the hill.

Looking high up on the cliff beside us.

Quite the hill down slope to get into the vortex. Carrie and Seon look small at the opening of it. With Lisa & Sylvia part way up and John at the top of the hill.

There are various cave openings into the rock revealing more crystals & different rock types. Some caves were quite wet and we couldn't walk through them.

This cave was way too wet & dark to venture into it.

The view from inside the vortex looking outside.

One section of the ceiling rock up into the vortex cave.

The walls with quartz in them.

John standing just inside the opening to the vortex.

Carrie, Lisa & Sylvia further on into the vortex.

Some graffiti some people just had to add.

Carrie by one of the caves.

Sylvia & Lisa.

Looking from one opening to the other of the vortex.

Quartz.

It was a beautiful sunshine filled day as we were exploring the vortex.

Lisa & Sylvia descending the toughest part of the vortex. We all had to be very careful coming down this section of loose rocks and it was a must to walk with our feet sideways to the slope in order not to fall.

I took this duplicate photo "without" the camera flash so it looked more mystical. :-)

John's photos that he took on the caving expedition.
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The dancing lights.

We both decided to take a photo of each other at the exact same time. lol

Broken bits of quartz at the base of a rock wall of it and the bits look like broken glass.
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MORE of my photos ~
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Sylvia

John starting to collect some of the quartz rock samples to take home with us. We ended up with a nice bag full of various shapes, sizes and types.

Sylvia picking up rock treasures.

John picking up the broken pieces of quartz where someone had worked away at the quartz wall with a hammer & pick.

Tiny ferns growing into the side of the quartz walls.

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Our stay at the Banroft Campground & RV Park after our caving and rock picking adventure.

Bird Lake

Mother's Day 2011

2011-05-10T17:49:00.000-04:00

A Critterful Surprise!

2010-09-03T10:01:00.003-04:00

I got the most wonderful surprise the other day. I had been chatting online with one of the Canadian Artisans from Etsy, and we were discussing the pages on her blog website.

With me being an absolute critter nut, I was so happy to find someone who enjoyed crafting and nature and who is also a fellow Canadian.

At the time, on her blog, she was running a very special feature as her birthday was approaching soon and she wanted to celebrate her special day with everyone online. She was having a draw on her blog for a prize.

Well, I was the very lucky individual who got to share in her birthday celebrations by winning the draw!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

Mary Ann

Mary Ann is a lovely lady from the Muskoka area in Ontario, Canada.

She has two great shops on Etsy.

BackyardBear.etsy.com

OldMavisVintage.etsy.com .

And a Beautiful Blog Website http://thebackyardbear.blogspot.com/

Mary Ann is such a sweetheart. She's got so much on the go both online and in her own life. A lot of us on Etsy do tend to juggle a lot with home life and online business. The enjoyable part truly is that we are doing what we love to do.

~ Artwork and Crafting. ~

Here is the wonderful gift I recieved from Mary Ann:

MUSKOKA MITTENS

I am a person who once loved fall & winter, but now that I am older I don't like the cold. These mittens mean so much to me as they will keep my hands toasty warm for the upcomming season. A neat bonus for me especially, is that they have the moose design on them, as I love animals so much.

Thank you Mary Ann!

I'm so glad you had a wonderful

BIRTHDAY!

Be sure to check out Mary Ann's etsy shops. She's got some amazing treasures in both of them!

One of My Very FAVORITES!

Mary Ann's artwork is captivating!
This howling wolf painted on wood is gorgeous.
You can almost hear the howling going on.
http://www.etsy.com/listing/39995155/howling-wolf-acrylic-on-wood

She is such a talented individual! With the mittens, she enclosed a very well made and professionally presented brochure of many of her items. So informative, easy to read, and a great tool for any Etsy artisan to help promote themselves. I love this idea of the brochure. Beautifully done, Mary Ann!

There is so much I want to share about Mary Ann and her wonderful artisan lifestyle, but I encourage you to click through the links here and discover her talents yourself. She is a pleasure to talk to and is very easy going, very approachable and quite interesting to discuss things with.

It's been a real delight meeting Mary Ann.

Her shops are a must see adventure and her blog holds a wealth of further information about her and all her works of art, and tales of how she finds her vintage treasures she shares on Etsy.

It is truly worth your while to take time to discover as I have the very talented, pretty, and personable
Mary Ann Gonneau.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Thank You Mary Ann!

~ UxCritter a.k.a Paula >^..^<

Busy Hands Keep Me Happy!

2010-05-20T10:36:00.001-04:00

I have been knitting & crocheting slippers most nights while I sit with the family watching tv. I enjoy making them and it keeps my hands and mind busy. I'm not much of a tv person except lately I've enjoyed American Idol. :-)

Slippers ~

I've been using up all the various scrap yarn I have accumlated. So multicolored slippers are the result.

Also the cats enjoy the many knit and crocheted cat toys I like to make and stuff with the catnip we grow.

A small sampling of the toys I've made for the cats.

Last night I recieved a new pattern book in the mail that I ordered from a friend's shop on etsy.

It's a critter book.

I started my first crochet project last night after it arrived.

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And for the JEWELRY I've been working on...

There is always something new in the works.

Summer is almost here and it's time for anklet's and toe rings.

Oh I love the warm weather!

~*~*~*~

Warm Weather is Here!

2010-05-19T09:16:00.001-04:00

I've been waiting for the critters to show up to confirm that the season is really here to enjoy the warm weather.

First back were the robins.

And the robins came in full force. I've never seen so many.

Next I spotted a ground hog and that told me that the ground was unthawing and that was super to know.

It was still very cold at times and skiffs of sn*w still happening from time to time.

The oriole came back early this year.

April 20th was much too early I'd think, but I wasn't the only one to see them. Sarah and John saw them too as we were putting up the gazebo netting.

I set out orange slices and filled the humming bird feeder as the orioles love that nectar as much as the humming birds do.

I'm sure all my neighbours thought I was crazy, as it was so cold they'd figure that any bird that enjoys nectar wouldn't be here yet. Besides we had a bit more of the white stuff after they arrived.

The killdeer showed up on May 3rd.

I heard it's arrival before I saw it. It's such a lovely shreaking noise when I haven't heard it for so long over w*nter.

Next came my most favorite little critter.

The hummingbird arrived back on the 12th of May. Since the oriole came earlier ,their food was already ready in the feeders for them.
But of course they started fighting over the one feeder so I got out another one for the other end of the porch and they seem to be happy now.

The cardinals and Jays have been with us all w*nter, and we enjoy them still with the warmer weather.

Each morning one of us puts out a few sunflower seeds onto the porch railing and the cardinals and bluejays come and have breakfast. Sometimes they even share in with us having our toast crusts and apple pieces.

It's so great to have the critters around. What characters they can be.!

~*~

Sharing Christmas for CanArtisan

2009-12-16T11:07:00.031-05:00

~ DECEMBER ~
~~~o~o~o~o~o~~~

A very often heard sentiment this time of year is

How BUSY We All Are with

December activities.

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True enough, there is definitely lots to do!

*~*~*

This is a very special time of year for me.

I LOVE CHRISTMAS!

~~~o~o~o~o~o~~~

It brings family and friends and even new aquaintences together in a very magical way.

*
Speaking of MAGIC, I will Always Believe In Santa Claus!
*

*

I will always be a big kid at heart and I love the magic of Christmas!

And of course, Prezzies are a lot of fun too!

We anticipate the gathering together of everyone dear to us.

The gift exchanges, the wonderful plentiful food, the seasonal activities such as enjoying the cooler outdoors.

* Sarah, Alexis, Justyce, Luc & Sammy the cat. *
*
The many special holiday sights, sounds, and smells.

Tinsel shimmering on christmas trees, traditional & contemporary tunes being played on radios etc, and the warm waft of cinnamon, cedar boughs, pine, and all the lovely fragrances from the baking and cooking of the turkey or ham or whatever is your traditional fare this time of year.

Speaking of traditions....

Our family has a few traditions that really make the holiday feel complete. Christmas wasn't Christmas unless we were all together. That was a main focus for us all to be together. My dad always made sure to keep our family together in his roll as the Head of our Family. My dad is no longer with us though he is thought about often and especially at this time of year.

My dad always made sure we had some small but memorable traditions in our household. Christmas to me is clementine organges, nuts in the shell such as walnuts, hazelnuts, almonds, pecans, and also a box of chocolates was always a part of christmas goodies.

Clementines ~ Chocolates ~ Whole Nuts

As well, a very different little addition that we always have too is something my dad introduced to us at a very early age. Halvah. Halvah is a very sweet candy-like treat that can be found at most deli's. Not a taste that everyone likes, but a very favorite of mine!

Halvah

My favorite Christmas photo from this year, is my daughter's GingerBread House.

* *

Sarah is very keen on Architechture as a possible future career so she set to work designing and building a very cool gingerbread house this year. I could see the total enjoyment she had in the entire process.

*
From cutting out a pattern, building the model,

*

*
... taking the paper model apart with care, baking the gingerbread, cutting out the forms and putting it together all with a big smile on her face and mine too!

Sarah added in crushed orange candy to melt in as windows.

*

~*~
She did a wonderful job! And it smells SO GOOD it's very difficult not to crave gingerbread when in our kitchen standing next to the house now. lol
~*~

Christmas Memories ~

As far as favorite Christmas memories, there are lots of them for sure! Lots of them come to mind and make me feel good all over again. I will share with you our Christmas Cookie Exchange from last year as a special memory. I choose this one as I have photos to show all the fun we had and it was our first Christmas gathering in our new home since we moved here recently.
~*~* Click > Photos of CHRISTMAS COOKIE EXCHANGE
*
My favorite Christmas recipe is the one I use for Christmas Cookie Exchanges.
*
CHRISTMAS DIAMONDS
************************
1/3 c. butter
1 1/2 c. graham wafer crumbs
1 c. coconut
2 c. chopped mixed candied fruit
1 c. chopped dates (lightly floured)
1 c. chopped walnuts
1 can sweetened condensed milk
Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
Melt butter in the cookie sheet while preheating the oven. Sprinkle crumbs over butter, shaking pan to spread crumbs evenly. Sprinkle coconut over crumbs, then candied fruit, dates, and nuts. Each in a layer. Press lightly with hands to level. Pour sweetened cond. milk over top. (drizzle it slowly from the can as best as is able. It makes it easier to cover the entire surface of the cookies) Let tray stand for 5 min's to allow cond. milk to soak into cookies. Bake for 20 min's approx. Cool completelybefore cutting. Cut into desired size. THESE ARE VERY VERY SWEET! So a small diamond is enough for one serving. diamonds or squares whatever you fancy.
*
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What is CanArtisan? ~ <- (Click link to go to CanArtisan) CanArtisan is a site dedicated to finding talented, independent Canadian artisans with a passion for creativity and the handmade. It connects customers with the handmade items and art that they seek. Check out the link above, where you can find a Shop Directory for a listing of artisans, artists, and crafts people that sell online to do some shopping. If you're looking for a craft show in Canada, there is a listing in the Shows and Events section.

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Happy Birthday JESSE! ~ Love Mom

Fire Burning at Lake Sturgeon Today it's still burning as I type...

2009-11-08T18:22:00.012-05:00

Fires burning steadily at Lake Sturgeon today.
*next day update ~ looks like the cottages are still intact! I'm going to view them now.

A big fire has consumed a few of the lakeside cottages on Sturgeon Lake.

It started today just after lunch and is still burning now.

