Appliances - Nothing to do with my sb world!

Why do microwaves not last? Do you ever wonder that? My microwave died and frankly, I didn't even set this one on fire one time so I'm not sure what the deal is. Granted we use it all the time to heat up water and cook veggies so it may have died of chronic over-use. It did give me an excuse to get one of those that goes over the range, so secretly I am pleased about that. Lou said after the ac unit he put in the window of the sb room, this should be a piece of cake to install. I'm guess it will involve alot of cussing on his part and maybe when he is doing that, I should plant my fall flowers! OUTSIDE!
My scanner is acting stupid. It fell off it's shelf. I'm suspecting my cat on that one. I guess I am going to have to go under the desk and check all the cables and plugs. I really want the Epson all in one with photo capability, but it is like $399 or something like that. I think that all equipment should be out in the open where you can freely adjust the cables and so on without having to dig around and contort yourself into crazy positions to get things adjusted and fixed. IMO, of course!
And let's chat about my ipod for a moment...well, not mine. My friend wanted some of my music so I plugged hers into my computer and downloaded some of my songs...and erased all hers, which her husband had just put on AGAIN.
I think I am electronically challenged. The mystery of the plugged in stuff...

Christmas Cards And All That Glitters

I don't know why I added "and all that glitters" to my title. I just like it when talking about Christmas. Yes, I know it is only October, but if you are going to make your own Christmas cards, you better get started ASAP! I made two today using some cards I had received in previous years. I cut out the artwork from the cards, mounted it on cardstock and used that art on my new handmade cards. I tried to scan them, and as luck would have it, my scanner is acting retarded. Oh well, I will try again another day.
I am trying to set a goal for myself to make 2 Christmas cards per day until I have a whole bunch. I also need to find a photo of my kids suitable for a card, preferably one where they look like they are getting along!
Today is laundry day. I think I am running a Chinese laundry at my house. How does so much laundry accumulate? No matter if you are caught up, you always find more. Although frankly, I'm not sure I have ever been caught up.
I am waiting for my Club Scrap Jr. kit to come. I'm hoping it comes today. You never know so it is always a surprise. Lou took some great pictures of Caitee and her friends at the State Fair and the cowboy theme is perfect to go with these pics.

Basic Gray Blitzen

I was doing really well not buying scrapbook supplies. I mean, honestly, I have enough. BUT, low and behold, I get an e-mail from Embellish-It! and they have the new Blitzen BG line. I was weakened when I saw it, but when I saw the matchbook kit and the ornament kit, I caved. So I ordered it all. They have free shipping on orders over $25.00, even on paper, which is an exceptional deal, and their BG is cheaper than anywhere else on the net. Arent the colors luscious. I was drooling all over myself.
I do love to make ornaments for me tree too, and I figured if I bought the kit, then I could copy it with other paper, too. And the matchbook kit is too cute, isn't it. I'm sure I can make a fabulous little something for someone this holiday season. It is October so it's time to get started thinking about all that!!! Amazing isn't it!

ATC's

I was recently in an ATC swap for Birth Months. This was really my first official ATC swap. I rather enjoyed making my cards and was curious to see what others would do. Of the 10 I got back, 2 were mine, instead of just one because someone welched out. Party pooper! So of those 8, three were absolutely terrific and clever. Two were embarrassing or should be to their creators, and three were ok. I'm not sure what others thought of mine so maybe I shouldn't be saying that.

I have included this lovely little template that shows how to maximize an 8 1/2" x 11" piece of paper to get the most ATC cards out of it with the least amount of waste. I got it at a website called Mirkwood designs. So you need to go there if you want to get it life size to print out. Me, I'm too lazy. I just took the dimensions and my trimmer and went to town.

I can't decide if I want to do another swap or not. I'm intrigued with the whole concept and the history of these cards which you can find on the web. It is a great way to express yourself with your art and share with someone else. Maybe that is why I was bothered with the two really bad cards because, surely those people are not that un-artistic or unexpressive and that is how they put themselves out there.

I will post all the cards I got the next time I blog.