computer blues

Eeeeegads!
Our computer was fried in a recent lightning storm. I am so sad, frustrated, upset, and broke!

Our surge protector obviously wasn't strong enough, or something else went wrong, and my beloved computer and all her programs (and my business contacts, logos, etc.) are gone. So now we have to start again. I know this isn't the end of the world, but I sure hate this whole process of trying to figure out a new machine, loss of data, precious pictures, etc.

I just want things to run the way they should. When I turn the key in my car, I want it to go.
When I push the buttons on my appliances, they work. When I sit down at my computer, I want it to be the same way it always is. Is that too much to ask?   I HATE CHANGE!  Wahhhhh

Plus to add to my computer blues, my Kodak program which is my "right hand"  has switched to Shutterfly AAAK! Not sure how I can use/switch/change/print/store my pix.
And then my printer has decided to quit working!! AAAK! So now gotta go for a new printer. ($$)
So as life goes, I have to dig down deep, take a big breath and carry on.  Our new computer (expensive $$) has new programs, no programs, updated, and I am feeling OUT dated. ugh.

So enough of my woes. I like to vent, but not wallow.  And you did not come to this site to hear moaning and groaning (but please let me know if you want more, cuz I can deliver!) hee hee    :)

PROJECT OF THE DAY:
Beer Bread

I know this project isn't recycled or renewed but since I can't show you any pictures, I can't give you a project that is too elaborate.

You need:
3 cups self rising flour
3 TBL. sugar
1 can of beer

mix together all ingredients in a big bowl, put on greased cookie sheet or greased bread pan.
Bake at 350 degrees for 1 hour.

This bread will be a 'break off a piece' loaf, instead of a 'slicing off a nice piece' loaf. But it's quick, easy and yummy!!!! You make some stew, soup or crock pot meal, this will be a great addition. Hot out of the oven with butter melting on it.

Store any leftover (ha, like that's happenin') in a zip loc bag in the fridge.

tip of the day:
keep your fresh berries...FRESH~
When you get your berries home, prepare a mixture of one part vinegar (white or apple cider works best)
and ten parts water. Dump the berries into the mixture and swirl around. Drain, rinse if you want.
(tho the mix is so diluted, you won't taste the vinegar).
Pop the berries in the fridge. the vinegar kills any mold spores and other bacteria that might be on the surface of the fruit.
Raspberries will last a week longer. Strawberries go almost 2 weeks.

That's all for now...
:D

Art in the Orchard

Not only do I love making new stuff from old things,but I love selling them even more!

The last weekend of August I spent a wonderful two days with my daughter Dana in the middle of an apple orchard.
We were selling our creations at the El Dorado County Artists sponsored: Art in the Orchard.

In the middle of this beautiful apple orchard, there were artists of all kinds. Fine art, crafts, handmade goodies galore. Along with live music, food, and fun events for kids, we had a great two days.

Dana made hats, bags, and wallets, as well as her fine art set up on apple crates  I had Betsy's (Dana's twin sister) prints and cards as well.

Besides these awesome creations, I had my own recycled aluminum can jewelry, and fused glass stuff. I also made some recycled beer bottle glasses, as well as recycled fabric bags and tins.

The weather was hot, the company was exceptional and the scenery was beautiful. All who came had a fun time, and we enjoyed each and every person who stopped by to chat, shop and enjoy our wares.

For a sneak peek at the kids' stuff check out their websites:
dana@danabetsy.com  and betsy@danabetsy.com  and of course mine: http://www.arttowearbydee.etsy.com/

Tip of the day:

I use a carabiner (that I took off my metal water bottle)  to secure my keys onto the outside of my purse. I got tired of hunting for my car keys at the bottom of the abyss, so now I attach them to the outside of my purse, and can lock the car, and unlock it, while the keys are dangling on the outside of my bag. And I find them in a snap.
It's so much faster and easier, and I'm much happier. :)

That's all for now!

Dee

Carry on!

I love to make new things out of old stuff!

Remember when I told you how to loosen labels from bottles? Well, now is the time to use all those cool beer bottle labels, or wine labels.
Having friends over for a BBQ, you'll need to be bringing food and drinks in and out and this project is perfect for that!

PROJECT OF THE DAY:

label tray

You'll need:
~wooden tray. I got mine from TJMaxx, but you can get one at a thrift shops, or garage sale. It doesn't matter whether they look new, you'll be covering it up with labels.
~labels (beer, soda, wine)
~ModPodge
  (or you can make your own, 1/2 Elmer's glue, 1/2 water - mix well)

If your tray is in really bad shape, you may want to paint it. But just do the edges (inside and out). The bottom will be covered. Sand it if needed.

Lay out your labels and see how they fit together. You can overlap, or not. You can go up onto the sides, or not.

Using the ModPodge, brush some onto the tray, then lay one label down, and go over the top of the label with more ModPodge.

Continue in this manner until you have covered the tray to your liking.  Let dry, and then... have a party!

Tip of the Day:
Reuse all those envelopes you get in the mail.
When companies send you a solicitation, they usually send an addressed envelope for you to return. I find these come in handy for loads (not through the mail), or I donated them to my neighbor's daughter's preschool for the kids to bring their little projects home in.
I also cut off the corners to create bookmarks. Cut the bottom corners off at an angle (so you end up with a triangle). These slip over a single page I wish to save.  I use these not only for the books I'm reading,but for recipe holders in cookbooks, or on magazine pages I want to locate later. (You can write on them too, to let you know what you are saving.)

that's all for now

Dee