At first I thought it was perhaps discarded broken glass that worked like a magnifying glass with the sun to start the brush fire. I have heard of this happening before. But when the thick black smoke started filling the entire sky around us and people from everywhere were comming onto our street I walked out to see that indeed it was looking more like a deliberately set series of fires, targeting the cottages along the lake front.

Now it is spanning a huge section of the lake front and the flames are quite high at times.

* I just got back from surveying the damage this morning.

YAY!!! All the Cottages are safe and sound this morning!

From our perspective last night, with all that severe black smoke, it looked like these cute cottages were gone. We could see the high antenna and just flames and black smoke.
These are the cottages nearby the fire. Some of the cottages were being used

And some were abandoned

I don't know if many on our street will be able to sleep tonight wondering if the fires are going to be able to put out.

All these cottages are only accessible by boat so it makes it extremely difficult to put them out.

I'm happy that it wasn't as bad as it looked!

~ Ux

Halloween 2009

2009-11-04T16:51:00.027-05:00

A very different Halloween this year. Not as many tricker treaters as years past. But LOTS of different costumes tried on with all the various school parties and friends parties to attend this year. Check them out!!!!

Justyce and Alexis..........

Alexis as a pretty princess & Justyce as a Devil!

The neighbourhood ghouls, goblins, werewolves, oh and tho' I asked them what they were dressed up as......................guess what? .............YES, I forget the costumes already. *sigh.

Sorry guys...It's NOV 4th and that was 5 days ago I have to recall from. LOL

Maybe you can write me and let me know and refresh my memory again.

KeeBee says she'll just stay safe here behind the bars looking out at these ghoulies comming to the door.

John feeding the halloween crowd outside.

Henry B cat catches the flash of the camera and shows off his laser eyes!

Henry B Cat?

NO! Not the Adams family........But close! lol

Do you like my new friends?????? BOO!

Like my hat? Ok, how bout these stripes!?

Blah!

Are we DONE YET??

Do you REALLY need pictures of me in this??????????????????

Okay, can I get fresh red paint on your couch with my Zombie outfit.............................YES! But aunt Paula told me to sit here! Oy vey! It's OK, It is all for Halloween FUN!

My cat SAMMY! I'm going to Snuggle with you!!!!! My orange Zombie Friend!

KeeBeeDee needs a Zombie Snuggle Too!

Justyce.................... Pre-Zombie mode......................

7 years old? Or 27 years old? Yikes!

Lots of previews of halloween as Justyce and Alexis got ready several times in different costumes for their parties at school and with friends.

Not PUZZLED anymore

2009-10-27T11:58:00.005-04:00

I've been hearing how long are we going to be Puzzled?
lol

Since my last post we were puzzling with jigsaw puzzles and no word since, which is quite awhile. Sometime in Sept and now it's the ending days of October. Soon to be Halloween.

So we haven't done a puzzle since then. We have a beautiful one to work on that Jesse brought up here for us to work on. It is all about cats! Our favorite people!
It's called "Alley Cats". Hopefully we'll get a chance to start that one soon.

~*~*~*~

For now I just want to basically say "Hi !"

We're still working on various things.

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GARDEN

~*~*~*~

The garden is finished for this year. We just got the last of the onions out of it. Some corn stalks are still standing. Those are dedicated to the neighbours for their Halloween decorations. The rest went to other friends who also wanted them for decorating for fall.

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BOAT

~*~*~*~

The pontoon boat has been trailered home. The marina staff were super duper and delivered it one morning into the yard. It's sweet living only a stone's throw from the lake. lol

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WEBSITES To Share ~

*~*~*~*~*

I had some websites I've been wanting to share with others for quite sometime.

It's all just a matter of sitting down and getting the time to transfer some information. Although one of my major pet peeves with "blogger" is how extremely time consuming the editing process is for uploading photographs and captions. If it were any quicker you'd see a lot more blogs from me.

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computer website ~

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Here are some great websites I have discovered the one that I think is really helpful to anyone on a computer is Kim Komando's website with all kinds of FREE information on using a computer.

Here are Kim's Top 4 Must Haves for your computer utilities:

http://www.komando.com/downloads/category.aspx?id=6935

WOT ~ Web of Trust

Microsoft Baseline Security Analyzer

CC Cleaner

PC Tools Antivirus

I have been using these 4 utilities for a few months now and have found them very useful.

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Photography ~

~*~*~*~

For anyone taking photographs of items like I do to upload to the internet...

I highly recommend a lightbox

http://www.wikihow.com/Create-an-Inexpensive-Photography-Lightbox

~ you aren't tied to only daylight hours to photograph your items.

And

For photo tips on props to use to make your photos more interesting:

http://www.etsy.com/storque/how-to/give-props-how-to-style-your-photos-1079/

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Household Tips ~

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A household information link I've found tremendous :

Home Made Laundry Detergent ~ for just pennies a load

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http://totallytutorials.blogspot.com/2009/08/tutorial-and-recipe-how-to-make.html

http://momsmess.wordpress.com/2008/08/20/homemade-laundry-soap-tutorial/

Easy to Make!

Lasts a long time!

Pennies a load!

Works great!

Also the fabric softener is my FAVORITE!!!

It smells heavenly!

costs pennies to make!

NO MORE DRYER SHEETS!

...so it's environmentally sound....

http://momsmess.wordpress.com/2008/11/07/homemade-fabric-softener-tutorial/

Just a warning ~ when adding the baking soda to the vinegar and water, do it in extremely small doses or you'll have a huge mess to clean up. lol

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PUZZLING

2009-09-13T07:24:00.005-04:00

We've been enjoying working on puzzles as we have our coffee in the mornings.

Here is the one we just finished:

CANYONLANDS NATIONAL PARK, UTAH

11 1/2" X 32" ~ 500 pieces

~some of the weirdest shapes for puzzle pieces we've seen.

A tough puzzle with so much red in it, but we got it done. ;-)

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~ HALLOWEEN ESCAPADES ~

Sarah works at a Dollar Store now and finds some really neat items as she is unpacking and adding new inventory to the shelves.

Our cats aren't sure if they are pleased or not with these new finds that she has brought home this time. >^..^<

It's about time I blogged again....

2009-08-16T08:53:00.004-04:00

My Summer in photos.....

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

August is more than half way through now and lots has been happening over the summer months.

Our boat finally got out onto the waterways. It was a bit frustrating wondering if it was going to get to the water at all this summer with all the delays getting it ready. You know the story with ordered parts and how that goes.....

MotorBoat running after the boat? (the neighbours cat on the other side of Sammy cat's house)

The new kitten got the name MotorBoat because it's purrrrr is SO LOUD.

Henry B cat doesn't seem impressed that the new boat is gone.

Our first time out on the water! Our Maiden Voyage!

John & Sarah enjoying the boat and the sights.

Captain John

Sarah had to take my photo at some point to prove I was along for the ride. Even if it was the back of my head. My best side! lol

A lovely cottage on the water's edge.

This probably was a lovely cottage at one time too? The wallpaper is nice inside it. lol

Our two chubby cats with MotorBoat eating supper.

A couple of photos I probably shouldn't show ....

Boat motor problems...

and the results of DEER FLY BITES on my feet...

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

My feet swell up terribly for about 5 days before I get relief from the bites. Hot, and painful. I soaked them in Epsom salts and used some of my antioxidant essential oil blends to help the situation. This happened twice so far and yesterday was the first day I got relief from the swelling for the last week when we went out with John's daughter and her two kids.

Alexis enjoying a day out boating on the pontoon boat.

Mark & Lexi ~ first fish to be caught on the pontoon boat. Lexi caught it!

Nancy, Mark and Alexis

Captain John trying his hand at fishing.

Farmer Jack "Where did that WEED come from!!!"

Miss Oriole checking out the hummy bird feeder.

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Very tired cats... sammy is up on the cat food storage bin totally stretched out to try to cool off it was such a hot day outside. (Sammy is our neighbour's cat from the north side of us. He adopted us when we moved in here 2 yrs ago.)

Keebee & Sammy

Henry B cat in the sunroom

MotorBoat in the livingroom

Summer time and Hot Air Balloons.

This one is going by our house rather often now. Looks like they are having a good summer.

An Update of sorts from our Garden.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

I'm a little saddened to say that we plowed under the pea plants yesterday and it's the first clean-up of the garden after harvest time. Yes, it's past the middle of August, and I feel the impending downhill slide to FALL starting. And I once loved FALL in all it's colors and fresh coolness. Now unfortunately as I get older, it means w*nter isn't far behind and that is NOT my favorite season any longer.

Check out this Zucchini from our garden! Is this BIG? And our 2 plants have lots more of this size veggies.

Here,.....let me put this more into perspective for you.....

Justyce is such a great model. Her and Sarah picked this monster zucchini.

Garden Update & more

2009-07-11T14:19:00.013-04:00

Our Garden ~ Planted May 4th, 2009

June 12/09

July,09

Everyone watching the garden grow ~

CORN

TOMATOES

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Our first big harvest ~ Zucchini's, Beet Tops, a few peas

John decided to make his famous spaghetti from some of the harvest.

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I decided to bake some treats to go with the spaghetti dinner.

John bought whole wheat flour and so I made some healthy fattening treats. lol

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BUTTER TARTS ~

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Too Full of apples ~ Apple Pie ~

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STRAWBERRY DELIGHT

~ from Sarah's small patch of strawberries beside our house.

The PERFECT strawberry. :-)

Check out our easy way to prepare strawberries for eating.

Use a regular drinking straw and skewer up through the bottom directly under the green cap at the top and push the core and the stem right out.

These are the core and green stems discarded.

Then we sprinkle on some white sugar and voila! Ready to enjoy!

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My Porch Container Gardening ~ The birds and I enjoy the up-close container garden.

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I seem to have a lot of volunteer sunflowers this year from the bird feeders.

The bird bath I got from a yardsale for FREE.

The birdies love it, but they do tend to get all the shells from the sunflower seeds in it quite often, but I don't mind cleaning it for them though.

Moths keep getting inside our gazebo and we've had some really interesting ones come to visit. The first one is a leaf moth.

I haven't looked up the other one yet on Google.

Doggie Daycare for 4 days

2009-07-07T13:52:00.004-04:00

Doggie DayCare ~ we looked after Lexi puppy (8 months old Bordeaux Dogue)

I tried a red doggie anklet on Lexi to match her red bandana, but I like the brown wooden bead anklet on her better. What do you think?

Soap Making Class

2009-06-21T07:41:00.029-04:00

June 20th, I went to a Soap Making Class

We had lots of interesting supplies to use.

My "RESTORE" essential blend in a bar.

We chose; colors, scents, & additives.

These are soaps being made at my table.

Soap bar making in progress

Sharon's class was easy to follow & FUN!

First layer of soap has been poured & is firming up.

Every bar was a real delight to see unmolded.

From melting pot to unmolded bars.

Every Bar had the "Wow!" factor.

We all enjoyed this class immensely!

Check out the almost edible looking designs.

Eye CANDY!

They smelled so great too!

More Eye CANDY!

The yellow/blue one is my favorite scented.

We got to see soaps Sharon had made.

Soaps and clothing matched.

We shared our soap creation techniques.

Wonderful explanations how they were made.

The first stages of cutting up the soaps.

Each loaf was cut into 9 ~ 1 inch bars.

Repeat this important rule with me...

Gloves keep the bars hygenic.

YAY! My soap is done !

It was a really fun and informative day!

A TRUE One of a Kind Crafter!

2009-06-18T06:32:00.011-04:00

or....

