Creativity, Crafts, Books, Movies, Greyhounds & Favorite Things

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Glass Nail File

This type of nail file does not dull or wear-down, and it leaves your nail tips extremely smooth.  The only drawback…if you drop one on a hard floor, it will probably break.

My Big Fat Gypsy Wedding

I have no excuse…this is one of my guilty pleasures.  My Big Fat Gypsy Wedding looks at the lives of gypsies and Irish travellers in Britain today.  In particular, it focuses on the elaborate weddings (“elaborate” is an understatement).  A new season is coming in 2012.  Hurray!

Goat Milk Stuff

I first heard about the family that makes Goat Milk Stuff on the Today show.  I checked out their website, ordered some soap and fell in love.  A fun fact:  The Jonas Family lives in my home state, Indiana.  I’m going to try to get down to visit them this year.

Microfiber Floor Cleaners

I was going to feature my Haan Floor Steamer as a favorite, but the fact is, I love both of these microfiber floor cleaners.  Why?  Because the microfiber pads and water work so well.  I use the microfiber mop for quick clean-ups and my floor steamer when I want to be more thorough.

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Radio Flyer

Does it get any more “American” than a Radio Flyer wagon?  Pictured is the Little Red Wagon – Model 5; the perfect size for a favorite doll, teddy bear or stuffed animal.  Mine is sitting on my work table, to hold glue, scissors, paint and brushes.  Founded in 1917 in Chicago, Illinois, by Italian immigrant Antonio Pasin, the home office is still located in Chicago.

Gingher Scissors

Gingher makes beautiful cutting implements.  The blades are sharp, the weight is right, and the performance is superb.  Gingher scissors are something you can own for a lifetime.

Fuzzy Fingers

This is a funny little thing that I just love.  I use it to clean my netbook and NOOK, and it’s small enough and inexpensive enough that you can own a few and keep one stashed in several locations.

Scoop Colander

Although I haven’t tossed out my traditional colanders, I often prefer this scoop colander for draining pasta, potatos and vegetables.

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Pilot G2 Pens

I love writing instruments.  These are a new favorite.  I love all the ink colors!

Tool Kit

I bought this tool kit because it was in a clearance bin and crazy cheap.  Now, it’s one of my favorite things because I always know where the tools are; I always put the tools back; and these are the tools I always use.  The bag is not too large, but there’s plenty of room to add a few new favorites, like my cordless screwdriver. 

Tastefully Simple

Since I’m not much of a cook, Tastefully Simple helps me alot.  My favorite part…simple.

 KitchenAid Stand Mixer                               

You may wonder why I have a KitchenAid Stand Mixer, if I’m not much of a cook.  It was a gift.  I must say though, it is a lovely piece of equipment to own, and I do use it.  It’s powerful, versatile and very easy to clean (this is my favorite feature.)  Another neat thing…attachments.  Hubby’s getting the meat grinding attachment for Christmas.  Don’t worry, hubby doesn’t read my blog.  In fact, he asked me a question the other day and referred to it as What’s Left Now.  And he wasn’t trying to be funny!  Sheesh!  Can I get a little respect around here?

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Shaklee®

I have several Shaklee® products that are favorites, but I particularly like to have a bottle of Basic-H® around because then, I’m never without a cleaning product.  Basic-H® is a cleaning concentrate.  Depending on the ratio you use when mixing it with water, you can make an all-purpose cleaner, a window cleaner or a degreaser…for pennies a bottle.

Grammar Girl™

Whenever I have a grammar question, this is where I head.

Velcro Cord Ties

I’m not sure what their “official” name is, but they’re my favorite way to “tame” cords.

sparrownestscript

I love Emily’s work.  Each item is hand-calligraphed and captures the romance of the art of handwriting.  This bookmark…I couldn’t not purchase it.  Emily’s shop features stationery, cards, bookmarks and notebooks.

