Thankful

There are many things I am thankful for this week.

I am thankful that I live in a relatively safe part of the world.

I am thankful for full cabinets and full bellies.

I am thankful for family and friends and the way Monkey laughs when he is with them.

I am thankful that, thanks to Hubby, we are secure enough in this economy that I can be home with my Monkey.

I am thankful that while home I can be crafty, and wordy, and bloggy.

I am thankful for the opportunity to search for, and hopefully find, my voice.

I am thankful that all of those led me to all of you. And to Etsy. And to my Etsy shop.

And I am especially thankful for the person who peeked in my shop and saw something they liked.

And bought it.

Holy cupcakes.

I sold something on Etsy.

Why does Blogger not have a font for, "So stunned I may need someone to pick me up off of the floor?"

Ready, Set, Turkey!

It took at least 2 hours, but the shop is updated!

(Psst! Look over there --------->)

New items, new prices, new shipping, holy cupcakes I'm exhausted.

Almost every seller on Etsy is all stocked up for the holidays, and pixel peeps, you can not believe how talented these Etsy-ers are!

I'm off for TWO Thanksgivings. It's probably not wise to hammer while under the influence of turkey, so I'll be back when the tryptophan wears off.

Otherwise I might ruin the projects queuing up on my desk.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Fab Giveaway Alert!

Monkey did pretty well at his coming out yesterday. Only one MINE! then he shared pretty well after that. He did spend most of the 1/2 hour running around the room and trying to lead the others in a jail break when he figured out how to open the door, but that's to be expected for a 19 month old.

He was thrilled when we sang, "Head, Shoulders, Knees, and Toes." He knows it well enough to do the movements and occasionally shout, "Toe!" and "Eye!"

One mom did comment on how I must get so much exercise from chasing him around.

Yes, thanks, I'm caffeinated, you? Seriously, it's a wonder I'm not a size 2... why is that again???

I'm in my "workshop" all day today, prepping the shop update. In the meantime, want to knock out a major chunk of holiday shopping in one giveaway?

Have you been to Cinnamon*Sticks yet today?

Well, why not?

I'm off to brave the grocery store for apple pie supplies. Yes, I should have done it yesterday. I'm counting on my 10AM arrival to beat the crowds. If all else fails, Monkey can distract the crowds of Grandmothers he inevitably attracts while I sneak behind them and grab the last container of ground cloves.

Cover me, I'm going in!

Monkey's Debut

Taking Monkey out in public is a little like being a museum guard. And an ostrich wrangler. And a campaign manager.

He wants to touch everything, go everywhere, and talk to EVERYONE.

He makes people smile and I hear one word over and over again.

Happy.

Today is a milestone day for Monkey. Today is our first story time at the library. It's a registered class, so it will only be kids in his age group. Monkey loves books and kids, so it should be good.

Oh, please let it be good.

Monkey learned a new word this week. He's learned several new words recently.

Handsome.

Awesome.

Something that sounds like broccoli.

Oh, but this new word...

On the eve of his debut in pre-pre-school society, this word strikes fear in the heart of this mother. These will be the kids he goes to school with. These will be the parents we go to PTA meetings with.

For the love of cupcakes, please do not let their first impression be,

"Oy. Who's kid IS this?"

He's

MINE!

Crack That Whip!

Thank you all! The ornament should be arriving VERY soon, and I can't wait to see what's in my mailbox too!

I am a very busy little bee this week. I am working on a shop update and holiday shipping and pricing for Black Friday. I'm working on a birthday gift for my mother too. As a result, I've had to pry myself away from my reader for the weekend. I haven't looked yet, but I'm sure it's hovering somewhere around 150... Yay and gulp all at the same time.

I'm off to sequester myself again, so I'll leave you with a tiny peek at what's been happening on my beadboard this week:

Ornament Exchange Day!

It's finally time! Today is the mail-by day for:



My exchange buddy makes beautiful ornaments out of natural materials. Once I'm sure she has received her package, I will link to her. I don't think she's reading me now, but I want to share her work with you all. It's lovely!

As much as Cairo Typ0's suggestion tickled me, we're eating elsewhere this year, so I will only be making something sweet to take along. And really, it's best that Hubby stay far away from all things baking. He can cook, but inherited his mother's lack of Betty Crocker skills. She often joked that I was sent to her because of mine!

I wanted to use a 16 gauge copper wire for strength and durability. And though I had intended to use the cookie cutters as "molds," I was afraid the 16 gauge would bruise the cutters like it bruised my hands. (Plan not abandoned, I will try it with a smaller gauge wire soon.)

