Sunday, February 6, 2011

Diaper Rash Talk

This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of Boudreaux's Butt Paste. All opinions are 100% mine.

 

Diaper rash is a common problem to a baby. Even newborn has it. If you see your baby skin around diaper area looks irritated and red then big, chances are your baby has it. There is no need to panic. Normally it will disappear by itselft after your baby one year old.

However, if the rash looks bad or quite extensive, with tender red bumps that spread to your baby's tummy and thighs, you need to take action. There are quite a lot of creams or pastes in the market for baby diaper rash.

When I got my first baby, she developed diaper rash quite badly. I think this was due to my lack of experienced. I didn’t do anything until it become worst. I tried two pediatricians, three prescriptions and every over the counter cream. I didn’t want to use antibiotics, because I was afraid she would get yeast infections because antibiotics reduce the number of healthy bacteria that help keep yeast in check as well as the harmful bacteria they're meant to destroy. Antibiotics can also cause diarrhea, which can contribute to diaper rash.

I changed her food, wipes, cream, diapers and nothing worked. After 3 months of trying every avenue I finally had something that worked! It is called Boudreaux's Butt Paste. For someone who had tried everything, and I mean everything, this worked. 

I heard this product before, I even saw it in the Supermarket, but I never think that this can work miraculously. If you want to get FREE sample, you can check it out in their website. Hey! It's FREE, so you can try it first before you buy.

Visit Sponsor's Site

Thursday, February 3, 2011

Sweater to Bag

If you like to recycle, this idea to transform a wool sweater into a one-of-a-kind designer bagworth to try. You always need additional hand-bag, plus you always use this as a gift to your friends and relatives.

Another idea of mine is the next time I saw nice cheap sweater, I will buy 2 at once. One to wear as it is, the other one is to transform as a bag. Then I will have a matching bag with my outfit. Let me know how you think in the comment section.

Interested? Here is the link to the pattern.
Happy sewing!

Spicy Talk

This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of TABASCO® Original Red. All opinions are 100% mine.

I love spicy food and my husband who loves to cook for me makes it frequently. I have a higher chilly tolerance than most people I know, but I wouldn't say I have fewer taste buds, it's a tolerance that got slowly built up over a few years, and when i first start eating something really hot, there's still the initial shock but after a minute or two I get used to it.

I still can eat non-spicy food, but if can choose, I still prefer some food with a lot of spice on it if possible. So, probably you can guess that I will order Sichuan food in Chinese restaurant, put piri-piri sauces on my Nandos, or put Tabasco on my pizza.

I was always carrying a big bottle (350ml) of Tabasco in my hand-carry bag whenever I was traveling, I haven't been served a meal on the plane that didn't get better with Tabasco. Now, I have to put it inside my check-in luggage, afraid that the customs will confiscate it.

Tabasco is one of those things which can be added to almost any food to improve its taste, my favorite is to use Tabasco Original Red on Pizza. I think it enhance the flavor of the pizza and give it a little zest. If you also like to add Tabasco on your pizza, you must check this page: Pizza Perfected.

Since it's football season and the Super Bowl is right around the corner, it's a pizza time! This is the tradition that we have since we got married and we stick to that game day tradition until now. Of course TABASCO® Original Red is part of this tradition.

I also loves to eat pot-pie with Tabasco. A pot pie is a type of baked savory pie with a bottom and top completely encased by flaky crusts and baked inside a pie tin to support its shape.

This is the recipe:

1. First you will need to get the pot pie. You can make it from scratch if you know how, or you can just buy one from the freezer section in the grocery store.

2. Cook the pot pie as directed.

3. Once it is cooked completely add about a teaspoon of sugar and about four or five shakes of Tabasco sauce to your chicken pot pie (any hot sauce will work, but Tabasco sauce has the best flavor for this recipe).

4. Eat and enjoy!

This gives your chicken pot pie a spicy kick!

Need other recipes or ideas with Tabasco? Simply check: Game-Day Party Menu.

Visit Sponsor's Site

Friday, January 28, 2011

Material Sizes for Home Decor

I rarely sewing clothes for myself as I prefer to wear T-shirt and jeans. However I love to sew something for my home such as curtain or pillow cases. Thus, I collect information about the sizes of material needed to sew those.
I hope this information is usefull to you too!

