On Fire For Handmade Feature Artist: ArtiZen Beads

Share the Love... Blogger's Unite Featured Artisan

This weeks Featured Artisan is Laura, Owner/designer of Artizen Beads.

Wonderful creations that inspire you! You can find Artizen Beads on:

Etsy
Website
Facebook
Blog

Twitter

Winner.

I'll make this short and sweet.
The winner of the Thats Sew Savanna door sign

is random #7...

Congrats Allison of Keep Calm and Soldier On!

Please e-mail me to claim your prize!

Fed Up.

I'm seriously done with this dog. I'm sick of being barked at because I'm trying to make a grocery list. I'm sick of listening to whining because I can't always be rubbing her belly. I can't turn my back because Christmas presents have been destroyed. I'm done.

I'm sick of my things being destroyed. Never Danny's. Phone charger, two phones, computer charger. My favorite pair of shoes. My favorite pair of jeans and shorts. Not to mention my favorite autumn decorations. I've rearranged my living room three times to make living easier. I can't have her on the back of the chair near the window because she sees/barks/whines at everything.

I've tried every-single-one of your recommendations. Crate training, clicker training, the Kong, backpack for walks, spray collar, daily walks, and many more things. The only thing I haven't tried is a professional trainer. And honestly, I can't see spending the money when she hasn't proved to me that she can learn anything. She knows her name when it's convenient for her, she never comes when she is called.

My neighbors probably thing I beat her. I've given up on the "calm" commands...I've resorted to yelling. She doesn't care, her tail still wags. She doesn't get it. I've tried the "hit with the newspaper not your hand" approach. Yea...put the newspaper down and she will attack it.

I understand that she needs attention. But I wanted a dog not a child. I'm home all day, everyday...and apparently that's still not enough. When Danny was working days I was "relieved" at 5:30. She behaves when he is here. But with this new schedule...I never get a break. Ever. And it's getting worse. Is there a such thing as "Bring Your Dog to Work Day?" If not, I'm starting it. I need a break!

I'm calling the vet tomorrow. Maybe she can get some meds. If not, maybe I can get some. I'm losing my mind. And at the top of Miley's Christmas list is "calming treats."

It's been recommended that we "find her a new home." Has anyone ever done that before? I don't think I have it in my heart to give her away. You can't just give an animal away that you have has become a member of your family.

I've heard that some dogs are puppies until they are 18 months old. That means I have 6 more months of this!

What would you do? HELP!

"A Walk in My Shoes" Movie & Giveaway!

I don't know about you, but I always loved family movie night. I couldn't be more excited that on December 3rd family movie night returns to NBC!

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to spend a day in someone else's shoes? What it's like to have someone else's life, with out your own worries or problems? Well, that's exactly what "A Walk in My Shoes" is about!

What would you learn if you stepped into someone else's life? Things are difficult for four individuals whose lives unexpectedly collide - a stressed out schoolteacher, a struggling student, a single mom trying to make ends meet and a Marine beginning to adjust to civilian life. All their lives are transformed by Molly, a mysterious stranger, who causes them to see the world through the lives of others. Nancy Travis (Becker, 3 Men and a Baby) stars in this captivating and powerful story. No one will be left unchanged.

If you have seen the trailer for this movie, then you know it looks like a good one! This movie is perfect for every member of your family. If you haven't seen the trailer, here it is! (You can also view it here)

Be sure to watch "A Walk in My Shoes" presented by Walmart and P&G on December 3rd at 8/7c on NBC. 

Every follower of Flip Flops and Combat Boots has a chance to win "A Walk in My Shoes" bundle pack..complete with movie and soundtrack (featuring many songs written and produced by Randy Jackson.) This is the perfect movie to add to your collection...or the perfect holiday gift!

How can you win? Starting today (Monday November 30th) through Friday December 3rd 8:00pm (Eastern time) you can tweet and blog about "A Walk in My Shoes" once a day per social network.

Mandatory: Leave one comment to say you are a follower of my blog, remember to leave your e-mail address.