A TRUE ONE of a 'KIND'er'?

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

This is how much of a ONE OF A KIND person I am. I have always had an extremely difficult time making 2 of anything!
~

I love to create new designs, and bringing new color combinations together is exciting.

BUT, whenever it involves having to make a second one of anything,....

I just DO NOT want to do it.

It's a major struggle for me to recreate a second of the same.

Actually it's really, really boring when the excitement is gone.

The creativity is gone. Now it becomes repetition.

~Also I find it extremely annoying having to recall what I did on the first design, if I didn't write it down somewhere. This takes away from the fun too. I get a lot of enjoyment from making little fun tweaks to designs so they are bit more unique and to my liking.

I'm not really good at following patterns, as I find them rather boring and actually a lot of the time down right frustrating to try to understand. I usually like to make up my design as I go. That holds the excitement for me in the newness of the project.

I'm sure this is why so many craft projects of mine get left undone, and this is probably true of a lot of other people too. Projects started with enthusiasm, are then left and for the most part forgotten. Depending on how big a project is, it seems the bigger ones with more time involved to complete them, somehow lose the freshness, fun, and excitement of tackling a new design.

I usually have to look at those almost forgotten projects of mine as a challenge. My challenge needs to require me to finish them so that I can check it off my list of things accomplished.

And let me tell you, that can be a real challenge. But that is something I've grown to understand in myself over time. I love a challenge! Which can be really cool! It helps me to stretch outside my comfort zone most times. And that can be good for me.

My solution for my dilemma of not wanting to make a second of a design is now....

I make 2 at the exact same time!

{~ by the way, did you check out the beautiful colors in the blanket we brought back from Mexico in the top photo}

Sometimes, it can be a bit of a challenge if I only have one ball of a color that I want to use. But I can do it by using the

~~~~~ inside end and the outside end ~~~~~

of the ball and it goes along not too badly. Though I'd rather use separate balls of yarn for each project.

These gloves I'm working on now are for my bead lady.

We spoke about handwarmers for her and she said she'd like purple ones. So hopefully I can get these delivered to her and maybe pick up some new supplies when I am there.

(now do I really 'need' more supplies?, yeah, like a cat needs fleas)

Check out this GREAT GIVE AWAY from an Etsy Artist!

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

http://smutopia.blogspot.com/2009/06/bluebell-dangles-earring-giveaway.html

GARDENING 101 at our house

2009-06-17T16:13:00.005-04:00

UXCRITTER ~ How Does Your Garden Grow?
~*^*~^*~^*~^*~^*~^*~^~*~^~*~^~*~^~*
My garden grows just fine!

Stages of Growth from starting my garden May 4th

Jesse washing the car by the garden June 12th

~the peas are doing wonderful as they are a cool weather crop and it's been nice and cool here most days.

~ the tomatoes aren't doing that well as you can see they are still quite small next to the row of peas

~ the 3 rows of corn are really trying to make a statement to show they are there.

~the beets (seedlings were started in a planter that a gust of wind blew over) are trying

~the squash plants are really thriving well, but are so far away at the end of the pic they can't be seen well

Justyce got into her bathing suit and was soaked in no time as she tried to help Jesse wash the car and managed to soad Jesse really well too.

Oh, oh, bubbling paint on the bumper of the car. Oh My Gosh! Who put that there?

Now to show off some of my new CRAFT projects :-)
~*~*~**~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

This is the cotton yarn I recieved from the Destash/ Swap on Etsy/Flickr.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/7509528@N06/

I've made a bunch of dish cloths

and

sweat bands for wrists

and headbands

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=24909484

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?ref=vl_other_1&listing_id=24908872

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?ref=vl_other_1&listing_id=24907459

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?ref=vl_other_1&listing_id=24907179

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?ref=vl_other_1&listing_id=24906629

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?ref=vl_other_1&listing_id=24906203

SOLD

http://www.etsy.com/view_transaction.php?transaction_id=16818684

UXCRITTER ~ How Does Your Garden Grow?

~*^*~^*~^*~^*~^*~^*~^~*~^~*~^~*~^~*

My garden grows just fine!

~ SUMMER DAYS ARE BUSY DAYS! ~

2009-06-13T09:59:00.004-04:00

The busy days of SUMMER.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

So much to do now that warmth has returned to my little corner of Canada.

I am a happy but busy critter when the temperature rises enough to get out into the garden and enjoy Mother Earth.

Here is a photo of our garden in it's first stages of growth.

Yard Sale Weather ~ YAY!

2009-05-27T14:02:00.009-04:00

Yard Sales / Garage Sales

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

The season for yardsales and garage sales is one of my favorite times of the year.

At last weeks yard sales I came home with a lot of goodies but for only a very few

dollars. My favorite garage sales are when people want to unload extras that they don't need and price things low to get them gone.

This is how I'd price my yardsale if I have one this year. I am not a good yardsale organizer myself, but I love to go to them.

I also try to abide by my self-imposed rule "for every item I bring home, one has to go".
This is so I don't accumulate too many items in my household.

(sounds good in theory)

We did come across some very high priced yardsales and we only browsed these and took note NOT to do this at our sales if we have one.
~

Asking too much for used items doesn't do much for anyone involved. The people trying to sell the items really are wanting to hold onto the goods. Nothing really sells (that is usually the results of highly priced goods, unless someone REALLY wants an item) Usually high prices indicate the seller is too attached yet to their goods & aren't ready to part with them just yet.

And for those yardsaling, they can either go away disappointed in everything being so high priced, or they can try to make an offer for an item at a more-reasonable-price-for-them.

On Sunday, a few of the sales from Saturday had left items out with a FREE sign.

~
From the FREE stuff I aquired some interesting items.

A pillar 8"x 4"

I really wanted to make a bird bath for my porch, and this seemed perfect to hold up a railing sized bird bath container.

Then the next sale we went to had another FREE section. I got a brass colored stand that even works better for the bird bath.

At that sale I also got a FREE brass milk can. I have it outside on the stairs comming up to the porch. I'm thinking of shining it up and adding dried branches to it as a decoration for inside the house. At least that is one idea I think might work for it.(oh btw, don't flip out, that's a ceramic cow skull. Not the real thing. )

:-)

One of the neat things I acquired from the yard saling last weekend, was this needlepoint kit for only $1.

When I got it, it only had the beak & the small section of the bird's cap done.

I enjoy working on this in the evenings while I listen to the tv.

I'm hoping that Sarah (lilux) & I can work on this project together.

Another project Sarah & I have started is sewing a blouse each. I'm not a sewer, but I do know how to sew as far as running a sewing machine and mending things. I've created a few small projects, but generally I don't sew.

Sarah is taking a class in highschool in which she is working on some sewing projects. One is a pillow that she has finished and it looks wonderful. I'll have to take a photo of it when she brings it back here again. Also she's made a doll that is filled with rice. It's used as a warm up comfy for little kids called a booboo aid, like a soothing heat pack for aches and pains.

Other projects she is working on for class is a couple of tops. One is a halter and I'm not sure what the second one is exactly.

I decided to share in this sewing experience with her. Wish me lots of luck. I have a feeling I'm going to need it. :-)

Here's the pattern and the materials we chose. I'll post a pic if we get them finished. ;-)

May 22 2009

2009-05-22T06:10:00.027-04:00

No MORE cold, No MORE frost, No more ice unless it's in my drinks. :-)
Almost May Two Four ... May 24th

It's been awfully nice the last couple of days. My kind of temps when it's 75 degrees F. and sunny bright and beautiful. I wish the same for everyone across this wonderful continent of ours. Canada & Usa both. Everyone deserves a break and some peaceful bliss, veg-out & enjoy, weather. Some need respite from flooding, and winds, and drought, and severe storms, as well as the dragging on of cold weather. I really do wish that everyone has a really good spell of "nice" weather to enjoy for the themselves.

I Just Love the bright colors they paint their bldgs and how interesting the sights are in the warmer climates.

< Dolphin Watch Pt Isabel

Egret at Sana Ana Reserve >

Chicks for Easter Brownsville FleaMarket ^

THE PINK WAL-MART Port Isabel
We are home from our travels in the USA & Mexico and really, I miss it greatly. I long to return. However there is so much to do here at home since we do now have nicer weather and the grass is pulled up high by the warm sun, and the gardening beckons. The birds are back and constantly a joy to maintain with they're summer feeders and special treats.

Sarah & Alexis planting beets

Keebie warming up the planter soil

HummingBirds returned May 11, 2009

Sammy enjoying the sunshine

Justyce & Sarah watering the rows

More beet planting

This year we have the boat to look forward to enjoying. It's in refurbish mode at the momment. Adding new carpet and tinkering with some details to put it into tiptop condition for fun on the water this year.
John & Mark surveying the removal of the old carpet on the boat.

Henry B cat helping with the boat renovations.

Home Again

2009-05-04T05:47:00.008-04:00

It's Nice To Be

~ ~ ~

Our vacation went very well. Texas was warm and it was so good to be away from our usual winter cold weather in Ontario Canada. It didn't really matter what we were doing. Whether we were busy sight seeing, or kicking back relaxing. It was done in the warmth and that was such a pleasure. That was what our trip was all about.

We enjoyed the experiences of the Rio Grand Valley and surrounding area and we met some very lovely people who made our trip even more enjoyable with their company and hospitality.

Miss Jane who we met from our RV Park and John in Progresso, Mexico at Angel's Restaraunt. (even the pigeons on the windowsill outside were happy sunning themselves that day)

US Appreciation Day in Progresso Mexico. March 21st/09

Lots of beautiful pots to be found in Mexico.

La Feria Rodeo.

John at Iwo Jima Monument in Harligen TX.

Sand Castle Competition on Port Aransas TX.

One thing I learned on this vacation trip is to not take work along while vacationing. It can be a busy adventure vacationing and trying to fit work into the schedule was difficult for me. Especially when an internet signal was almost next to impossible to find for the most part.

Have you ever experienced that web page reload that seems to take forever, where you can basically go for a coffee and come back and it's still thinking about showing you the info on the next page and sometimes it "cannot load page" at all and if you typed anything it's all lost into cyberspace unless you copied it all to the clipboard before hand?
It's Not Nice.
That's how frustrating the internet connection can be when travelling without one of those "sticks" that allow the signal to be located even in motion on the road.

To top off the internet woes. When we arrive home, the computers on the home front have problems and must be fixed before any real extent of communications can be done.

Such is my cyber life for now.
Ah well.

I also managed to arrive home with some mild flu-like symptoms and don't feel all that inspired to sit at the computer.

Yes, we were in Mexico. But with a quick call to the Tele-Health nurses I discovered that the time frame was not in the short period of time that needed any worries as to serious concerns.
It was for those who had been in Mexico in the last week and a half. We were there over a month ago. Prior to any issues arising.

Still I feel a bit crummy at the momment but I am still up and busy getting settled back into the routine at Home.

Yes, it's really Nice to Be Home.

Walk-About Success!

2009-03-31T12:00:00.003-04:00

Brownsville Texas RV Park

~our Fleetwood RV next to Bill's Fleetwood RV

(his is the newer model brown in color)

Bill is a great guy we met who is from British Columbia near Victoria. We enjoyed his company immensley while he was in the park. He has headed home now since the weather will soon be turning nicer. At least we all hope that Spring is arriving real soon to greet all Canadians and warm us up after a long winter.

~ ~ ~ ~

I did a wee walk-about this morning and discovered a little nook in the storage area of the park's gym that gave a good enough internet signal for me to accomplish a bit more online today.

I managed to upload some new listing to my Etsy shop.

Uxcritter.Etsy.com

influenced by the Texas Coastal area we are at.

Dolphin Earrings

and

Beach shell bracelets

I'll add more online entries as often as I am able to.

The vacation is going well and we are thoroughly enjoying ourselves. The weather has been great compared to Ontario Canada. Although I've heard they too have had the occassional break in the cold streak and even had Tshirt weather last weekend.

We should be home in mid April. We're both looking forward to getting back home.