Shower Curtain
72 x 72 inches

Pillowcase
Boudoir (Travel) 12 x 16 inches
Standard 21 x 27 inches
Queen 21 x 31 inches
King 21 x 37 inches

Sheet Sizes
Crib Fitted 28 x 52 inches
Crib Flat 42 x 72 inches
Twin Fitted 39 x 75 inches
Twin Flat 66 x 96 inches
Double Fitted 54 x 75 inches
Double Flat 81 x 96 inches
Queen Fitted 60 x 80 inches
Queen Flat 90 x 102 inches
King(Standard)Fitted 76 x 80 inches
King (Standard)Flat 108 x 102 inches

Bedspread Sizes
Twin 81 x 110 inches
Double 96 x 110 inches
Queen 102 x 120 inches
King (Standard)115 x 120 inches

Coverlet/Comforter
Twin 69 x 90 inches
Double 84 x 90 inches
Queen 90 x 95 inches
King(Standard)94 x 102 inches

Duvet
Twin 71 x 92 inches
Double 86 x 92 inches
Queen 92 x 97 inches
King(Standard) 96 x 105 inches

Tablecloth
Square Table: 28 x 28 to 30 x 30 inch 54 x 54 inches
Square Table: 36 x 36 to 40 x 40 inch 64 x 64 inches
Square Table: 48 x 48 to 52 x 52 inch 72 x 72 inches

Round Table: 36 inch diameter 64 x 64 inches
Round Table: 60 to 66 inch diameter 81 x 81 inches
Round Table: 72 inch diameter 90 x 90 inches
Rectangle Table: 30 x 48 inch 54 x 72 inches
Rectangle Table: 30 x 72 inch 54 x 96 inches
Rectangle Table: 40 x 72 inch 64 x 96 inches
Rectangle Table: 40 x 96 inch 64 x 120 inches
Rectangle Table: 40 x 120 inch 64 x 144 inches

Happy sewing.

Thursday, January 20, 2011

Another Use of Binder Clips

I am not very good using machine. That is why I prefer to hand sew my quilt rather than using machine. However, recently I saw some good tips how to tackle several layers together when a pin just wouldn't do it. Binder Clips! It looks a good idea to me and I would love to try it someday.

Friday, June 25, 2010

Hyundai i45

This is a Sponsored Post written by me on behalf of Hyundai. All opinions are 100% mine.



Most of the time, I don’t drive. My hubby is the one who does all the driving. So, I am free to knit if I want to. However, I am still not able to knit without looking at my knitting like some other knitters do. I have to look at my knitting, and when I do, I will have a motion sickness.

Although I don’t knit in the car, I do a great deal of my thinking while in the car, especially about my knitting and crocheting. About what to knit or crochet next, about my new design, about what to do with my current project, what button looks nice, etc. These thoughts make me happy.

Talking about car, do you know that Hyundai launched their i45? Their ad is very cool. You can see it here: Hyundai i45 on YouTube.

For your information, Hyunday has carved out market share everywhere. It’s now number five in the world and number four in Australia. So, it’s no wonder if people curious on how the new addition, Hyundai i45 looks like.

From the look of this car, I can say that this car is going to send more than a few ripples through the local mid-size segment. Starting at $29,490 for the manual Active and rising to $34,490 and $37,990 for the six-speed paddle-shift Elite and Premium models respectively, this car promising a good value and will force a good response. If you want to test drive this baby, you can do it online.

Hyundai-i45-1-625x416

Visit my sponsor: Hyundai - i45 Launch

Sunday, June 20, 2010

Crocheted Flower Pot Case

You can almost crochet anything. From soft toys, garment, accessories, to home décor. Most of the time, I only crochet garment for me and my daughter to wear and recently I like to crochet shawl. From time to time, I also like to crochet blanket or afgan. I love the look of crocheted blanket or afgan. It makes the room looks cosy. However, make a blanket or afgan takes quite a long time and yarn, and sometimes I got bored in the middle and never finished it.

If you are looking something small, simple, and fast to make and still can make your home looks cosy, how about crocheted flower pot? Yup, you heard me right! It’s fast to make and you can get an instant gratification. Here is the the link for the free pattern.

Monday, June 7, 2010

Triangle Crocheted Shawl

Still about crocheted shawl. What I found today? Very gorgeous pattern. If you want to make it, the link is here.


Although I like the look of this shawl, but I don't think I want to make it. I don't like pattern that have to join together. I don't like the idea that I have to chop my yarn into so many pieces. I just afraid that if I don't like the result, I can't use the yarn to make other projects.

However, I really like the motifs, so probably I will make this as a blanket. Using cheap yarns, with DK weight. I will use light pink and darker pink for my girls. I bet it will look sweet.

Sunday, May 30, 2010

Unlimited Web Hosting

This is a Sponsored Post written by me on behalf of Nexx Online. All opinions are 100% mine.



Time passed so fast. In just a blink of the eyes, I have been blogging for almost 2 years. I have been thinking to buy my own domain name. I hear that if you have your own domain, you can boost up your rank. I am thinking of buying my own domain if that is true, so I can get more opportunities to earn more money.