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During the month of November, I’ve asked some of my favorite folks and their furry “kids” to share their “4 Faves.”  One of my new “favorite” blogs is Living With 6 Hamsters (And 2 Dogs), written by Tooki.  Tooki and her “kids” live in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia on the island of Borneo.  If your geography is a little sketchy, check out this post.  Tooki is a creative blogger who writes about her adventures with Coco (a Miniature Schnauzer) and Wawa (a stray), and about her life in Malaysia.  Not only is she a good writer, she has  a great sense of humor.  When I visit Tooki’s blog, I learn something or laugh outloud…usually both.  Here are Tooki’s favorites along with Coco and Wawa’s favorites:

Hello, I am Tooki and this is a self-portrait of…my feet.  Sorry, my face is just not photogenic enough!  That is no ordinary river, it is the famous Li River in Guilin, China and has been visited by many VVIPs.  They may even have dangled their feet over it like I did!  I live with 2 dogs and 2 hamsters and you can read all about them in my blog.

I shall start with my pets’ faves.

OOU – Orange “Orang Utan”

This orange “orang utan” is Coco’s favourite toy.  She only knows it as “sotong” or octopus because her first toy was a pink octopus.  I was too lazy to teach her a new word and she told me that she prefers to call it sotong anyway.

Bottomless Bed & Rug

Wawa’s fave is his bottomless bed and rug.  He only gets to use the rug at bed time.  He’s happiest when I bring it into the bedroom and will usually follow behind carrying his precious bed in his mouth.  I used to put the bed on the rug for him but he now knows how to do it himself.  Well, sometimes he gets it the other way round.

JerHigh Cookie Cheese

This is Coco and Wawa’s fave JerHigh Cookie Cheese.  Both dogs prefer this to all other tidbits.  Made in Thailand so we worry that there’ll be a shortage due to the serious flooding there.

Leash

Both Coco and Wawa’s fave is their leash.  It means that they can go for a WALK!

And now, Tooki’s 4 faves…

Camera – Canon EOS 1100D

I love taking photos so this camera is my favourite baby number one (besides my dogs and hamsters).  I use it mainly for my hobby at 365 Project.  Dew drop by to have a peek.

Foot Reflexology Stick

My foot reflexology stick is my next fave.  The best way to end a long, tiring day is to watch a good movie in bed while tweaking the soles of my feet with my comfort stick.  I usually fall asleep before I reach the other foot.

Multimedia

My next fave is the multimedia in front of my bed consisting of a tv, a hard disk (filled with all sorts of dramas and movies, thanks to my nephew) and that little white box which converts and transmits all that’s in the hard disk to the tv.  Very convenient and space saving.  I don’t have to get up and change discs anymore.

Spin Mop

My spin mop will be my last fave.  My house will be an unholy mess without it and I think I will probably be in the hospital for sprained wrists if I use the conventional mop.  Due to my 2 dogs, I have done more mopping in 1 year 7 months than in my entire life (and I have lived for rather a long time).

Thank you, Tooki, Coco and Wawa.  I enjoyed learning about all your favorites.  I must say that the “bottomless bed” has brought me much enjoyment.  Here’s one post (of many) in which the bottomless bed makes an appearance.

Art Every Day Month – Day 29

Flannel Scraps Christmas Tree

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Every Tuesday, I talk about 4 of my favorite things.  This month, I’ve asked some friends, along with their furry kids, to share their favorite things…4 pet and 4 people things.  If you follow What Remains Now, you’ve heard me gush over my favorite blog, Tales and Tails.  Tales and Tails was the first blog I ever followed.  Carrie is a wonderful writer and photographer, and she perfectly captures “the hilarity of everyday life.”  Carrie is married to Mr. Taleteller and they live with Blueberry (Greyhound), Bunny (Greyhound) and Morgan (GSD).  Soon a new member will be joining the family…Kuster (GSD puppy).  Carrie and Bunny are sharing their favorites today.  Let’s see what they have for us.

Bunny and I were asked to share some of our favorite things, and so we’ve thought long and hard about what those things might be.  In my case, it was coming up with four things while Bunny had to narrow her list down.  I hope you enjoy our lists! 

Nikon D3100

First on my list is the Nikon D3100.  It’s an entry level SLR camera, and is very user-friendly.  As I try to improve my knowledge of photography, this camera has really helped, and it’s motivated me to keep going.

Burt’s Bees Lip Balm

Next is Burt’s Bees lip gloss.  I may have an addiction to this stuff.  I use it a lot in the fall and winter, and I love that they now have color-tinted versions.  I almost always have a tube of this in my pocket.