New plan!

This was posted yesterday afternoon, and should arrive very early next week.

(Minus the black cord. I need to figure out a better way to photograph things that hang!)

The links and jump ring at the top are handmade as well. The hammer marks were intentional to give it more of a raw copper look.

I hope she likes it!

Work In Progress, Um, Thursday?

I have been one busy little bee. I'm working on some new things for a shop update and I'll be altering pricing and shipping profiles for Black Friday.

I keep forgetting one small thing every time I pop out for the last thing I forgot. It's a good thing Michael's has been giving out 40% off coupons for the last two weeks!

Then again, that may be the root of my "just one more thing..." issues. Now THAT'S brilliant marketing!

In the mean time, here's a riddle for you.

What do these three things have in common?

No, not the worst Christmas cookies ever.

You'll have to wait until Saturday to see!

I've Got Mail!

I recently won a giveaway on Art Bead Scene Blog's Saturday Spotlight and it arrived today!

How cute is that? My prize is courtesy of Jennifer Heynen at Jangles.

It's just begging to be filled with something. It's SO time to learn how to use resin.

Hubby! Hide the Monkey! Mommy's working in permanent mediums again!
And, hello? How fab are her business cards?

Comment Love

If anyone saw multiple copies of old posts flooding their readers this weekend, I owe you a brownie. I finally finished tagging, so thing should be easier much to find now. The new Gadget is in my sidebar.

I'm also wading through my blogroll. Updating and adding all the fab new blogs to The Blogroll That Ate Boston. So if you're clicking though from a comment and thinking, "Wait. Have we met?" You might. I used to have a blog that had a type of shoes in the title.

Um. Pointy shoes.

Ahem.

Ok, on to the good stuff!

Comment Love!

Krissy: Those are great ideas! It can be a lot of work to get your blog just right, and by then, you probably want to change it again. lol.

Yup. I'm already thinking about going to a three column format, but then I'll lose my cool background! I am looking in to a new one, but I'm not sure where to start. Anyone know of a cool place to look?

Elizabeth: I know HTML and mess around with my links and blog posts, but the majority of a blogger blog is programmed in CSS, which I don't know at all.I've had no trouble with my blogroll deleting things below it. But I've had trouble with other blogger widgets.

CSS, really? I did not know this! Reason # 573 The Overlord rocks. How was your trip in to your code? Any advice for us? (And ditto on the widgets. I think they might be sentient. That whole "follow" thing made RSS-hash out of my reader!)

Kat: You know. Scarves would make a lovely give away :-)

Stop reading ahead, Kat! *wink, wink, nudge, nudge*

Kat also mentioned that the location for BlogHer 09 has been announced. Congrats, Chicago! Will I be there? When I told Hubby Philly had lost, he said, "So? Why can't you go to Chicago?" Ah, man-logic. Truth be told, I don't know, but you can be sure I'm keeping an eye on the calendar!

Cairo Typ0: Great job on the scarf! What size needle did you use? What yarn?

Thanks for asking, I forgot to add that. I used my tried and true Red Heart Super Saver yarns. They're 4-ply and very easy to care for. The hook was an N-9.00mm, the largest I've ever used. So far... I just bought something for an upcoming project that looks like roll of dimes!

Jori-O: Wow, those cuppycakes sound deLISH! Might have to make me some of those...

They were pretty yummy. Sometimes you just have to think INSIDE the BOX!

Widgets, And Gadgets, And Comments, Oh My!

As anyone who direct links or clicks through their reader can tell you, there's been a whole lot of shifting going on around here this week. I have been prepping the next installment of "Cool Things I Picked Up At BlogHer Boston."

While it's been fun, some of it has not been pretty. Like when I added a widget that wiped out my sidebar. Or the feed that linked to an unknown location that had some *very blue* language.

All *whoops* aside, today's post is about the cool things you can do TO your blog. Most, if not all of the platforms out there have ready to use gadgets. Explore. Tinker. Add. Remove. Get in there and change colors and backgrounds. Add a new layout, maybe one from Aqua Poppy.

Why settle for the same old forms that anyone can use? It's your blog, it should reflect your personal style.

Your Profile

Almost every platform I've seen has a "profile" widget or gadget. USE IT!

Who are you? What are you blogging about? What color are your socks?

Share something that makes your readers aware that there's a real live person on the other side of the screen.

While you're at it, tell us how to get in touch with you. A email address or a comment policy tells your readers you're listening.

How Do I...?