Many hosting providers claim to be the best in one way or another, but not all hosts can be the best! If you have a hard time choosing a good hosting provider, you should head your way to this Unlimited Web Hosting

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Visit my sponsor: Unlimited Web Hosting + Domain Name for $10 @ Nexx

Friday, May 28, 2010

Knit and Crochet Shawls

I am so lazy to blog nowadays. I spent most of my time in Ravelry browsing around to get inspiration. Lately, I am into making shawl, both knit and crochet. I realized that so many knit patterns available and most of them is gorgeous. Even the free pattern is super beautiful. My favorite is Haruni Shawl (Ravelry link). Isn't this gorgeous?

Crochet shawls are more limited and I am having difficulty to find something that I like. Even the pay patterns are not up to my liking. I even find some easy and basic pattern crochet shawl that is not free. Like this Milk and Cookies shawl for example, the stitch pattern is simple and the color combination is not my favorite and yet we have to pay $5 for the pattern. Well, of course this is only my opinion, other people probably thinking different than mine.

If you are into fillet crochet, here is a link to free pattern to make this pretty Diamond Shawl. Enjoy!

Saturday, April 10, 2010

Alvin and the Chipmunks: The Squeakquel in DVD


This is a Sponsored Post written by me on behalf of Alvin and the Chipmunks. All opinions are 100% mine.



I love to knit while I am watching TV, especially when I reach the boring part of the project, like making the other part of sleeves. If you have the same hobby as mine, you probably know what I meant.

Anyway, normally on weekends my family which consists of my husband and 2 daughters have a family “movie time”. We select a movie that is suitable for my 2 daughters to watch. I will make popcorn and make fresh orange juice to enjoy while we are watching the movie.

This weekend, I think I will watch Alvin and the Chipmunks: The Squeakquel, which is available on DVD, Blu-ray and Digital Download. The Double DVD Pack includes "The Squeak Along" Bonus Disc, with more music, mayhem and all-new singalongs. If you want to buy one you can buy it now here. While waiting for your DVD to arrived, you can get yourself and your kids More Munk Mayhem.

Do you know that Alvin and the Chipmunks is created in 1958. No wonder I remembered watching Alvin and the Chipmunks when I was a little girl. At that time the name is The Alvin Show. So, I am really looking forward to watch these cute chipmunks again.



Visit my sponsor: Alvin and the Chipmunks:

Wednesday, April 7, 2010

Table Runner

I love yellow. Yellow color always brighten up any room. This time I show you a yellow table runner called "Sunshine Delight". It's crocheted table runner with delightful patterns and textures. I am sure this will brighten your dining table or any table.


I don't know about you, but somehow my dining table is always full of clutters. So I am thinking to make this to put it on top of my living room table, which is not as clutter as my dining table.

For the pattern, you can click here.

Sunday, March 28, 2010

Opportunity For Australian Out There

This is a Sponsored Post written by me on behalf of Panasonic Australia. All opinions are 100% mine.

Ever since my first child was born, I took up the hobby of photography where my main concentration was taking photos of my children. The beauty of taking digital photos is that you can take as many photos as you want without having to spend a single cent to process them.

I certainly don't consider myself a photographer and am not particularly skilled or technical. I definitely belong to the point-and-shoot school of thought. But through Flickrville and Blogland I have learnt how wonderful photos can be, how the every day stuff of life can be elevated somewhat by a decent photo.

Anyway, if you like to take pictures like me, Australians, and you use Panasonic Lumix camera, you can get this once in a lifetime opportunity to have your photographs seen alongside some of Australia’s well known and celebrated photographers like Ken Duncan, Peter Eastway and Bill Bachman.

Grab your LUMIX, capture what you think is the heart and soul of Australia and be part of LUMIX Life Focus on Australia.

Your entry can be anything you choose, from a dramatic landscape, or magical wildlife image to a quirky snapshot of Aussie life – all you need to do is shoot it on a LUMIX and enter it!

To get more information regarding this promotion, you can follow them through Panasonic Australia on Facebook, Twitter, Flickr and check out LUMIX Life Focus On Australia starts April 1st 2010 - The Video.

Panasonic-lumix


Visit my sponsor: Panasonic Lumix Life 2010 Promotion

Wednesday, March 24, 2010

Purple Crocheted Cardigan

What do you think of this cardigan? If you think this is lovely, then I agree with you. Although if I am going to make this, probably I will using different color as purple doesn't suit me that well.


Actually I love the whole outfit, it looks trendy yet romantic at the same time, and I sucker at romantic or feminine look.

One thing I worried is that I will look fat wearing this.

Saturday, February 6, 2010

Going Green

This is a Sponsored Post written by me on behalf of Hyundai. All opinions are 100% mine.



While knitting and watching a marathon of movies and television shows this weekend I came to a sudden realization: going green has become the latest fad.


It's so easy to scoff and say that changing your lifestyle won't fix anything, but it's this kind of thinking that will ensure these problems persist and grow worse rather than get better. Changing your entire way of life overnight is nearly impossible, so maybe instead try to focus on one thing at a time. Starting with buying Hyundai Santa Fe R.