Celtic Hounds nook Cover

I have a nook, which is a fabulous e-reader, and there are so many fun accessories that you can get for them.  There’s a company called Oberon Designs that makes leather e-reader covers, amongst other leather and silver journals, covers and jewelry.  When I found out that they had a nook cover called “Celtic Hounds,” I had to have one. 

Grimm

I admit it, I have a love for fairy tales as well as for things that are dark and mysterious.  When you mix those things together, you get Grimm, a new television show that airs on NBC in the US.  I have a friend in Sweden who tells me it will start running there soon, so I have a feeling it will be available in a lot of places shortly.  I am hooked!

It’s about time Mom got done with her list.  She’s right, I have A LOT of favorite things!  Mom says I have to limit myself to four things, though, so I’ll have to keep the rest a secret.

Mother Bunny Bunny

One of my favorite things is my Mother Bunny bunny.  They’re made by Aid 4 Greys, a nonprofit organization that raises money to help Greyhounds in adoption groups with serious medical needs.  They also make very cute every day collars that are not very expensive.  The bunnies and tribbles are the best toys we’ve ever enjoyed, though.

Tummy Warmer

Another thing Blueberry and I are really loving this time of year are our Voyagers K9 Apparel tummy warmers.  If you need something to wear to help ward off the chill of night air and it’s not quite cold enough for a coat, or you’d like something for lounging around the house in, the tummy warmers are awesome.  Of course, we’re big fans of their coats, raincoats and boots, too!

Rain Dog Treats

Recently, we were lucky enough to be sent Rain Dog Treats by some friends of ours.  Oh.  My.  Dog!  They are manna from heaven!  My sisters and I stalk the refrigerator for them every night because they are so tasty we just can’t get enough.

Fancy Collars

Finally, I happen to love my fancy collars, and I have quite a few of them.  Miss Sue at Silk Road Collars made one for me that is fantabulous!  She put all sorts of pretty rhinestones on it for me.  I have gotten lots of compliments on it.

And there you have it, some of our favorite things!  I hope you enjoyed Mom’s list and mine both, and it’s okay if you say you liked mine better.  Thanks for letting us share them with you!

Thank you, Bunny!  Fabulous faves from a fabulous hound.  Oh, Burt’s Bees isn’t just Carrie’s favorite.  Check out this post to see who else lists this as a “fave.”

Art Every Day Month – Day 22

More Christmas Cards

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November is the final month of 4 Faves – Friends Version for 2011, so that calls for something special.  Every week, I have special guests who will share their favorite things…4 pet and 4 people things.  Today, I’d like to introduce you to Mayzie, author of Mayzie’s Dog Blog.  Mayzie was rescued from a bad situation by her Angel Donna Fostermommy.  You can read how Mayzie was rescued and adopted by clicking on the links (it is a story worth reading).  I met Mayzie through Puddles (We Three Doxies), and I was immediately struck by her sweet, optimistic personality.  I’ve been a follower ever since.  Mayzie isn’t the only one over at Mayzie’s Dog Blog…there’s Brudder Ranger and Abby (the kitty).  It is my great pleasure to introduce you to Mayzie and her mom.

Mayzie and I were thrilled when Lori contacted us about doing a guest post about 4 of our favorite things. We love her blog and her creativity and felt honored to be asked. We immediately put out heads together, but unfortunately (and not surprisingly), we came up with very different favorite things.

MayzieMom – Breville BJE200XL 700-Watt Compact Juice Fountain

While I try to lead a healthy lifestyle, I’ve always had trouble getting in my 5 fruits and veggies a day. I started reading up on juicing and decided that this might be the solution to my problem. After doing a lot of research on juicers, I settled on the Breville BJE200XL. Hard-core juicers will probably shake their heads in dismay because it is a centrifugal juicer, not a masticating juicer (centrifugal juicers generate more heat, which kills some enzymes). However, I knew that for me to use it, it would have to be both quick and easy to clean. This juicer is both and it is one of the more reasonably priced juicers on the market, with lots of great reviews on Amazon. Now, getting my 5 fruits and veggies a day is easy – and tasty! $99.99 from Amazon.