Think of something you'd like to do to your blog. Make it cute. Embed video. Add a widget. Can't find what you're looking for in your platform? No problem.

Google the following phrase: "How do I __________ on my blog?"

It really is that simple, I promise. Though I did learn a lot at BlogHer Boston, this is actually one of the things they taught us, and much of what you see on my blog that is new came from this handy dandy trick.

Your Blogroll

This is one of the easiest things to do. It lets readers know who you're reading, and is how most of us find new blogs to read. Most platforms have built in gadgets and widgets that will allow either a full list, or the spiffy new list feed I have added. Aaaaaaall the way down there on the right is a list called "Breaking News From The Blogroll That Ate Boston."

This would be the amazing invisi-widget that for some unknown reason makes everything listed below it disappear! Thus, the unfortunate banishment to the bottom of the heap. I have a post up in the Blogger "we-should-just-call-them-the-HELP-I-BROKE-SOMETHING!" forums, so here's hoping they can "HELP!" me.

As cool as this is, it does not show you what's on my complete list. Now that I have my favorites folder back, I will be fixing that ASAP. I will list out all of the blogs I am reading and provide a quick link in my sidebar.

Recent Comments

You have readers. You're encouraging participation. They leave great comments. So great that you want to share and answer them. But how? Some bloggers reply in the comments themselves. Some directly email/comment. I have, and still do all of the above, *plus* after much experimentation, developed a little thing I call "Comment Love."

Once in a while, I will gather comments that either ask questions are just plain awesome, and give them a post of their own. Not only does this answer my commenter, it gives you all a peek at some new blogs. Comment Love will return tomorrow! Yippee!

I have also just added a new widget, courtesy of The Blog Doctor, that automatically lists my most recent comments. It's the feature in my sidebar titled, "The Pixel Peeps Have Spoken."

Tags And Keywords

How do people find what they're looking for in your archives? If the answer is dig, you may have a problem. Asking someone to burrow through months or even years of posts is a surefire way to drive them away. The best blogs I have read have tag clouds or keywords that allow me to find exactly what I'm looking for.

I haven't done this myself, yet. I intend to go through and tag this weekend, on the of chance it republishes to all of your readers. Annoying your readers is a no-no too! Afterwards, I'll share what I did and how I did it.

Link Love

Like Comment Love, Link Love is all about sharing. Find a cool tutorial? An awesome Etsy shop? A blogger who makes coffee come out of your nose? Get yourself a towel then SHARE!

A quick scroll down the right side of my blog will illustrate my love of Link Love. If I am listed there, or if I am blog stalking a really cool place, you can be sure I will be talking about it.

Extreme Blog Makeovers, The Home Edition

One of our esteemed panelists recommended digging in to the HTML code f your blog. Frankly, this freaks me out a little, but I think that's because the only class I have ever failed was Computer Programming.

Try printing out the HTML and comparing it to your blog. Try to figure out what does what. If you're lucky enough to know someone who speaks computer as a second language, ask them to help you. There are apparently HTML translators out there that will help, but did I write that down? No. But I know where to ask, so if/when I find one, I'll let you all know.

As wary as I may be, I will be doing just this very soon, and then bribing Hubby with more of those brownies so he'll help me decipher it. As always, I will definitely share.

The moral of the story is thus, Pixel Peeps:

It's your blog. Make yourself, and your readers at home!

My New Scarf, Or:

Why the girl with two astigmatisms should not "just eyeball it."

As I washed and sorted our winter gear, I couldn't help but notice that almost all of my handmade scarves are skinny, as was the edict sent down from on high last year.

This simply will not do for Winter '08!

So I set out to make a chunky but cozy neck warmer that would go with the majority of my wardrobe. Rather than measure my current scarves and make one that was bigger, I decided to wing it.

Not bad, if I do say so myself. Chunky, soft, and ALMOST A FOOT WIDE.

I have to fold it in half just to see.

If my neck is cold this year, it is my own dang fault!

Sharing Is Caring

So part of me doesn't want to tell you all this... but who am I kidding? I couldn't keep this to myself! I have some of the nicest readers in the bloggoverse. How could I not share this:

Nifty, right?

I can think of so many things I could do with this. Photos of Monkey sent to family all over the country. Restoring and sharing the photos of Hubby's late mom and grandfather that are languishing in boxes. Finally doing something with the photos I took on our honeymoon. Adding photo cards to my crafty repertoire...

The possibilities are endless.

So... what do you think?

Like it?

Want one?

GO HERE NOW!

Do it before midnight on November 16th!