~~~

Kreativ Blogger Award

2009-03-09T10:58:00.007-04:00

This 'Kreativ Blogger' award was given to me by Gayle at flamingojunctiontoo

Thank you GAYLE !

Here are the rules:

List 7 things that you love and then pass the award on to 7 people...tagging them and letting them know they won! You can copy the picture of the award and put it on your sideboard letting the whole wide world know you are KReATIV!

7 things I love:
~~~~~~~~~~

1. My kids

2. My Bestest Friend John who I'm RVing with through the U.S.A. right now.

3. Being CREATIVE (Kreativ) :-)

4. Critters!

5. Hugging

6. The Great Outdoors - when it's warm outside. lol

7. Bright cheery colors.

...............................................

I now pass this award onto

Howaboutorange

Emmsgems

Jewelzodonnell

Gillianbeads

Tranquility Spot

Thechubbyartist

Willowcatstudio

DashBoarding in Texarkana TX

2009-02-19T14:57:00.003-05:00

Henry B cat loves to ride up on the dashboard while we are RVing.

That or the front passenger seat is his favorite place to be when we're travelling. I think if he could steer, he'd love to drive the bus himself. But then again, he loves to sleep. So that wouldn't be so good. >^^<

I've Been TAGGED!

2009-02-11T14:04:00.004-05:00

Tagged by Gayle - http://flamingojunctiontoo.blogspot.com/

Rules of tagging:

1, Link to the person who tagged you

2, Post these Rules in your Blog

3, Write 7 Random things about yourself

4, Tag random people at the end of your post and link to them

5, Let each Person know they've been tagged

Seven Random Things about Me ~

1. I'm almost 50. Yikes! I feel like a teenager most days, but some days a lot older than my age.

2. I'm moody, and I love BLUE and I think I should open a shop on etsy MoodyBlue, and have all shades of blue in it.

3. I'm a country bumpkin and I only go into a city if I absolutely have to. Otherwise near trees, hills and grasslands is where you'll find me. Oh and I love rocks and water too. A real basic element person.

4. I need to be around positive people to survive. Negativity can bring me down very easily. I wear my heart on my sleeve and everyone always knows exactly how I am feeling.

5. I love sunshine and bright colors, though I am a rainy day person as I like the downtime to catch up on things inside. I would rather be outside than inside any day.

6. I consider myself a bit of a McGyver. The person who can fashion things out of just about anything to create something useful.

7. I am thankful for my online friends and acquaintences and the fun I am having with my etsy shops and my blogs etc.

Now it's my turn and I'm tagging:

Jewelz Creative

The Pretty Peacock

Tranquility Knots

45 Days Till Spring!

2009-02-04T20:37:00.001-05:00

~ 45 ~

47 More Days Till Spring!

2009-02-02T11:26:00.002-05:00

~ 47 ~

DAYS TILL SPRING !

~ What HE sees Revealed ! (FEB 6)

2009-01-29T08:37:00.004-05:00

Comming up on Feb 6th, I hope to Reveal "What HE sees". ~ stay tuned.....
:-)

http://uxcritters.blogspot.com/2009/01/is-this-what-he-sees.html

51 DAYS TILL SPRING !

2009-01-29T08:15:00.003-05:00

Thanks to Audrey for this fun link to "What Color is Your Rainbow?"

http://spacefem.com/quizzes/rainbow/

My Rainbow is shown above. I love rainbows! It means rainy days of Summer to me. Ah ...warmth, rain, flowers.... very fond memories for me.

I wish my rainbow was a bit brighter. Maybe I shouldn't have skipped so many of the paired options ? lol

~ ~ ~

~ 51 Days Till SPRING ~

52 MORE DAYS TILL SPRING!

2009-01-28T11:39:00.003-05:00

~ OH THE LOVELY WATER LILLIES! ~

Let's think spring, think spring, think spring.... :-)

okay, so Today is "tomorrow" from yesterday's post.
heheh....how is that for
confusious sayzzzzzz!

So here I am KNOCKING one more day from the
DAYS TILL SPRING
count down
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

~ 52 ~

53 DAYS TILL SPRING!

2009-01-27T18:43:00.002-05:00

S*P*R*I*N*G !

*** WITH FRESH NEW BEGINNINGS ***

~~~

like kittens...

WhooHoo tomorrow will be 52 more days....! LOL

54 DAYS TILL SPRING!

2009-01-26T17:34:00.002-05:00

I have lots of other interesting things to blog about, like building CAT APARTMENTS to keep my 2 fat cats from becomming thoroughly bored during the winter months.

With photos and all!

And blogging about growing these spoiled cats their own CAT GRASS every 2 weeks so they don't miss summer-time greens.

Again with color photos.

But, alas! I am too involved in other things right now to address the kitty katto issues.

They are happy and that is all that matters.

Are you KIDDING!!!!!

Having 2 very fat cats mad at you is not a pleasant thing to have happen.

So YES, I keep them happy and then I am HAPPY.

No I am NOT blogging about these CRITTERS..... but they have thier grocery box apartment and are grazing their fresh crop of cat grass every 2 weeks.

HEY! that even makes all the neighbour cats jealous! >^^<

Until I am less busy............... I am enjoying the COUNT DOWN TILL

SPRING!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

How about YOU????

56 Days Till Spring!

2009-01-24T21:26:00.004-05:00

I don't know about you.... but this makes me happy to know it's not 57 days.

Please be an optimist with me and just Enjoy!

SPRING!

58 MORE DAYS TILL SPRING!

2009-01-21T22:54:00.002-05:00

2009-01-11T18:40:00.004-05:00

Thank You!

Everyone

~~~

I"ll try to grab a TREASURY and when I do I'll start adding you wonderful people to it.

GREAT ETSY SHOPS! With Great Etsy People!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
It was a very fun shopping experience. IF I had more, much more in Paypal, I'd have bought up all my favorites from your shops.

I did get the blue earrings and the feeling lucky lip balm.

Thanks for the opportunity to meet you all and browse your shops, and all the great greetings!

~ Ux

Is THIS what HE Sees?

2009-01-02T10:57:00.003-05:00

My Treasury for today on Etsy

~~~~~~~~~~

Yes, it's a bit of a secret.

I have been following a project by someone I named, "He" in the title of my treasury today.

The project is an on-going project, so I can't say a lot just yet.

It has really opened my eyes.

Thankfully I SEE things in a new and improved light.

I wanted to make a note of this treasury to see how close I am to what HE sees when his work with the project is over.

I don't want to interfere at all. However I am very intrigued, and it inspired me to create this treasury of new-to-me artists on Etsy.

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!!!!!!

2008-12-31T21:43:00.002-05:00

CHRISTMAS TIME EVENTS ~

2008-12-26T09:39:00.004-05:00

seekrit santa gifts

~~~~~~~~~~~~

This is the amazing gift package I recieved from my Seekrit Santa.

Enthral sent exactly what I had hinted to as my favorite things! Earthy elements of nature. I recieved copper jewelry and a way-cool leather cuff that I only took off for this photo. The hair elastics are going to lilux and she loves them. My hair is too short for them otherwise I'd not let them go. Thanks so much Enthral!

Things I sent to Intentionally Crooked, my seekrit santa recipient. Beeswax tapers, bath salts, my Fine Essentials best seller, "Headache Away" (which I hope she never has to use, but in case she does it's now handy for her to do so), 2 knit/crochet cotton wash cloths, and a big ol' dairymilk chocolate bar to share with her family if she chooses to share. lol And one of our funny family traditions at christmas, is to wrap something unexpected in a prezzie, like a potato, or an onion, and stick it in a pocket or sock or something. So I added a clementine orange to this parcel. Sent a month ago, it ought to be interesting to hear how it looked on christmas morn. Perhaps a lil bit dried up? : )

Night Of The Cookie Exchange

2008-12-13T10:24:00.028-05:00

A Really Nice Variety of COOKIES.

PEEK ! ~*~*~*~*~KIDS & COOKIES

Who loves the camera???

and cookies....

~The little kids &
The big kids ~

everyone liked the cookie exchange, even Henry B cat.

LilUx

GINGERBREAD HOUSE construction

2008-12-10T18:48:00.004-05:00

LilUx's Gingerbread House

*********************

She had a lot of fun creating this house all by herself.

And then Jesse "MarshHillPhotos" on Etsy, made some Nut Free Rum Balls.

Yes, he is able to partake of RuM as he turns 20 yrs old on DEC 16th!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY JESSE!!!!!!!!!

And a VERY Happy Holiday to all of you!!!!!!!!!!

******************************************

We've Got SNO*W !!!!!

2008-12-09T13:02:00.004-05:00

Yes, we have Got Snow!
But the little birds don't seem to mind a whole lot as long as they have seeds to eat.

This one looked up as I took it's picture. What's he trying to tell me???

This is how much snow we woke up to after last night's snowfall.

There was about half this much yesterday.

Then it started snowing again shortly after daybreak.

So much snow is comming down even as I type now at 1:30pm and it's gotten so overcast to the point that the porch lights can be seen. The color blue at the bottom of the porch light is the blue light glowing since it's got quite overcast with the clouds and steady falling snow.

And it's kind of funny,
how it's just as bad looking out the side of the house...
As it is out the front and even out the back of the house looks like a blizzard too!

It's snowing EVERYWHERE, all around us!
; )

***********************

And do you think a single cat can be found anywhere???
I had to go find where they curled up to hide till all this snow stops.

I found Henry ...

Next I found Sammy with his paw over his face, and he only looked up for a second to basically give a quick chuckle of contentment since he's inside so there's no worries!

I had to look extra hard to find Keebie's hiding spot, but I finally found her here.

Tough being a CAT!

GREEN GIFTING ~ David Suzuki style

2008-12-04T09:31:00.007-05:00

Check out DAVID SUZUKI's December 2008 Newsletter:

http://www.davidsuzuki.org/NatureChallenge/newsletters/dec08_greengifting/

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

I'm Featured Here in this blog today

http://fashion-by-student.blogspot.com/2008/12/fingerless-gloves.html

about

Fingerless gloves

found on ETSY!

~ yay! fingerless gloves!

My favorite pair

........................

"Peppermint Twist"

.......................................................................................

AffordableFUN etsy shop had it's

FIRST SALE!!!

yay to that too. : )

http://www.affordablefun.etsy.com/

..............................................................

HAND WARMERS / FINGERLESS GLOVES

2008-12-01T10:41:00.007-05:00

Warm & Fuzzies @ UxCritter's Place on ETSY.com

~~~~~**uxcritters place **uxcritters place **uxcritters place **uxcritters place **~~~~~

With the cold weather and sn*w upon us now in Ontario, CANADA, I have started making more knit and crochet items of warmth in our UxCritter Shop on Etsy.com.

Here are a few of the hand warmers / fingerless gloves I have made. Some are listed in my shop online for sale. Please check them out. They allow your fingers to stay busy throughout your day, but with the added warmth and style that these gloves can offer. :

Peppermint Twist ~

Ocean Meets the Earth ~

Strawberry Chocolate

Shabby Chic ~

2008-11-27T19:18:00.007-05:00

HAPPY THANKSGIVING TO EVERYONE IN THE U.S.A!