Mayzie – Tripett Green Tripe

Okay, I don’t really likes fruits and veggie-tables and I sure as heck don’t like ’em all runny so I dunno why my mom picked that. If she really wanted something tasty and good for her, she’d put Tripett Green Tripe on her dinner! This stuff is SO good, it makes me all drooly, even while it’s still in the can. Plus, mom says that it’s all-natural and it’s got all kinds of good things in it that make my coat shiny, my teeth whiter, and can help dogs that have the itchies. But all I care about is that it’s DEE-lish! $2 a can from Amazon.

MayzieMom – Nambé Tri-Corner Bowl

I first fell in love with Nambé products 20+ years ago on my first trip to Santa Fe. I was enchanted with the elegant, graceful designs and the rich beauty of the alloy it’s made from. However, it wasn’t until recently that I received my first piece of Nambé as a gift and it is displayed proudly on my dining room table. Nambé Mills, Inc. has a long, rich history dating back to 1951 when it was founded near Santa Fe during Modernism’s mid-century movement. Created from a proprietary alloy that does not contain silver, lead, or pewter, it is safe for cooking and serving. I am always amazed at the masterful way their designers are able to craft pieces that are as functional as they are beautiful. While not inexpensive, these are the types of pieces that will be handed down from generation to generation. Starting at $79.99 from Nambé.

Mayzie – Stoneware Dog Dish

Well, that bowl is pretty and all but mom won’t let me or my Brudder Ranger drink OR eat out of it! Can you imagine? Now if you really wants a bowl that’s pretty AND useful, check out our water dish! It’s nice and heavy so we don’t knock it over (and makes for some bark-out-loud moments when mom stubs her toe on it). It’s made out of something called “Sir Amick” so it’s easy to keep clean and keeps our water cool. And it’s blue inside so it makes our water look pretty, too! PLUS, it’s lots less green papers than mom’s bowl. So tell me, which bowl would YOU choose? $5.99 from Amazon.

MayzieMom – Therapedic Deluxe Contour Memory Foam Pillow

I’m a side sleeper and for years, I’ve had pain in my right shoulder when I woke up. I could never find a pillow with enough support that was actually comfortable enough to sleep on. I’d been intrigued by the contoured pillows but had a hard time justifying spending that much money on a pillow. One day, when I received the ubiquitous 20% off coupon from Bed, Bath & Beyond, I decided to take the plunge. And I am SO glad I did! It’s made a huge difference in the quality of my sleep and I no longer wake up with achy shoulders. Worth every penny! $59.99 (or $47.99 with coupon) from Bed, Bath & Beyond.

Mayzie – Guardian Gear Soft-Sided Collapsible Crate (aka My Condo)

Hmmmm…I don’t know anything abouts pillows but if you REALLY wanna be comfy, this is the way to go. This condo is super luck-sure-ee-ous! It’s nice and roomy, has lotsa windows to look out of, and has a zippered door for whenever you wanna spend some time alone without your neighbors bothering you. PLUS, since it’s got soft sides, it can go wherever you go. It takes just a few minutes for your humans to fold it down flat and then set it up again when you get where you’re going. How nifty is that? Starting at $39.99 from PetEdge. 

MayzieMom – The Other End of the Leash

When we adopted Mayzie, she had lived her whole life tied up in someone’s back yard. Because of her lack of socialization, she was scared of pretty much everything. I knew the old theory of “dominating” your dog wouldn’t work with her. She was too scared, too shy, and too soft. Plus, it just never sat right with me. Luckily, I discovered this wonderful book by animal behaviorist Patricia McConnell. In an entertaining and engaging way, she explains how different our primate body language is from our dogs’, and how easily our actions might be misinterpreted by them. She puts the emphasis on OUR behavior (you know, the ones with the supposedly big brains) and how we can use our voice and body to more effectively communicate with our dogs, all the while strengthening our relationship with them. If I could just recommend one book to dog owners, this would be it! $10.88 from Amazon.

Mayzie – Plubber!