Tweet: If you choose to tweet please use this "#giveaway from flipflopcombatboots.blogspot.com. Watch #Awalkinmyshoes presented by Walmart and P&G  on NBC 12/3/10 at 8pm" Please comment with the link showing your tweet..once per day only.

Blog: If you choose to blog please include the link to my blog, link to the trailer, and tell people when they can watch the movie...once per day only.

That's a grand total of eleven chances to win! The winner will be announced at 11:59pm on December 3rd. And don't forget to watch the movie...I know I'll be watching!

Want another chance to win? Check out Goodnight Moon!

Disclosure: I have received "A Walk in My Shoes" viewing kit and DVD bonus pack in exchange for my honest review/opinion. 

A Week Away...

in beautiful Sonoma. Any Hitchcock fans? The Birds was partially filmed in Bodega...this little church had a quick cameo in it. We went to see the outdoor art gardens at Cornerstone, neat shops and tons of interesting art installations. The food and wine were over the top...saw the fresh olive oil pressing, ate farm to table meals at Zazu, The Girl and the Fig, and Longmeadow Ranch among others. Visited wineries, bakeries, galleries, redwoods, and the very chilly Northern California coast. Stunning colors and scenery...I think I could definitely move there...

Cyber Monday sale is on all day Monday the 29th, 15% discount off website purchases- enter code: turkey sale

LOFT Petite Cuffed Trousers - To Keep or not to Keep?

The day after Thanksgiving I woke up late and leisurely went to the local mall. I'm not big on the Black Friday craziness, but I did enjoy reading about many of your finds via blogger and twitter! The mall by my parents' house is pretty mundane...I got bored quick but did find the following at Forever 21:

- Knit cable tights in charcoal, sz SM (comes in 4 colors) which I now love - they're really warm and look cute under shorts or skirts. I had been eying a pair at H&M, but those cost a crazy $14.95! See these here on me.

- Satin bow headbands (3 colors) for $1.50 each. I don't really do headbands, but at this price I'll give it a shot! See here on me.

- More $3.50 nylon tights in charcoal, gray, and olive. These are opaque and one size fits all.

I then braved the crowd at LOFT to see if they had Kelly's wool trousers in my size. The item locator online said sold out, but lo and behold this store had tons in stock ... don't trust the item locater! LOFT was having 40% off so the pants came out to $42 (from $80), which is not exactly cheap for me, but I wanted to purchase first and decide later.

Pants: LOFT Petite Equestrian Pants sz 00P (buy here w/ ENJOY for 40% off & free ship at any price)
Belt: Ann Taylor Perfect Patent Skinny Belt in Granite, sz S (buy here)

Cardigan: LOFT V-Neck Long Cardigan sz XXSP (buy here)

Top: J.Crew pleated silk tuxedo shell sz 0 regular
Shoes: Ann Taylor Perfect Suede Pumps sz 5
Floral pin and earrings: J.Crew outlet

These pants come cuffed but the length was too long on me to achieve a cropped, slouchy look. Thus I gave them another generous cuff. Refer to Kelly's two posts to see how these pants look on her originally and with the cuff rolled up. After seeing these photos, I need to roll up my cuff a little more tightly and neatly like she did.

Likes: If you like the menswear look then I would highly recommend these pants. The speckled gray texture is fabulous in person and the material is very warm (though take note they are only lined on the upper-half). Fit-wise, these are some of the smaller fitting LOFT pants I've tried on to date (tag says Marissa cut). I needed a little help with a belt but otherwise the fit around the waist/hips of a 00P is decent and doesn't need alterations, woohoo. 

Dislikes: I wish these pants were a tad slimmer along the thighs, so the silhouette wouldn't be so peg-legged or carrot-like. Also, I'm not sure where the best length is for my body type.

Verdict: I don't have anything cute and cuffed, so I'm leaning towards keep!

This silk/chiffon blouse in women's 0 was a random find at a J.Crew store. It was about $20 after their discounts so although it was huge (see before alterations photo here), it only needed an easy alteration. I sewed in the sides myself (took about 5 minutes, otherwise I have no patience for DIY alterations).