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * ** * * * * * *

Have a wonderful time with family and friends and don't eat too much turkey!

*************~~~~~~*************

Introducing

A new product in my shop Fine Essentials :

Simmering spices on the open hearth ushered in the holiday season in many homes.

With it's warming, comforting and welcoming aromas.

A time when family and friends would gather close. You can enjoy these nostolgic fragrances with this package of carefully blended spices that will enhance any atmosphere and bring everyones holiday spirit to the forefront.

Included in each order will be everything needed to create a simmering bouquet with intructions and a bit of nostolgic lore.

Check it out here : fineessentials.esty.com

cookie exchange crossword ~ print it out give it a try

2008-11-26T11:26:00.004-05:00

COOKIE EXCHANGE

2008-11-25T17:10:00.005-05:00

It's official!
Our street Cookie Exchange is underway!!!

Alexis and I handed out all the flyers on our street and we already have 5 confirmations.
so that's 5 dozen cookies and counting.......................................

I opened another ETSY shop today: www.AffordableFUN.etsy.com

I feel a bit like Santa's Helper in that I was sitting looking at all the things my kids and I have created over time and how I really just wanted to see these things out there and loved.

So I decided to open a new Etsy shop today with hopes that some who may not have a lot of money to spend will be able to buy special little goodies for themselves and their loved ones. I guess I'm getting mushy with the Christmas Spirit.

http://www.affordablefun.etsy.com/

Own The Hour

2008-11-24T11:13:00.005-05:00

http://etsy.ownthehour.com/

ANSWERS TO ETSY PUZZLE

2008-11-18T10:16:00.003-05:00

a little delayed

but here is the solution to the Etsy crossword puzzle. Visit ETSY.com for all your handmade Christmas gift ideas!

****************************************************************************

Please leave a comment and let me know how you did. Would you like to see more crosswords? Maybe even a prize for first to finish and contact me with the correct answers?

REMEMBERANCE DAY ~ For ALL

2008-11-11T08:41:00.010-05:00

PLEASE REMEMBER

A wonderful treasury by StringmeAlong.Etsy.com

http://www.etsy.com/treasury_list_west.php?room_id=32079

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

WRITE THE TROOPS

http://www.forces.gc.ca/site/Community/Messageboard/message_add_e.asp

send them a msg that you care. and REMEMBER them. : )

Canadian TV has some interesting information for today: http://www.ctv.ca/servlet/ArticleNews/story/CTVNews/20081111/Remembrance_Day_081111/20081111?hub=Canada

So? Have you solved the ETSY puzzle?

2008-11-10T16:42:00.002-05:00

ANSWER To Last Week's Puzzle: Will be posted on Friday November 14th, 2008.
Still time to leisurely solve this puzzle before I post the answer.
Print it out and enjoy!

Next puzzle I may add a PRIZE from my new FINE ESSENTIALS etsy shop to the First Person to solve it and show me the list of answers.

By the way, my new shop is doing very well. I am quite pleased with the interest in the blends I am creating, as well as suggestions for new blends to be made.

Thanks everyone!

~ Paula

ETSY FUN!

2008-11-07T08:13:00.005-05:00

All the fun is ETSY related clues and answers.

ENJOY!

(answer will be blogged next week)

Changes

2008-11-04T20:17:00.019-05:00

And then came NOVEMBER....

*** A new month with new adventures.***

November is a month of changes happening, like seasonal, and time changes, and with these changes, there is also time to reflect on a year almost in completion.

Clocks falling back, allowing us to gain back a bit of lost hours of sleep, if we care to partake of it.

Cooler weather, with some very fine days ...

and some very not so fine days.

Time to think about Christmas time approaching.

The upcomming events, when we gather with family and friends.

Time to think about what these people mean to us and how we'd like to show our appreciation towards them with Prezzies!

Now this can be a fun thing to do ...

Like shopping online @
for all your handmade gifts!

and there are oodles of ideas online at ETSY

just check it out!!!

like this HOLIDAY SHOWCASE.

or Shopping can be a matter of fact thing to do...

of gotta get it done regardless of what it takes.

or a Leave It Till The Last Minute approach...

Really,

making it fun and getting it done, is my choice.

I start looking at interesting gift ideas for my close friends and family actually all year round. I'll see something and think of someone who'd just love it.

The only trouble I have with this, is keeping it until it's time to be given to the recipient. I just have such a terrible time holding onto gifts. I either end up giving them too soon, ...

or I put them away so well hidden, that I have no idea where I put them when it's time to give the gifts.

and with that...

I'm going to look for last years gifts I still havent' found yet! Honest, ... "old age!... lol

and I still have time!

It's only NOVEMBER....

HALLOWEEN FUN!

2008-10-31T20:21:00.010-04:00

Our neighbourhood ghouls and gobblins that visited us this HALLOWEEN eve...

Pumpkin Head and the PRINCESS and a devilish character too!

a.k.a. Justyce & Alexis

Then Cleopatra showed up with a happy witch with a BIG wart on her chin and ....

well....the other character was in disquise so we never did discover the identity of this one.

Then more devilsh characters showed up with golden haired beauties and hobos and hockey goalie ghouls too!

More neighbourhood kids enjoying tricks and treats.

A Parachuter, and a very cool looking 50's dude like The Fonz, and ...

Pumpkins, red-nosed curly haired individuals and more ghoulie ghouls and a cute little gal our camera sort of captured

We Hope Everyone Had a GREAT GHOULISH Happy Halloween!

Are you stressing it?

2008-10-17T10:06:00.002-04:00

!!!!!Stress!!!!!
Why?
I wish I knew.

I mean, why bother?
What is it going to do for anyone?

Oh it can do things for you! But not the things you want to have happen.
Tense shoulders. Shortened breathing. Pangs of pain shooting up your neck.
Frown lines. Indegestion, including twinges in your stomach, so much sometimes that you can't even eat. And of course, lack of sleep. This is just a few of the nasty things Stress can do for a person.

I wrote this blog today because I see other's feeling similar pressures and stresses I have been feeling lately. Though I realize, and keep telling myself that it is not healthy, not productive, and really totally unnecessary,.... I still seem to not listen to myself, and continue to persue the discomforts of feeling stressed.

My stress level is heightened however, in that I am also a self-designated worrier. Why I worry exactly? I don't really understand that either. I have always believed in, and lived by, and readily will tell anyone who cares to listen, not to worry! "If it's meant to be, it will happen. Everything has it's time and will naturally take it's course, regardless of how much we worry or don't worry."

There are definitely different stress tolerances in all of us. Believe it or not, there is good stress and bad stress. However, I am not going to get into that aspect today. Thank goodness we are so unique and individual!

When I think of the word "STRESS", the stock market leaps to mind. To me that seems like the most stressful job in the world. Yet there are wonderful people who thrive in that atmosphere and would ask, "what stress?"

Along with life's normal stresses associated with our daily routine, there will always be those directly-out-of-the-left-field experiences that get thrown at us from time to time just to keep us on our toes. Right now I am dealing with particular instances of stress, that are somewhat shared by a group of individuals I know in a wonderful interactive group on Etsy.com.

It's the stresses that can be put on a creator of homemade/handmade goods. The feeling of wishing you could be more productive and produce more than one person can produce so as to keep up with the demand or perhaps the impending demand. The time factor of how to find time to be creative and still maintain regular day to day activities?
The stress of making certain we're professional and presentable, thereby appealing to our public.

We'd certainly like to be able to get all the ideas that we think up, brought to life. Whether it be the images scribbled on a serviette waiting for a restaraunt meal, or the cryptic shorthand details of project ideas as we stand in line for the bus or to buy groceries. Perhaps even those fantastic ideas we've had swimming in our minds that still need transfering to a more tangible source. We all have it happen it seems. Ideas and not enough time to create them into reality.

Another big dilemma can be... What if they don't like what I made?
The stresses of feeling like everytime we create something, no matter what it is, it is like our child, our baby. When we create, and then we put it out in front of the public eye, we then worry and stress, as to will it be accepted, liked, bought, and enjoyed?

And what about the stress of pure demand vs availability?
Oh My Gosh What if I'm Successful? How will I keep up?

This is when I tend to have to stand back for a second. Take a deep breath or two. And realize again, that stressing isn't really helpful at all. In fact it can be very counter-productive.
If I can keep telling myself this like a mantra, repeating it often, I just may "get it!" Gosh I hope so!

I'm a little slower in my old age now, but hopefully not too slow to get with the positive program.
This blog today ties in with another blog of mine from awhile ago about taking care of ourselves so we can take care of other's.

It also gives me opportunity to tell you about one particular impending issue in my life. Creating my newest shop on Etsy. (remember all the different tolerance levels of stress? Well, mine isn't good with changes of any kind, and this change though good, is still stressing me)

With all this said, I do want to introduce my new shop on Etsy.com called:

"Fine Essentials."

~ Blended essential oils for alternative healing.

I feel that once I get this shop up and running, I will definitely be a happier camper. It is the initial stages I feel rather obsessive about getting done.

It's with much appreciated help from my UxCritter customers, from my initial shop on Etsy, that has encouraged me to open this second shop. Due to the positive responses to samples and purchases of my essential oil blends, I have taken the leap to open a second shop specifically for these fine blends.

One particular issue I am starting to stress over now is the appearance of my products. I used to feel that some handmade goods looked too professional. I felt that they looked too closely like they were manufactured products.

For the most part, I really like a rough edges type made-with-love homemade look.
I like the mom-and-pop enterprises. The bootstrap businesses. The I-made-it-myself, proud and happy people with a product that truly has been made by them.

People who initially tried making new things for themselves, perhaps out of necessity. Then discovered that their product worked well, and helped them in some way, or just made their lives happier.

They took that important plunge and put into motion a thinking, invovative, productive, process and were successful at creating something handmade/homemade.
(*On a wee side note: I will be the first to say, that I, as a creative person, am truely thrilled that there are those who aren't creative in the same ways that I am and vise versa. Those are the people who love to appreciate the efforts of my creativeness and I their's. Plus I am very appreciative of those who claim that they have no creative abilities at all. Those who don't create the things we do, are our best customers of course! We all have skills in different areas. Thank goodness! Otherwise where would we all be? )

Now however, I find myself wanting to make my handmade items more polished than I have been. More professional looking. More desireable perhaps? Not to say that I was sloppy with my workmanship. Just that what I turned out was my personal best at my own comfort level. I had the sheer pleasure of enjoying being creative and turning out things I liked, that I wanted to share with others. I was never one to push for perfection, as I didn't feel I was trying for any awards, or notariety other than perhaps word of mouth that I had a shop of cute hand crafted goodies.

A very professional, polished, almost manufactured look is something I've always held at arms length. To me personally it was too close to any everyday store bought industry produced item I could pick up at any brick and motor store if I cared to. So with that stated, I now feel it's a bit of a daunting task to provide a more professional approach to my goods, but at the same time remain a natural down to earth homemade, hand crafted, small enterprising individual with a product that people will buy, use, and enjoy!

On a more positive note, I do happen to like the feeling of pushing my limits a bit in the direction of being more polished and professional. I always enjoy a challenge! This challenge becomes even more intriguing as I try to strike a happy medium with professionalism balanced with a naturalistic sense. Can I accomplish this? I hope so. I'm certainly going to try. A definite plus is that this will help me to make and attain a new goal in my life. Growing in this way, and hopefully meeting with success, will add happiness and healthiness.