I know humans like to entertain themselves by sitting around and reading books and stuff. But why do that when you can PLAY? Now, I don’t mean to brag but I’m a master de-stuffer. This is Most Impawtant to do so that you protect your family from whatever skeery, dangerous thing might be lurking inside. But with a Plubber, you don’t have to! It’s got a nice soft squishy body and it’s covered with the same kinda stuff they cover stuffies with. But there’s no STUFFING inside! So you can chew on it and play tug with it to your heart’s content and sleep really good at night knowing your pawrents are safe from Stuffing Monsters. $8.99 from PetSmart.

Well, there you have it! I sure hope you liked all our favoritest things (even my mom’s, no matter how kinda boring they were).

Thank you, Mayzie!  That was an awesome list.  And…Happy Anniversary to Mayzie’s mom and dad.  They celebrated 19 years together, yesterday.

Last week we participated in Mayzie’s “Rescue Me Week.”  If you want to check out all of the pets featured during “Rescue Me Week,” head over to Mayzie’s blog.  They are all listed on the right-hand side.  Guess what, Vandyke has a forever home!

Art Every Day Month – Day 15

 “Create” Canvas

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This month is a special twist on 4 Faves – Friends Version.  Every week, I have special guests who will share their favorite things…4 pet and 4 people things.  Today, I’d like to introduce you to one of my newest friends, Declan (also known as Deccy), author of Declan’s Dogs Blog.  Deccy was born in Ireland, but raced and retired in England.  I first visited Deccy’s blog after I noticed a particularly funny comment he left on another blog.  I’ve been a follower of his ever since.  Without further ado, I’m pleased to introduce, Declan.

Hi everyone, Miss Lori has kindly asked me to guest blog on the 4 Faves spot. Mum wasn’t around, so I’ve used my initiative (always dangerous…) to come up with her  favourites as well. Anyway, me first!

My Pillow

This is me getting comfy on my sofa with my pillow. It’s all soft and filled with feathers. Well, I wouldn’t want to get a stiff neck!

Chicken Roll

My view of chicken roll: It’s really smelly and mushy and sticky and gorgeous. I LOVE it!
Mum’s view of chicken roll: It’s disgusting and foul and has never been within a mile of a real chicken. It should be banned!
Mum just has no taste. Hehe!

Wine

Obviously I’m not allowed this. a) it’s not good for me, and b) I’m not old enough to drink. Fortunately Mum sometimes forgets and puts her glass on the floor whilst watching TV, which means I can sneak up (not easy when you’re my size) and steal some! Hic! Clearly I am a Greyhound with sophisticated tastes.

KC

This is my cat KC. I love cats…but I’m not sure I could eat a whole one…Mum says I WILL learn to love her (and she has a bit of a nasty glint in her eye when she says it.) Now what is that chant she’s told me to repeat?? ” I will not pin the cat against the wall…I will not pin the cat against the wall…”

Now for Mum’s list compiled by me…

India

Mum loves to travel; she’s been all over the place. As long as she realises she’s not going anywhere without me! This is a picture over looking the tea plantations in the Western Ghats, Tamil Nadu in southern India. India is Mum’s favourite country.

Cooking & Curry

Mum loves cooking  and a real favourite in our house is curry. We have great access to Indian and Pakistani grocery stores, so spices and fresh ginger, chili and coriander are readily available and cheap. This is a Karhai Gosht with a vegetable samosa. I’m hoping she might forget and put this on the floor as well. Hehe!

Declan

Well, a list of Mum’s favourite things has got to have me in it. Nuff said!!

The Local Pub

This is me in the beer garden of our local pub, The Hare & Hounds. Mum likes to spend an hour or two (or 3 or 4…) here on a summer afternoon, chatting with friends and indulging in the odd pint of beer. I like it too as I usually get a pig’s ear.

Thank you, Deccy!  On a side note…when I asked Deccy to be one of my guest bloggers, he very quickly emailed me his guest post and pictures.  You might be interested to know that in between the time Deccy sent me his guest post and today, he experienced a little weakness and didn’t heed his own good advice.  Check out this post to see what happened when Deccy decided to pin KC to the wall.  Hope you’re all healed up, Deccy!

This week, in addition to the Art Every Day Month challenge, I’m participating in Mayzie’s Rescue Me Week challenge.  Mayzie is the author of the most fabulous, Mayzie’s Dog Blog, and she is going to have a drawing on or about November 16 to award 5 rescue groups $100 each!  Mayzie is doing this in honor of her Grampa J who loved animals all his life.  I’m playing for Allies for Greyhounds of West Michigan, the group who rescued Freedom, Casper and Nikki.  Today, I’m featuring Dave Conrad (aka Dave).