There were some dissenting opinions when Kelly first revealed these pants. I think the key is getting them to be the right length for your legs, and wearing them with a shoe that elongates the leg (the shoes that the LOFT model has on are atrocious with these pants).  

Readers - Would you keep or return these pants (for $42)?

Random Thoughts on a Sunday Evening

{1}

I rearranged the living room last week, which left one of our walls totally empty. So, we bought more shelves today..I can't wait to get them up and start displaying more pictures! After I post this blog I'm headed over to Shuttefly and Snapfish to print out some more pictures! 

 {2}

Which reminds me, if anyone still needs Christmas ideas for me...a Shutterfly gift certificate would be amazing! I also haven't scrapbooked in forever, so scrapbooking stuff would be equally amazing!

{3}

We aren't decorating for Christmas. We don't have decorations and we won't be here for Christmas...so really, buying things would be a waste of money. Instead, we'll hit up after-Christmas sales to stock up for next year. Good idea, right?

{4}

The post office is going to love me tomorrow. I need stamps for Christmas cards and bachellorette party invitations! Holy expensive!

{5}

Miley is into everything. She has an odd attraction to my purse...no matter how high or awkwardly placed it is. She once ate my birth control, last week she ate $5, and she was just running around with $10. Oh, and this morning she found a razor that was in there (I'm not the best roadtrip packer...) and I'm pretty sure she swallowed it. Lovely. I will now be keeping my purse on....

{6}

     I really really want a "coat tree." This one would look perfect in my newly decorated living room!

{7}

Guess who turns the big 2-5 this week!?

Enjoy the last few hours of your weekend!     

The Thanksgiving Day Post

I know, I know...I'm a few days late. But as usual...we were on the road! So, lets travel back in time and start at the beginning.

Tuesday

I found the one perk of being on nightcrew. Danny was out of work before 8pm, which was awesome because it meant he could get to sleep at a normal hour...and be up early to get on the road!

Wednesday

Miley lounged while we packed!

  We packed up the car, loaded up Miley...and were on the road before 9:30. Where were we headed? Akron, Ohio, of course! The trip is ten hours from Jacksonville, but after a few gas and pee stops, we added an hour onto the trip. There was zero traffic..so that was amazing! We picked Kaleb up and headed to Danny's Grandma's for the next few days!

Kaleb was so excited to see Miley..probably more so than seeing his Dad. I'm pretty sure Miley even remembered who he was...they cuddled and played like they never even left each other. Miley must have been really excited because she didn't sleep at all Wednesday night. She was up whining all night..and finally woke the whole house up at 7:00 on Thursday morning!

Thursday

Thanksgiving flew by for us. Our first stop was to Danny's (other) grandma's house. She put me to work the second we walked in..she had me peeling and chopping potatoes. But I was paid for my work...with delicious Lebanese food. I had no idea what I was eating, but oh.my.God. it was amazing.

Next up was Aunt Edna's house. I was way nervous about going here...I knew Danny's sister was supposed to be there, and well...I'm 99.9% positive that she dislikes me. She didn't show up while we were there...so I was able to enjoy our first dinner of the day. I could have eaten every last morsel of the sweet potato casserole. Kaleb didn't want to try it...but that was okay..it just meant more for me!

After hanging out there for a few hours..we went back to Grandma's for our second dinner. It was more fun, but the food wasn't as good. I seriously missed my Mom's stuffing. Miley had so much fun playing with the kids...she ran around the yard and even "helped" them with their Lego building skills. 

The cousins being goofy!

 We were supposed to end the night by going to the movies (same as last year!) but we were exhausted! Instead Miley and Kaleb, and me and Danny snuggled up to watched Toy Story 3. Second time seeing it...and I'll be honest, still brought a tear to my eye!

Friday

Once again Miley was the first one awake...and if she is awake, she wants everyone up with her! I was lucky though, Danny got up with her for the second day in a row. I stayed in bed until I heard Kaleb and Miley playing together..they are seriously so cute together.

We decided we were going to the movies, Grandma told us to leave Miley out of her cage...so we did. I was so nervous the whole time. I can barely control the animal! We saw Megamind. I thought it was so good! When we got back to the house, the first words out of Grandma's mouth were, "I don't think you should ever leave her out of the cage if no one is home." My thoughts exactly Grandma!