Once again, many thanks to those of you who have encouraged my new enterprise to bloom and become a reality.

I do tend to let myself feel the stresses, when it comes to making sure that I'm doing my utmost best, to create a "Fine" shop of my blended essential oils. One that my customers and I can both be proud of.

Now, I'd better eat, sleep, and get busy creating one of my relaxation, positive, energizing, balancing wonderful essential oil blends and use it on myself foremostly. LOL

PROMOTIONAL ITEMS for Give~Aways

2008-10-16T09:47:00.010-04:00

PROMOTIONAL ITEMS

~ from my etsy shop

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

These Maid Service cards are designed to let everyone know when you require time off.
You know they can do it themselves, but it's getting the message across to them in an effective way.

With this handy little card you can get your message across in a direct but fun way.Enjoy a chuckle right along with your family and friends with this maid service button message.Cute but effective!

Some Etsy Crafts people who will be vendors at upcomming craft shows, have been wonderfully kind in asking other Etsy shop owners for promo items to hand out at their tables during the show to help promote Etsy.com.

I came up with a promo item that I am quite pleased with, which uses a listing from my shop and also has all my shop's information right on it. It is pictured above.

Here is the listing as it actually is in my Etsy shop:

2008-09-23T13:36:00.005-04:00

~ SUNSHINE AND SMILES ~

^)_^()_^()_^)_^()_^()_^)_^()_^()_

S*M*I*L*E*S

^)_^()_^()_^)_^()_^()_^)_^()_^(

I hope everyone loves smiles as much as I do.

I smile a lot throughout the day and everytime I do I love it!

When I hear of people who are feeling down or sick from colds etc, I always wish I could make them feel better right away by giving out hugs.

I'm one of those huggie people who wants to give the entire world a big ol' hug and make everything better.

Yes, my la~la~land.

Not reality, but it's the way I feel.

I of course wish it was that easy, but alas, it is not.

...~ "some people don't even want things to be better..."

And some people don't even want things to be better. Yes, unfortunately that is true. Some people are chronic complainers and if they didn't have anything to complain about, they'd be all out of sorts, and wouldn't know what to do with themselves.

Hey, to each their own.

At one time in my life I was around too many 'down' people and it really brought me down being with them. I did manage to figure out what was happening to me and made sure I was around more positive and happy people.

Now when I come in contact with someone who is down, I try to help them to see the brighter side of life, and if they don't want to, ... I move on.

Someone once told me that I should look at myself as

"the highest rung on

the ladder".

In other words, I am the most important person in my life.

That is not to say that I am above the rest in any way, nor better than the rest. No. It just means that I have to treat myself well. That

I am important.

If a person doesn't look after themselves first and foremost as important, they can't expect anyone else to. Nor can they be ready to look after anyone else in a positive manner.

This statement is so incredibly true...

Have you ever heard the phrase,

"Take care of the caregiver so that the caregiver can take care of others".

Wow! Do you know how important that phrase is???

If a Caregiver gets run down physically, or emotionally, well who can they help?

No one!

...............
A Caregiver needs to look after Number ONE (themselves).

Then they can focus on others more effectively.

Now this doesn't matter if you are a MOM,

a support worker,

or a friend going through some rough times with a close friend or relative.

You have to look after yourself in a positive way

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

to be effective to helping others.

I learned a lot when I learned this fact. It was so helpful.

Get the sleep you need.
Get the food you need.
Get the support you need.

Look after yourself first.

NOT out of selfishness, but rather out of requirement of refuelling.

Take the time to refresh resources.

Always accept smiles and sunshine into your life.

They are precious commodities and oh so needed for our well-being.

PLEASE COMMENT...

2008-09-21T22:30:00.005-04:00

BLOG ETTIQUETTE

__________

When you read a blog...

Add a few pleasant words to make someone's day a little brighter.

Thanks!

~ UxCritter ~

P.S. I'd love to hear if you are interested in getting a FREE trial of my essential oil blends in the FREEBIES GIVEAWAYS blog below.

~.~.~.~.~ ~.~.~.~.~ ~.~.~.~.~~.~.~.~ ~.~.~.~.~ ~.~.~.~.~ ~.~.~.~.~

FREEBIE GIVEAWAYS !!!!

2008-09-16T21:05:00.010-04:00

FREE PRODUCTS !!!!

...................................................

To get a free introductory sample of my new essential oil blends, read on ....
~
And MY FAV'S are ...

A KITCHEN COUNTER SPRAY

For more info. click here > http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=15277911

FALL REVIVER

For more info: click here >http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=15266956

BALANCE

For more info: click here> http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=14738590

To get a FREE sample:

Just get 5 of your friends to look at my etsy shop, and then comment here on my blog about what their favorite item is in my etsy shop mentioning that you referred them.

I have a shop with over a hundred crafting ideas as my shop involves 3 family members. Literally something for everyone.

When there are 5 comments referring you as a candidate to try my free samples I will create a RESERVED listing for you and you can purchase at no charge to you. I only ask for your feedback on the item of your choice once you have tried it. This will help me to determine whether to open my second shop offering these essential oil blends or leave them in my UxCritter shop.

my Etsy shop
http://www.uxcritter.etsy.com

my blog you are on already here is where you need to get 5 friends to comment on my shop items and refer you as a candidate for a FREE offer.
http://www.uxcritters.blogspot.com

Don't forget to mention to your contacts that you need a referral and the product of your choice of my essential oil blend can be yours FREE! If they purchase from my shop, you will recieve a bonus gift.

Thanks! ~ UxCritter

Come on in and win a prize today!

Video Promotion

2008-09-14T17:14:00.004-04:00

VIDEO PROMOTION

PROMOTION ~ PROMOTION ~ PROMOTION

my newest enterprise on Etsy:

Check out my newest listing on Etsy. I can custom make a video for you!

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=15191101

Here's HARVEST MOON PAPER'S video I created for her Etsy shop.

Please have a look and give it some luvin' ....

I TOOK UP THE CHALLENGE.....

2008-09-10T13:57:00.006-04:00

WEEKEND TO END BREAST CANCER !

...........................................................

I took up the challenge!

(in 2 challenges.. I entered a BOOB challenge on Etsy too. .BOOB entries are in my shop now )

Weekend to End Cancer OTTAWA

http://www.endcancer.ca/site/TR/Events/Ottawa2009?px=2708085&pg=personal&fr_id=1310

I discovered this website via another fellow Etsyian's blog, and was overjoyed to be able to help in some way to "Help The Cure".

Loopy4ewe's Blog:

http://loopy4ewe.blogspot.com/2008/09/proceeds-go-towards-breast-cancer.html

BREAST CANCER AWARENESS

_______________________

My contributions:

...with me being a CritterNut...

I made cat toys with my home grown catnip. It is organic and very strong scented. I decided to create a cat toy in the shape of the Breast Cancer Awareness Ribbon design, and fill it full of strong cat mint. I always double the thickness of my cat toys so they last so much longer and hold together better and the contents of the dried leaves cannot easily come through the toy.

They come highly recommended by my cats, the neighbour's cat who steals them and takes them to his house, and any cat who's tried one of my cat mint toys! S*T*R*O*N*G & F*U*N

These toys I've created are crocheted and embellished in various ways with ribbons, flowers and beaded lace.

The Bath Salts

..............................

These PINK bath salts are available in ROSE scent, MULBERRY, STRAWBERRY PEACH, and CHERRY.

A nice sample size for your bath, or for a foot soak and hand soak for manicures, pedicures.

Epsom salts are the ulitmate soak. Great for soothing soaks to relieve stress, calm aching muscles, reduce swelling and absorb odors.

Bath Salts and Cat Toys ~ for this special campaign will be availabe in my Etsy shop as soon as I can get them listed online.

UxCritter.Etsy.Com

Please check often and see not only these new items, but all the fun regular items my family and I create and list in our shop when we have new ideas.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

CHILLOSOPHER SPEAKETH! ...

2008-09-08T17:38:00.006-04:00

Well, though I didn't get an exact, "yes", to linking to, or including the Chillosopher's editorial on my blog here. I'm going to take this email as a yes. (be sure to check out the October issue of CHILL Magazine with this great article Scotty wrote below. Available at The Beer Store now.)
@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@

Hello Paula!

... Would love to evolve our brand and our CHILLosophy through blogs such as yours, and yes I have lots to say to those willing and eager to listen.

In essence, CHILL Magazine is striving to become the “After 5 and week-end” specialists, with the mandate of helping people slow down, relax and simply CHILL!

Our take on fall, is much like our take on everything we cover; “Positive”. In a media world steeped in negativity we are trying to evolve a Positive News Network through CHILL Media Inc. As we all know there is a silver lining in everything; it simply depends on one’s personal perspective. We do not want to appear Pollyannaish, just positive, because T.V, daily newspapers and a host of other mediums provide us an over-fill of gratuitous sex, violence and depressing facts, and often forget that a little humour, a lot of fun and some insightful and uncanny ideas on how to spend our downtime is essential to our sanity!

...
P.S We are re-launching our website on December 1st, and it will include a complete design refresh and a daily blog!

@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@

I want to thank Scotty Stevenson for his superb email and wonderul reflexes at a "red light" stop in traffic so he says, when he initially contacted me with a brief but unconcise message which he later clarified in the above message. Not exactly a "yes" to my querey... but I'll take it as such. LOL

Thanks Scotty!!!! (on with the FALL WHISPERER's words of wisdom............)

....................................................................................................

MESSAGE FROM THE CHILLOSOPHER

"It's hard to believe it folks, but yes, SUMMER IS ALMOST OVER. I know it seems like only yesterday we were packing away the parkas, happily looking forward to everything that the golden season has to offer, barbecues, cottages, a game of golf, tossing the football, mountain biking, fishing, tennis, ball games, outdoor concerts, an evening run or morning swim, pints on the patio, beach volleyball, flip flops, T's, back road drives, roller coasters, theme parks and most importantly long lazy SUNNY DAYS!

Therein lies the problem. We couldn't enjoy any long lazy sunny days, because we were forced to endure record-breaking weeks of rainfall.
We couldn't take back road drives as a result of soaring energy costs, and almost everything else we listed was weather dependant, so our options were pretty much limited. We could complain to our co-workers and neighbours about the cost of gas, and the terrible weather, we could recoil into our couches and watch endless hours of old TV programs, but if you think about it, we are essentially acquiescing to the weather and the economy, and how Canadian would that be?

Yes, it was all starting to dampen our spirits also, that is until we hooked up with George Stroumboulopoulos. His infectiously positive personality reminded us that life is good, and we shouldn't let a little downpour get us down. Interviewing the interviewer (on a rainy day nonetheless), the reigning icon of Canadian chat even had us excited to say goodbye to Summer.
WHY?

Because that means the start of the NHL, the NFL, College ball and the NBA. Sixty days from another World Series and 90 days before another great Canadian party at the 96th Grey Cup. The start of beer league hockey, touch football, wings and beer after the game, the new fall TV schedule, kids back to school, the Toronto Film Fest, US Open tennis, fall golf and lots more. Reviewing the past several years, well, it may even mark the start of Summer if we get our traditional September and October 25+ temperatures. And last but not least, a new season of The Hour with George Stroumboulopoulos, which means more George!
Yes, life is good!

So get out and enjoy the last lazy days of Summer, prepare your goodbyes, and get ready to kick back and settle in for an exciting new season. Is it easy to forget about your worries and the state of the world? ABSOLUTELY NOT! Worth the effort, ABSOLUTELY!
Find something you love to do and just do it.