Dave is currently in a foster home, and here’s what his foster mom has to say about him:

“This guy will make a great addition to any type of family. I think he would do well as a single dog or with a pack. He likes everybody, sweet natured, happy and trusting. I think he will be fine with kids because he likes to play. He settles down quickly when told to do so.”

To find out more about Dave and other Greyhounds waiting for their forever homes, go the the Allies for Greyhounds of West Michigan website, click on “Adoptable” on the left-hand side and scroll down the list.  If a dog is in foster care, you can click on their picture and you’ll see a link that says “Foster Profile.”  The Foster Profile will give you even more information about that particular dog.  Found one you want to join your family?  Click on the “Apply” link on the left-hand side and fill out an application.

 Art Every Day Month – Day 8

Burnt Orange Yarn Vase

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Back in July, Bunny, from Tales and Tails, suggested that Freedom and Casper share their 4 Faves (Nikki wasn’t in the picture yet).  Miura and Zonda (Freedom, Casper & Nikki’s friends), loved it so much, they wanted to share their faves too.  I couldn’t resist…so, every week in November PETS RULE!, and they’ll be sharing 4 of their favorite things along with their moms.  Since they were the inspiration…Miura and Zonda (and their mom, Amy) are up first.

My girls, unlike Casper and Freedom, could NOT agree on favorites, so I let them each pick two. Of course, they both picked things the other one hates. 🙂

From Miura – WATER!!!
Water is the best. It is awesome in a kiddie pool because I can snorkel and try to catch the pictures, and I can cool down and keep playing when it is hot since I overheat. My sissy sister is afraid of getting any water on her. I also love being in the water at the edge of Lake Michigan and she won’t even get her feet wet. Fine with me ‘cuz the splashing fun is all mine!

From Zonda – POOSICLES
For those who don’t know, a poosicle is available only when that white stuff is on the ground and I have to wear a coat… it is a magical thing that happens that makes my poo solid and yummy! I love eating poosicles. Mom yells at me to drop them, but she won’t try them so she doesn’t know what she is missing.  Who is she to judge since I see her eat something that looks just like it? She calls this “chocolate” and she says it is not good for dogs and won’t share. That’s cool ‘cuz I am not sharing poosicles! (She won’t post a picture of me with a poosicle, only in my winter coat). 🙁

From Miura – JEEP RIDES
On the days the parents try to sleep longer and feed us later that they call “weekend,” Dad gets up and puts on his baseball cap first thing – this is how I know I get to ride in the Jeep!!!! I jump around with joy, joy, joy. Zonda
tries to hide and stay with mom – I have no idea what they do but it certainly is not a Jeep ride. We go to McDonald’s and bring back food. I like these days because they lay around with us and don’t go away. I know the next day they take us on a long special walk, but I’m not sharing what gives that away. 🙂

From Zonda – EATING MOMMY’S CLOTHES
I love, love, love mom! Sometimes I miss her so much I get on her side of the bed while she is at work (and I am not supposed to get on the bed!) She only knows I do this when I forget a toy up there. Some days I miss her super extra and if I can find any clothes laying around that smell like her, I chew on them to make myself feel better. She had a favorite sweater that I “loved on” one day and she was so sad it had holes she couldn’t fix. Mom just needs to be with me all the time and her clothes would be safe.

Mom’s notes…Both girls are really good but I let Zonda share her adorable quirks. What are her favorites things make me shake my head, but she is 99% a good girl. Miura and Zonda are absolutely my favorite things!

Amy’s Favorites – To Make Everyday Feel More Special

Malden Mills Polarfleece Sheets

Polarfleece sheets are soooo amazing. They are very lightweight and soft.  When you get in bed on a cold night there is no chill like percale. I like Malden Mills brand from QVC. They come in great colors and wash perfectly, just avoid fabric softener. Try them with the QVC 30-day guarantee. 🙂 I can’t express how nice these make sleeping!