Why are you still here?? GO!

Hello, Old Friend

Long time, no see. It's not my laptop, but it is everything off of it that did not originate at a software company. Super Hubby is going to crack the laptop open and attempt a brain transplant this week. Crossing my fingers...

The elite rescue team was paid in Strawberry Lemonade cupcakes which, in my delirium, I did not photograph. The were a box mix flavored with lemon, frosted with strawberries and cream frosting, and garnished with lemon zest.

It may have been the first time I have used that zester in a year.

Up this week are the cool things to do TO your blog I have extracted from my notes and files, followed by what to do with your spiffy new self. That first one may make things go a little wonky around here, so please do not adjust your set...

Plus some ACTUAL CRAFTINESS. Like the scarf I finally finished for myself and my ornament for the exchange.

Work In Progress Wednesday

(photo credit)

So much hope.

So much potential.

So much work to do.



(We'll return to your regularly schedule craftiness after this short nap!)

It's Election Day In America

Do you know where your polling place is?

When I was little, my parents would take us to vote with them.

In our district, we had the old school booths where you entered and pulled a lever to close the curtain. The booth itself was a massive wall of metal switches that could be flipped up and down, and when you were ready, you cast your ballot by cranking the lever back to open the curtain and "punch" your card. When we were big enough, we were allowed to pull the lever for them. I still hear that metallic click-click-click-clank every time I think about voting.

So today, I will take my son to vote with me.

At only 18 months old he may not remember, but I will.

I will remember that this was the year when people stood in line to vote for hours on end - the way they would normally only stand in line for iPhones and Sox tickets.

I will remember that this was the year people ran for president who, in the past, would not even been allowed to vote, much less actually have more than a snowball's chance of succeeding.

And hopefully, I will remember that this was the year that more people came out to vote than ever have in modern American history.

Left, right, or center - vote.

Get in line.

Stay in line.

VOTE.

Uncle Money

Hubby works with a great guy who has a name Monkey can not pronounce yet. He calls him Uncle Money.

He is SO Money.

Hubby will return home today an external drive filled to the brim with the heart and soul of my laptop!

Pictures!

Documents!

MY BLOGROLL FAVORITES FOLDER!

Uncle Money thinks the hard drive needs to be replaced, and the screen still needs repair, but I so do not care. My stuff is back, so I'll rock the Franken-top as long as I have to.

I see an obscene amount of baked goods in his very near future...

Overheard This Morning

...over the monitor as Hubby got Monkey up for breakfast.

Monkey

Daddy!

Hubby

Hi buddy! Are you ready for breakfast?

Monkey

I ready.

Hubby

Ok, let's change you and then we'll have breakfast.

Monkey

PISSAH! (Pizza)

Hubby

No, buddy, pizza is not for breakfast. How about waffles?

Monkey

Waff-ooo!

Hubby

Ok!

*changes diaper*

Hubby

All done.

Monkey

Done!

Hubby
Are you ready for breakfast?

Monkey

PISSAH!

Hubby
*laughing*

No, buddy, we're having waffles.

Monkey
Waff-ooo!

Hubby

That's right!
Are you ready?

Monkey

I ready.

Hubby

Ok, let's go have breakfast!

Monkey

PISSAH!

The kid knows what he wants.

I did a crafty stock-up run this weekend! I see sparkly things coming through the readers very soon....

Also up this week are the things I'm trying out from the blogging conference. New widgets, new blogrolls, new ways for me to mess up my layout... Yippee!

We Interrupt Your Regularly Scheduled Weekend For This Blog Bling

Hey, I have some new bling to show off.
Like?

The uber-fabulous Georgette at Can't Hardly Wait saw fit to bestow it on me, much to my great surprise and deep appreciation!

So now I am supposed to pass it on to 5 more people who have rockin' blogs.

Only 5? Ok. *pout*

1. Susie: I am pretty much a longtime blog stalker when it comes to Susie at Susie's Homemade. She makes the yummiest things!

2: Lauren: Even though she blogs in two places, A Life of Delight and LB Williams Designs, she still finds time to whip it. Ganache that is, and it has tweaked my Grasshopper Brownies just so.

3. Erin: Talent. Envy. Oh, the ENVY. See for yourself at Every Heart Crafts.

4. Elizabeth: Not only is the Evil Overlord a crafty crafty chickie, she is a fighter and a blogging superhero.

5. Jori-O: at Jeff & Me + Three. She's funny. She's real. She's an Esme. Me too! Jori? Go check out LB Williams Designs. You'll see why when you get there.