We had dinner with Danny's dad. We went to Luigi's in Akron. We had to stand in line...outside. It was freezing out. I was seriously missing flip flop season while we were standing in that line!! Dinner was good, conversation was so-so. Danny's quiet...but his Dad is even more quiet. Me....not so much. I'd start random conversations about anything...get a chuckle or two, and then back to an awkward silence. Kaleb had fun though! They had a guy walking around making balloons...he got the worm-in-an-apple...I wish I had a picture of it!!

After dinner we dropped Kaleb off. Danny's ex had a surprise for me...a Beatles shirt! She did some Black Friday shopping and thought of me when she saw the shirt. Can I just say I really really like that things are not weird between the two of us. And I got a new shirt out of the deal!

Friday night was my first night ever out in Ohio. Danny's cousin, Candy, brought us out to a comedy show. We had a few good laughs and a lot of drinks! It was so nice to finally get out and do something in Ohio!

Saturday

Miley finally decided that it was okay to sleep in...except we were supposed to be up early!! We had a breakfast date with Grandma and Aunt Lillian. They took us to a local place and had an awesome breakfast to start the day. If you asked me out to either dinner or breakfast...I will always choose breakfast. Mmm mmm good!

After breakfast, we loaded everything back into the car and got on the road. Nine and a half hours later (um...way shorter than the trip up!?) we pulled into our driveway and were so so so excited to be home! 

NOW

It's like we never left. Danny is already back to playing COD and I'm blogging. Oh, I love being home!

We had such a good time in Ohio. Before we left I was kinda dreading the trip...but I'm so glad we went. I am so thankful to be part of their family and to have such great people to spend the holidays with when I can't be with my own. I really missed my family..and totally teared up when my sister sent me a picture from their dinner.

And just for a little comparison...here's last years Thanksgiving picture and this years picture! I wish Miley was in the picture, but she was too busy playing with the kids!

Thanksgiving 2009!

Thanksgiving 2010!

Blog Carnival: Inspiration

The topic for EtsyBloggers for November is: What item are you working on? What is your inspiration for this piece?

Most of my projects get done the day I start them. Right now my inspiration is a challenge. I'm currently out of work, soon to start a new job. My cash input is very low. My challenge is to use what beads I have and only filling in with small purchases. It's been fun using up every possible bead. So if I plan to do a necklace and it comes up short, I adapt and will make it into a bracelet and earrings set. I've definitely got all my money's worth out of the previous bead purchases and able to pass those savings on to my customers. 

My latest creation is a purple magnesite lanyard. Since the square purple beads have a variety of color, I was able to use up some odds and end spacer beads that I didn't have enough to make an entire jewelry set. So it worked out perfect.

Avon Campaign 26

Today marks the start of another Avon campaign!

If you are looking for Christmas gifts, this is the place for you.

Perfect Gift for a Nascar Fan

Officially Licensed Nascar Driver's Logo Watch

Tony Stewart, Jimmie Johnson, Dale Earnhardt Jr, and Carl Edwards

$24.99

Perfect Gift to Get the Perfect Look

 Perfect Look Color Palette

4 lip colors, 4 eyeshadows, 2 blushes, 1 face powder, 1 lip brush, 2 eyeshadow applicators, 1 powder brush and 1 mirror

$16.99 (a $40 value!)

Perfect Gift for the Time-Checker

 Gruen Style-Setter Watch

$34.99

Perfect Gift for the On-the-Go Organizer

The

 Butler Basics Tote Bag $39.99

Organizer Wallet $16.99

The Perfect Gift for a Cuddler

 Bernard the Polar Bear

$5.99

Perfect Gift for the Vanilla Fan

 Naturals Vanilla 5-piece set..only $11.99

Perfect Stocking Stuffers

(mix and match any 2 for $1.75)

Mini-Holiday Bubble Bath - 99 cents

Advanced Techniques Minis - 99 cents

Holiday Hand Creams - 99 cents

Skin-So-Soft Minis - 99 cents

Lip Balms - 99 cents

Perfect Gifts for Cold Weather Friends

 Fleur de me hat $16.00

Glove Actually $14.00

Knit wit Turtleneck Scarf $16.00

There are currently six Avon catalogs to shop from!