Cheers,

Scotty Stevenson
Your friendly neighbourhood Chillosopher"

////////////////////////////////////////////

beer~beer~beer~beer~beer~beer~beer~beer

///////////////////////////////////////////

Look for the October edition of CHILL at The Beer Store starting September 29th.

The CALL of FALL ........

2008-09-06T10:18:00.010-04:00

Fall is calling.

_______________________

How many of us want to listen right now???

Um, not me!

Not just yet.

How about you?

I am sorry Fall, but I am not answering your call at the moment. I just haven't finished with Summer. Perhaps because summer didn't give it's all this season. I think it is still wanting to show us it has something up it's sleeve. A few nice days maybe?

Then again, I read a magazine article that really helped me to 'deal with' this super fast spin through summer we had, that seemed to bring on fall way too early, and rob of us our sweet summer-time fun. Right now I am waiting to hear back from the editor to see if I can add the article in here. I really enjoyed his message in it.

* waiting for permission to insert a magazine article blurb here about Fall.

The editor wrote an article about the current seasons in Canada, and I really would like to link to it here.

Until the decision is in, the article is "The message from the CHILLOSOPHER, a.k.a. Scotty Stevenson, editor of Chill Magazine."

You can check out the website,

http://chillonline.ca/

Unfortuneatley you can't read the article there. Which I wish you could. I commented on the site about that too. Hopefully they change that and add in the editor's message online. That is why I want to be able to show you the article here.

@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@

ETSY FOR HANDMADE

FALL TREASURES

__________________________

Shop HANDMADE @ Etsy.com !

http://www.etsy.com

You'll find all your Fall needs at Etsy, and don't forget to shop early for all your Christmas prezzies too! Take the stress off the busy season, buy early.

And a MUST READ ARTICLE FOR ALL ETSY MOM'S

http://theprettypeacock.blogspot.com/

**********

FALL RECIPES

**********

Love this magazine "WHAT'S COOKING".

http://www.kraftcanada.com/en/WhatsCookingArchive/MagazinePreview.aspx

kind of neat how you can turn the pages online!

~ The Joy of Treasuries on Etsy ~

2008-09-05T08:09:00.007-04:00

* I created this treasury that is still in the current treasury list until tomorrow. These are some of my favorite items from what is know on Etsy as "hearts". I included a couple of the comments from my treasury comment list. My comments are full and no one can leave anymore comments. I find it difficult to delete any comments, but it is wonderful to see them filled up. It shows that a treasury has been 'loved'. lol ; )

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Another Treasury

_____________

I don't think anyone ever tires of creating Treasuries on Etsy.

It's such a joy to see new items, new shops, and to bring those items and shops into view to share with everyone else who enjoys looking at the treasuries.

At the same time the featured shops receive wonderful promotion in the spotlight.

It just makes everyone feel so good!

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

________________________________

Hearted Shops ~ Favorites of mine:

Shown in the order of the above treasury photos: if you love the featured items in my treasury photo above, be sure to check out the shop links below to enjoy them even more!

Fivefootfury13's shop

RobertSocha's shop

SouthamptonCreations's shop ~ i see the tiny toes photo just sold!!!! Yeah Southampton!

dancingelfdesigns's shop

itreallyaddsomething's shop

drumchick99's shop

luv4sams's shop

ShineYourHineySoap's shop ~ I just had to buy that awesome oatmeal soap!

TheDarlingDrops's shop

brokenchinatreasures's shop

CreativeHook's shop

Nixcreations's shop

_______________________________

_________________________________

* check out nancywallis' blog :

http://nancywallisdesigns.blogspot.com/

She has blogged about treasuries too! Oh such a wonderful processs these treasuries!

A VERY GOOD DAY TODAY!

2008-09-04T23:33:00.006-04:00

It's only Thursday. Not Who Haw it's Friday. Not the weekend either..... But it was still a very good day!!!

Dre had her baby!!!

Dre, is shop owner of Willowcatstudio on Etsy.

Check out her shop: http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=101024

And her Blog : http://willowcatstudio.blogspot.com/

*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*

We've all been waiting for baby Willow for awhile now, as she was a little late arriving.

The Canadian thread on Etsy has been all a flutter and today was no exception! Actually we're all the more a flutter now!

Congratulations Dre and Hubby! And happy day for big brother and big sister too!!!

..................................

I made some more pies today. So we might as well enjoy some while you're reading the blogs!

Cherry, or Apple????

I'm having cherry pie myself...............mmmmm.

And if anyone can tell me the secret as to how to keep my oven clean after the pies overflow from bubbling over. I'd love to know! I do put a lot of filling in my pies, but I didn't think it was too much. I'm very consistant though on having my pies overflow, make a smoke show in the kitchen from the burning sugary syrup on the oven floor, and having to scrub the mess it makes after the pies are done.

HAVE SOME PIE WHILE YOU'RE HERE...

2008-09-03T14:04:00.007-04:00

~Apple Pie ~

Not one of the prettiest pies I've made. I tried a new crust recipe. I still like my tried and true recipe that is literally a bear for punishment and can handle working it over and over again.

Not usually a good thing to do with pie crust recipes, as it toughens then up. But because my favorite pie crust recipe I usually use is made with brown sugar, it can take a lot of reworking and still it's light and flakey.