Caribbean Gem Jewelry Cleaner

I use Caribbean Gem Jewelry Cleaner every day. I drop in my wedding ring before getting in the shower and then just rinse it off and put it on when I am done getting ready. I still get regular compliments on my ring 7 years later because it stays sparkly. Caribbean Gem is made from banana & coconut oil and is safe for all jewelry, plus it smells yummy.
$9.95 on Amazon

Ceramic Knife & Peeler

Okay, so this is a “who knew!” type of revelation…I just found out that it is metal knives that make lettuce and fruit discolor after you cut or peel them. If you use a ceramic knife, your food stays nice looking longer. I got this nice knife and peeler set to “up” my game. You do need to be careful storing them because they chip easily.
$44.95 on Amazon

KitchenAid ProLine Waffle Maker

The KitchenAid ProLine Waffle Maker is a splurge, but if you use it on the weekends for special breakfasts, it is well worth it. It does two waffles at once and because you invert after putting in the batter, the waffles are soooo fluffy. It is such a beautiful appliance. It is easy to adjust darkness and crispiness and comes with a recipe book to make other variations. I love everything KitchenAid. 🙂
$168 on Amazon

Thank you, Amy, Miura and Zonda.  You have some great faves…except for poosicles (sorry, Zonda).

Art Every Day Month – Day 1

Yo-Yo Flower

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Perfect Meatloaf Pan Set

I wanted to try this for a long time, but didn’t want to order it.  Finally, I found it in the “As Seen On TV” section at my local CVS.  I love it!  The pan is very sturdy, and it does exactly what it says it does.  Your meatloaf bakes beautifully, and it’s a breeze to remove from the pan.  A bonus…it’s good for cooking more than meatloaf.

Martha Stewart Crafts

Martha is just too cool.  I love her crafting products and tools.  They work well and the off-white color of her crafting tools just does something for me.

Stevie Nicks

I fell in love with Stevie Nicks, her songs and her voice when I bought Fleetwood Mac’s Rumours album (yes, I said album) when I was a teenager.  I continue to love her music, to this day.  Stevie released her first CD in 10 years in May of 2011, In Your Dreams.

Bookmarks

I’m a sucker for a new bookmark.  They’re fun, cute, pretty and practical.  They’re also a great way to capture a memory.  I often pick up one when I’m on a trip.  What better way to keep track of your “place” in a book than with a beautiful bookmark.

Photo source

Lilac (WW Line)

September 20, 1995-October 24, 2011

Many of you know that my favorite blog is Tales and Tails.  Yesterday, Lilac went across The Bridge.  This beautiful grande dame of Greyhounds was 16 years old.  Lilac will always have a special place in my heart.  Tales and Tails inspired me to start blogging, and Lilac inspired me to look at my “older” years with spunk and liveliness.  I’ve laughed a lot over Lilac’s spirit and antics, and I’ve shed tears now that she has passed on.  Carrie’s tribute to Lilac is so beautiful and speaks to why we share such a special bond with our pets.  Here is one of my favorite posts about how Lilac came to join the Houndstooth gang.  You will be missed, Miss Lilac, but never forgotten, and you’ll always be a favorite of mine.

The End of the Race

Quick as lightning we sped ’round the track
paws thundering heavily to stay with the pack.
To the finish we flew, exhausted and spent
straining for the mark, our heads downward bent.

We ran for the love and the thrill of the chase;
for the pride and the joy we felt when we raced.
Surrounded by friends all rooing and playing,
we knew at some point that we wouldn’t be staying.

Still fleet and quite nimble, those days long are past.
We now enjoy romps and runs through the grass,
to the arms of our loved ones waiting there crouched,
or to our favorite spot on the end of the couch.

And when our time comes, we’ll face it with pride
by the side of our loved ones, their tears trying to hide.
They gave us their love and we gave it right back.
Now we await their arrival at the end of the track.

For the race now is over.  The hard work is done.
We’ll walk ‘cross the bridge when we again see the one
whose arms we remember down low in a crouch
calling our names as we wiggle about.

Happily we’ll run and leap into those arms.
We’ll cuddle and roo as they keep us from harm.
Then we’ll both leave together and head on our way,
to spend the rest of forever enjoying a new day.

 Author Unknown (from Allies for Greyhounds of West Michigan – Memorial Page)

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