Believe me, there is something for everyone on your shopping list!

Thank you for shopping!

www.youravon.com/nsadie

On Fire For Handmade Feature Artist: Moonsong Ranch

This weeks Featured Artisan is Doug, Owner/designer of Moonsong Ranch. Wonderful creations that inspire you! You can find Moonsong Ranch on:

Etsy
Artfire
Facebook
Blog
Twitter

You Inspire Me: Watching Airplanes

Today's inspiration is Steph from Watching Airplanes. Steph is a Army wife and the queen of random posting. I personally love her Facebook status blogs...they crack me up! Head over to her blog to see what she's updating about today!

Steph's movie recommendation was Where the Red Fern Grows. I'm telling ya, thank goodness for Netflix and being able to watch things instantly!

I sat down, all set to watch the movie, and realized there are two versions of this movie! I wasn't sure which one to watch...so I watched both.

According to Wikipedia the book is written at a 4th grade level. So, maybe that's who this movie is directed towards. Cuz man-oh-man! I just could not get into it! First I tried the original version then switched the new one. I can tell you this, they both have the same first scene.

I feel bad, this is the first movie I wouldn't recommend! I was bored.


Steph did recommend a great book though! Awhile back I read The Undomestic Goddess and loved it. So, I was very excited when Steph recommended any of the Confessions of a Shopaholic books by Sophie Kinsella.

I read the first book in the series (and plan to read the second later!) The book is about Rebecca Bloomwood who is in a severe amount of debt and ironically works for a financial magazine. This book is full of hysterical moments that involve over spending, making up words and faking stalkers. But it also shows that you should probably know what you are talking about...or you could get yourself and others into a lot of (financial) trouble.

I really liked this book. If you are looking for a good fast read..I recommend this one! Her writing style is so friendly, almost like you are reading a letter from your best friend.

Oh, I love Steph's food recommendation. Anything pasta. I just happened to be visiting my parents when I was having fun with Steph's recommendations...so she actually inspired my whole family for one night. Mom made her amazing shrimp scampi. She made enough to feed all of my readers...and it was seriously delicious! I wish I had a recipe to share, but I think it's one of Mom's few food secrets!

Thank you for the recommendations Steph! As always, I'm having a blast with all of these! If anyone wants t make their own recommendations, the link is at the top of the page!

Danny, Nicole and Miley

wish you the happiest Thanksgiving.

Remember, it's not only the food you should be thankful for,

it's the friends, family and memories of the past year.

Enjoy the day.

Life with PAG: Seven confessions

A while ago I was tagged by Kileen to do a 7 confessions post. I usually don't participate in tags or share uninteresting personal information, but I've really really enjoyed reading everyone's confessions posts and learning more about my fellow bloggers. So...here goes:

1. I moved 6 times during my childhood. From China, to PA, NJ, VA, NY, OH, then to MA. It was hard to make and keep close friends in school and I don't wish to subject my future kids to that.

2. I like some really gross foods (like offals! lol). We had a good twitter chat going about this : )

3. I used to dabble in piano and had a secret YouTube channel. By Asian piano standards, I'm awful. I like playing Asian love songs.

4. I skipped 5th grade and missed the birds and the bees talk in health class. Why did it have to be that year? 

5. Sometimes I believe in fate. My boyfriend of 6+ years and I grew up on opposite coasts and applied to a myriad of colleges, but we both narrowed it down to the same top two choices. We ended up choosing the same one and I met him my first day of school!

6. I think the best gift my parents ever gave me was a humble beginning. 

7. I had a small "business" in high school sewing clothes & handbags for classmates. My senior year was spent furiously sewing in the basement! I even had to go to the ER after sewing my finger to a garment, lol. Some dresses that I made for proms (don't laugh!):

Next I am tagging a few of my fellow fashion / beauty bloggers. I know they usually don't participate in this sort of thing, but nosy me would like to learn more about them: Alterations Needed (I'm re-tagging you!), Frmheadtotoe, Coastalpolitan, and Kechiko.