A great recipe, especially if you enjoy the little tykes helping you in the kitchen. My kids have always enjoyed baking and helping me in the kitchen.

~~~~~~~~~~~~

My favorite Brown Sugar Pie Crust

>~>~>~>~>~>~>~>~>~<~<~<~<~<~<~<~<~<~<~<

(from Home on the Range)

5 cups flour

4 tbsp. brown sugar

1/2 tsp. baking soda

dash of salt

1 lb. lard

1 egg

water

1 Tblsp. vinegar

Mix the flour, brown sugar, soda and salt together in a fairly large bowl. Cut in the lard (with pastry blender or fingers) until the mixture is crumbly.

In a measuring cup, beat the egg slightly and add water to make 3/4 cup liquid. Add the vinegar and mix slightly. Add to the flour mixture and stir until mixed.

Keep in a plastic bag in the freezer. Whenever you need some let the dough thaw, use whatever is necessary and then refreeze. This stuff is a bear for punishment - it takes freezing and thawing and beating about and still comes out flaky and tasty.

Warm handed people do have to take care, however. Sometimes in working the lard into the flour, the lards gets soft too quickly and the whole thing turns to a sticky ball. A light hand is the secret.

~ Bon Appétit~

INTERVIEWED BY JEWELZ from Etsy

2008-08-31T22:57:00.004-04:00

Jewelz is a lovely shop owner on Etsy.
***** JEWELZ CREATIVES
Check out her Etsy Shop here:
http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5757134

Jewelz has decided to share with everyone on her blog, interviews with her new Etsy friends that tell about these people and their handmade shops.

Today Jewelz started these interviews to feature each shop owner and help promote the person and their shop. As well Jewelz feels she has a great opportunity to get to know her new friends better this way.

I was the first interviewed and I am so pleased to say that Jewelz blogged about it today! It's a great promo page for UxCritter's Place on Etsy, and I am very appreciative to Jewelz for the work she did putting this together.

Please check out the interview here on her blog:

http://jewelzodonnell.wordpress.com/

MORE COOKIES!!!! YUM*

2008-08-30T15:00:00.007-04:00

Well, today isn't a day to really start thinkin' about baking up goodies for Christmas.........but,...

I did get my flyers ready to hand out around our little circle drive of a few houses here where we moved to.

Flyers for my usual "COOKIE EXCHANGE"!!!

Just like my announcement says on my Etsy shop, ...

"**CHRISTMAS NOTE**

Don't forget Christmas shopping early takes the stress off, especially when the season approaches so quickly.

and

does

getting the baking done ahead of time.

(oh and christmas card writing too! OR MAKING SCRAPBOOKING CARDS, right Paige?)

be sure to check out Paige's scrapbooking blog!!!!!! It's in my blog list to the right.

I'm going to try a little nudge ahead of time to do some things that sometimes gets put off too long......... like baking. The first cool day I'm going to fire up the oven and bake up some of my Christmas Diamonds! They are very similar to these HELLO DOLLYS shown below. (same idea of layering ingred.s for a very fast and delicious tray of cookies)

First, I'll share the original version of PEANUT BUTTER COOKIES that I usually make when I am inspired to create a full blown version of the cookies. Not cutting any corners as I did with the Quick version in my blog below. Fast, effective, but not the Originals, like these pictured!!! YUMM~~~

PEANUT BUTTER COOKIES

1/2 cup butter

1/2 cup peanut butter

1/2 cup packed brown sugar

1/2 cup white sugar

1 egg

1 cup flour

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
Cream together butter, and peanut butter. Blend in sugars and egg. Stir flour into creamed mixture. Roll into balls. Flatten with floured or sugared fork. Bake for 12 - 15 minutes. Makes 4-5 dozen cookies.

///////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////

HELLO DOLLYS

*****************

1/3 cup butter

1 1/2 cup graham crumbs

1 cup coconut

1 (6oz) pkg. chocolate chips

1 cup chopped walnuts

1 can sweetened condensed milk

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Melt butter in the cookie sheet while preheating the oven. Sprinkle crumbs over butter, shaking pan to spread crumbs evenly. Sprinkle coconut over crumbs, then chocolate chips and then nuts. Each in their own layer. Press lightly with hands to level. Pour cond. milk over top by drizzling from the can as best you may manage it in a drizzle. (it's a bit tricky, but it makes it easier to cover all of it easier). Let tray stand 5 min's before baking to let the cond. milk soak in. Bake for 20-30 min's till golden brown. Then cool completely before cutting.

///////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////

CHRISTMAS DIAMONDS

************************

1/3 c. butter

1 1/2 c. graham wafer crumbs

1 c. coconut

2 c. chopped mixed candied fruit

1 c. chopped dates (lightly floured)

1 c. chopped walnuts

1 can sweetened condensed milk

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Melt butter in the cookie sheet while preheating the oven. Sprinkle crumbs over butter, shaking pan to spread crumbs evenly. Sprinkle coconut over crumbs, then candied fruit, dates, and nuts. Each in a layer. Press lightly with hands to level. Pour sweetened cond. milk over top. (drizzle it slowly from the can as best as is able. It makes it easier to cover the entire surface of the cookies) Let tray stand for 5 min's to allow cond. milk to soak into cookies. Bake for 20 min's approx. Cool completelybefore cutting. Cut into desired size. THESE ARE VERY VERY SWEET! So a small diamond is enough for one serving. diamonds or squares whatever you fancy.

Now you figure, if you can get even 7 people to exchange cookies with you. There will be quite the variety of cookies when you tray up 7 different kinds of cookies for your Christmas visitors! They store (safer from being eaten) in the freezer till you need them.

~ ENJOY~

3 Ingredient Cookies!

2008-08-29T20:52:00.003-04:00

QUICK PEANUT BUTTER COOKIES

Do you ever get that sweet tooth and there's nothing in the house to suit your cravings?

Or you have company comming and there's no treats to serve with coffee?

You might not even have the time nor energy to get out all the mixing bowls, measuring spoons, and other materials you require and find all the ingred's that most recipes ask for.

So here's a quick fix recipe that is so easy and so quick!
You'll be serving cookies and enjoying the sweet aroma of cookies in a few short minutes.

This recipe has always been a very favorite of mine and I hope you all enjoy it's simplicity, quickness and ease of preparing. Plus it's wonderful taste and how good it makes the kitchen smell!

** QUICK PEANUT BUTTER COOKIES **

1 cup peanut butter
1 cup sugar
1 egg beaten
> > > > > > > * one tsp vanilla can be added * optional

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
Combine all ingred's well. Roll into balls, press with a fork, and bake 10 min's.
MAKES 30 2 1/2" cookies.

*** NEW ESSENTIAL OILS at UxCritter's Place!

2008-08-28T14:48:00.007-04:00

*New in the Shop at UxCritter's Place on Etsy

.....................................................................

* Essential Oil Blends *

I've created some essential oil blends in my shop on Etsy.

These blended oils are not only wonderful to breathe deeply and enjoy the aroma of each medley of scents, but they are extremely effective in benefiting a range of day to day natural healing alternative remedies.

Remedies for instances like:

Headaches

~ Headache Away ~

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?ref=vl_other_1&listing_id=14494502

Headache Away Xtra Strength

~ Headache Away Xtra ~

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?ref=vl_other_1&listing_id=14504751

FALL REVIVER

~ Fall Reviver ~

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?ref=vl_other_2&listing_id=14523165

Please have a look at the other listings in UxCritter's Place for more blends.

* BOOST

*BAREFOOT BLISS

* NECK & SHOULDER

Many more blends are in the works and will be listed soon. So please check back to http://www.uxcritter.etsy.com OFTEN!

KIDS CRAFTING ON ETSY

2008-08-27T23:55:00.005-04:00

Kids crafting on Etsy.

I created a treasury today featuring some kids who craft and sell their items on Etsy.com

A treasury is a collection of 12 featured items from various shops.

http://www.etsy.com/treasury_list.php?room_id=4030

*I hope you can view the above link. If not I've uploaded some screenshots below.

All the artists featured are between the age of 3yrs and 19 yrs.

I'm certain there are more Etsy Kid Crafters to be discovered. If you know of one, please leave a comment. I'd love to know about other kids who craft.

Thanks for having a look at these creations the kids have made.!

Featured with thanks!!!

2008-08-25T13:45:00.017-04:00

Our shop is featured today (AUG 25TH) on a blog called ETSY STUDIO'S.

Etsy Studios was created by Kerry Grbich, to showcase Etsy workspaces.

She features new workspaces regularly.

AUG 25th entry (UxCritter's Place)

CRITTERS CRITTERS EVERYWHERE!

http://www.etsystudios.blogspot.com/

Kerry can be found at her Etsy shop, "the red door",

http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5768333

I always wanted my craft room organized a bit better...

Since our move to the new house exactly a year ago this month, I've been struggling to get my craft room set up so it's comfortable to create in. It's been a real process unloading boxes, and trying to set up places for everything so it's all handy.

The renovations of the entire house, which was gutted for the most part and redone, was as any reno job, quite long and disturbed any chance of somewhat 'normal' day to day activities. Construction dust, noise, and constant shifting of possessions was a daily occurance for many months.

Some BEFORE & AFTER shots of the house:
http://home-and-garden.webshots.com/album/565379897ZvxRGx

It wasn't until the plush carpeting went into the downstairs living areas that the construction really halted. At that point, it was well into winter and too cold to work outside and too nice to bring tools etc inside.

I looked at my room and it was truly overwhelming!and since there wasn't any easy fixes, or mixes.....

At this point I had a lady who is amazing at organizing, (HI TRISH!) come in and help me for a few days to get the main onslaught of overwhelming trimmed to a more workable atmosphere.

It still needed fine tuning, and this is where the little ones, I call, "miracle workers", came in.
My neighbour's two little girls are really cute and are two super little helpers.

Justyce, the older one, can enter a cluttered room and have it organized within a very short time frame. She is absolutely wonderful! And she's only 7. She just turned 7 two days ago.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY JUSTYCE!!!

And lil miss Penelope, as John calls her, as it's her real middle name, is Justyce's sister.

Alexis, turned 5 last month.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY ALEXIS!!!

So, now my two little miracle workers are revealed. They both love to craft and draw, and spend time with us drawing pictures to put on our fridge, and making beaded items too.

They like my bead room and find sorting little tiny beads etc, a treat. They are rewarded with beads and craft things to take home. It's a great sharing experience.

THANKS JUSTYCE & ALEXIS!
Terrific little girls! And budding crafters!

2008-08-23T00:35:00.008-04:00

The Forgotten Days of the Week ~ Whoosh they go by!

Tues, Wed, & Thurs. are just the fillers as we wait for Friday.

Other than Wed. dubbed hump day when we can be thankful it's half way through at that point. We're over the "hump" and it should be an easy slide down to Friday.

And we're almost there with Thursday.......

But at least all the filler stuff can get done on these filler days, like: running errands, attending appointments, maybe some grocery shopping, a little housecleaning, and all the other mundane filler stuff.

*FILLER * FILLER * FILLER * FILLER * FILLER * FILLER * FILLER*

So I guess I was busy with filler stuff and missed those all important days in the middle of the week! EEEK GAD!

Naw it wasn't that bad really. Some cool things happened...........

Liam Patrick was born!

Our friends had the cutest little boy and it was a pleasure visiting them during this past week.

Isn't he a cutie!

And YES!!! It's FRIDAY!!!

no wait.......

Darn! I missed posting this "ON" Friday. I was having way too much fun!

It's SATURDAY!!!

that's cool too.

~ HAPPY SATURDAY! ~

And So Starts Another Week....

2008-08-18T15:46:00.014-04:00

monday,monday,monday,monday,monday,monday,monday,monday,monday,monday,mondaymonday,monday,monday,monday,monday

Are Monday's really that bad????

Yeah, they certainly can be!!!
monday,monday,monday,monday,monday,monday,monday,monday

But if you want to think about Monday's in a better way...
1) It's only 3 more days and then it's Friday again!

2) If you screwed up last week, you've got a fresh new start with this week to make it better.

3) It only happens once a week. (thank goodness!)

monday,monday,monday,monday,monday,monday,monday,monday

Add to all this the crazy weather that can accompany some Monday's...

Like RAINY MONDAY'S

Our Monday here in Southern Ontario started out hot with lots of sunshine.

Then a wind came up out of nowhere and the rains came.

Then the sunshine,

then more rain,

then sunshine,

then more rain.

This happened about 6 times and then the hail started and I thought the winds were going to blow the large tree down outside our window!

I wanted to take a picture... but could only get a pic of this funky feeder...

The rains and wind were so bad I grabbed a quick pic of this hummingbird feeder that came from Arizona. Tubac AZ to be specific. It has test tubes to fill with nectar to represent access to a real flower's nectar, as well it has hangers to hang up regular feeders, or anything else you'd like to hang up, including flowers or seed feeders.

I will insert awesome pic of hummingbirds from my trip photos in a bit....when I find them...

Well, I didn't find the awesome humming bird upclose photos that I hoped to find, ...

but here's one from the feeder in the above photo.

I have a bunch of feeders altogether that bring in a wide variety of birds. I have many different hummingbirds comming to the feeders. I think one pair have a nest in the tree outside our window, but I have yet to spot the itsy bitsy nest of theirs.

I have so many feeders for them to access, plus I have a niger seed feeder for the finches, and I have 2 black oil sunflower feeders for the rest of the birds. Chickadees, purple finches, gold finches, cardinals, doves, blue jays, baltimore orioles, grosbeaks, and other plainer looking birds I haven't yet identified. I love them all! They make me happy!

When the hail came down it wasn't a lot, but enough to chase the birds away and bring everyone else inside for shelter.

Here's a pic of the size of the hail. Relative to a dime, it wasn't all that big really, but it sounded larger as it hit things like the windows.

Despite all the craziness that Monday's can sometimes offer...

2008-08-15T07:16:00.033-04:00

A day that means varying things to all.

For the most part to me, it means, WEEKEND. Yay! Hoo Haw, it's Friday!

Family time.

A bit of relaxing time.

Visiting time, especially with summer months, it spells goodtimes and possible BBQ's if the weather permits.

A bit of travelling to see some sights, a bit of shopping, and of course, it (the weekend), never seems to be long enough to do all the many things you'd like to do!

*you do not see this subliminal advertising here.... please shop ETSY.COM now!

yes! ESTY for all things handmade!

So,... with Friday, you can sort of jumpstart your weekend.

Maybe try extending the weekend a wee bit, not only by putting your mind into a prestart for the weekend, but some will actually, if possible, rev the day up a bit by getting all the work done early with hopes of stepping out early.

I thought it would make a Friday, even a nicer Friday, with some photos that really make me laugh out loud.

A good dose of "FUNNY".

So.... to start, the number #1 photo that made me laugh this morning:

The "minimalist" look.

#2 Funny Photo:

Quiet enough neighbours.

And FUNNY photo #3:

(Dubbed SURVIVAL...)

Oh so true of a saying!

Enjoy your weekend Everyone!

UxCritters Place

It's Good as anytime to start blogging again...

Princess Sodalite Mine RVing Adventure

Mother's Day 2011

A Critterful Surprise!

Busy Hands Keep Me Happy!

Warm Weather is Here!

Sharing Christmas for CanArtisan

Fire Burning at Lake Sturgeon Today it's still burning as I type...

Halloween 2009

Not PUZZLED anymore

PUZZLING

It's about time I blogged again....

Garden Update & more

Doggie Daycare for 4 days

Soap Making Class

A TRUE One of a Kind Crafter!

GARDENING 101 at our house

~ SUMMER DAYS ARE BUSY DAYS! ~

Yard Sale Weather ~ YAY!

May 22 2009

Home Again

Walk-About Success!

Kreativ Blogger Award

DashBoarding in Texarkana TX

I've Been TAGGED!

45 Days Till Spring!

47 More Days Till Spring!

~ What HE sees Revealed ! (FEB 6)

51 DAYS TILL SPRING !

52 MORE DAYS TILL SPRING!

53 DAYS TILL SPRING!

54 DAYS TILL SPRING!

56 Days Till Spring!

58 MORE DAYS TILL SPRING!

Is THIS what HE Sees?

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!!!!!!

CHRISTMAS TIME EVENTS ~

Night Of The Cookie Exchange

GINGERBREAD HOUSE construction

We've Got S*N*O*W !!!!!

GREEN GIFTING ~ David Suzuki style

HAND WARMERS / FINGERLESS GLOVES

cookie exchange crossword ~ print it out give it a try

COOKIE EXCHANGE

Own The Hour

ANSWERS TO ETSY PUZZLE

REMEMBERANCE DAY ~ For ALL

So? Have you solved the ETSY puzzle?

ETSY FUN!

Changes

HALLOWEEN FUN!

Are you stressing it?

PROMOTIONAL ITEMS for Give~Aways

PLEASE COMMENT...

FREEBIE GIVEAWAYS !!!!

Video Promotion

I TOOK UP THE CHALLENGE.....

CHILLOSOPHER SPEAKETH! ...

The CALL of FALL ........

~ The Joy of Treasuries on Etsy ~

A VERY GOOD DAY TODAY!

HAVE SOME PIE WHILE YOU'RE HERE...

INTERVIEWED BY JEWELZ from Etsy

MORE COOKIES!!!! Y*U*M*

3 Ingredient Cookies!

*** NEW ESSENTIAL OILS at UxCritter's Place!

KIDS CRAFTING ON ETSY

Featured with thanks!!!

And So Starts Another Week....

We've Got SNO*W !!!!!

MORE COOKIES!!!! YUM*