Happy Thanksgiving to my US readers!

A Thanksgiving Giveaway

One of my favorite Etsy girls, Thats Sew Savanna, loves giveaways almost as much as I do. Remember the adorable ACU set we gave away over the summer?

Well, Savanna has started a new project! Say it Like Savanna is featuring vinyl and glass etching signs and frames. And she wants to share a very special sign with one lucky Flip Flops and Combat Boots reader!

Can be made for any branch!

The giveaway is open to anyone with a blog living in the US or with an APO. Giveaway will close November 29, 2010 at 11:59PM and the winner will be posted at Noon on the 30th.

How to win:
1) You must be a follower of my blog - leave one comment
2) Like Thats Sew Savanna on Facebook - leave one comment
3) Blog about this giveaway. Include links to my blog and her facebook - leave two comments
4) Buy something from my Avon store - leave five comments

Thank you so much Savanna for another great giveaway! Good luck to everyone!

My Projects Right Now!

As promised - a picture of the headband I made myself!

It's just a simple knitted strip that I tied in the back.

And you even got a pic of me out of the deal :)

This is my bead weaving board at the moment! 

Working on a vampire bracelet that I designed :)

I might put it aside temporarily to knock out a couple of pendants though...

My Famous Pumpkin Whoopie Pies

Are you still looking for the perfect treat to end your Thanksgiving dinner?

Look no further!

Pumpkin Whoopie Pies

Ingredients:

1 1/2 sticks unsalted butter (1 stick melted, 1/2 stick stofened)

1 cup packed light brown sugar

2 large eggs

1 cup canned pure pumpkin puree

1 Tablespoon pumpkin pie spice 

1 1/2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract

1 teaspoon baking powder

1 teaspoon baking soda

3/4 teaspoon salt

1 2/3 cups flour

4 ounces cream chilled, chilled

1 cup confectioners' sugar

Directions:

1) Preheat the oven to 350°. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.

2) In a large bowl, whisk together the melted butter and brown sugar until smooth. Whisk in the eggs, pumpkin puree, pumpkin pie spice, 1 teaspoon vanilla, the baking powder, the baking soda and 3/4 teaspoon salt. Using a rubber spatula, fold in the flour.

3) Using a tablespoon, drop 12 generous mounds of batter, spaced evenly, onto each baking sheet. Bake until springy to the touch, about 10 minutes. Transfer to a rack to cool completely.

4) Using an electric mixer, cream the softened butter with the cream cheese. Add the confectioners' sugar and  1/2 teaspoon vanilla; mix on low speed until blended, then beat on -high until fluffy, about 2 minutes.

5) Spread the flat side of 12 cakes with the cream cheese frosting. Top each with another cake.

Enjoy!

 

  

It's All the Rage...

You've heard of the turducken.

A chicken stuffed into a duck...stuffed into a turkey.

And now we have he perfect dessert....

cherpumple.

What's that you ask?

Cherry pie, pumpkin pie and apple pie.

BUT it doesn't end there.

Each pie is baked into a layer of cake.

Apple pie is baked in spice cake, the pumpkin in yellow and the cherry in white.

If this is what you choose to serve your guests on Thanksgiving.

Please have 911 on speed-dial.

Or maybe even sitting at your dinner table.

This is the heart-attack-waiting-to-happen meal of the season!

Getting Stuff Done!

I've been really sick with a bad cold, and it hasn't gone completely away, but it's finally better enough that I can function as long as I have some cold meds! Woohoo! So what does that mean? I've been working like crazy tonight! Check it out:

First of all - just go check out my etsy shop. 

I've spent all night renewing anything that has a good picture!

That's a LOT of items ladies and gentlemen :)

Tomorrow - I start taking new pictures of old items that need it!

As for Artfire...I finally added something again!

Blue and Yellow Millifiori Necklace

This beauty is only $15 with free shipping! 

Ok - I've worked on a bunch of stuff since I last posted...

But I'm to tired to take any more pictures. 

So look for this tomorrow :D