The Hyundai Santa Fe R is not just good to look at, but it was also designed and geared to help minimize the effects of global warming with its green capabilities and features. The Santa Fe model runs on diesel powered fuel with 27% more power and 7% less carbon dioxide emissions. You can even save costs on fuels because it consumes 10% less than other automobile models.


Check out the video, http://www.youtube.com/user/HyundaiSanteFeAUS and see the new Hyundai Santa Fe R Diesel winning the Australian Darwin to Adelaide SUV class of the transcontinental Global Green Challenge.



This was a real contest and it pitted different vehicles against each other in Australia, travelling the tough Darwin to Adelaide route. The Hyundai Sante Fe won under the SUV class for fuel efficiency easily.


Visit my sponsor: Hyundai Santa Fe - AU 2

Wednesday, February 3, 2010

Valentine is Coming

Time flies so fast. I was so busy with life that I neglected this blog. In less than 2 weeks we are going to celebrate Valentine's day.


What do you want to give for your love one for Valentine's? Why not trying to sew something pretty and useful like this sachet? It's fast to make and it's pretty useful too. You can fill in some lavender inside. It's lavender scent makes it perfect for tucking into a linen closet or lingerie drawer.

Here is the link to go to the pattern page.

Wednesday, December 23, 2009

Mead Johnson, Maker of Enfamil, Loses Multi-Million Dollar False Advertising Case Against Store-Bran

This is a sponsored guest post written by a Press Release on behalf of PBM Products. Post powered by Sponzai.

GORDONSVILLE, VA., December 2 , 2009PBM Products, LLC, a leading infant formula company that supplies store-brand infant formulas to Walmart, Sam's Club, Target, Kroger, Walgreens, and other retailers, has received a favorable jury verdict and a $13.5 million damages award in its false advertising lawsuit against Mead Johnson & Co., the operating subsidiary of Mead Johnson Nutrition Company (NYSE: MJN) (“Mead Johnson”), the makers of the national-brand Enfamil® LIPIL® Infant Formula. Mead Johnson is 83 percent-owned by Bristol-Myers Squibb.


PBM’s lawsuit claimed that Mead Johnson engaged in false and misleading campaigns against PBM’s competing store-brand of infant formulas, suggesting they do not provide the same nutrition as Mead Johnson’s brands. PBM’s store-brand infant formulas cost up to 50 percent less than Enfamil® LIPIL®. The $13.5 million in damages awarded by the jury in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia is one of the largest damages awards ever for a false advertising case.


“This decision by a jury of the people confirms that Mead Johnson’s ads have been false in suggesting that there is a nutritional difference between our store-brand formula products and their products, when in fact the only major difference is price,” said PBM CEO Paul B. Manning. “Despite Mead Johnson’s scare tactics, parents are assured that PBM’s formula products are as high quality and nutritious as Mead Johnson’s.”


U.S. District Court Judge James R. Spencer issued his written rulings yesterday following the November 10th jury verdict. Judge Spencer’s written rulings permanently enjoined Mead Johnson from making any false statements concerning PBM's infant formula, including the claims Mead Johnson previously made in Enfamil advertising that "It may be tempting to try a less expensive store brand, but only Enfamil LIPIL is clinically proven to improve brain and eye development," and "there are plenty of other ways to save on baby expenses without cutting back on nutrition." The Court also ordered Mead Johnson to retrieve from the public domain all advertising or promotional materials containing these or any other false claims about PBM's store brand infant formula.


The details of the decision and the complaint are posted online in full at:


· http://www.pbmproducts.com/docs/Order_Laches.pdf

· http://www.pbmproducts.com/docs/PBM_Complaint_MJ_III_LIPIL.pdf

The nutritional supplements under examination in the case are two fats, DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) and ARA (arachidonic acid), which Mead Johnson calls “LIPIL®” solely for marketing purposes and touts as promoting infant brain and eye development. PBM’s claim focused on Mead Johnson’s direct mailing to more than 1.6 million parents of an alarming blurry picture of a child’s cartoon duck next to a clear picture of the same image which suggested that anything other than the Enfamil LIPIL® blend of ingredients is inferior and will result in poor eye and brain development. Other parts of the false advertising campaign consist of statements that only Enfamil LIPIL has been proven to confer visual and mental benefits on infants, and store-brand formulas are a “cut-back in nutrition” compared to Enfamil.


PBM successfully argued that these advertisements were false and misleading especially since PBM store- brand infant formulas have the same nutrients at the same levels as Enfamil. PBM infant formulas are formulated to contain DHA and ARA, and are sourced from the same supplier in amounts which equal or exceed the DHA and ARA in Mead Johnson’s Enfamil LIPIL®.


This decision marks the third time PBM Products has sued Mead Johnson for false advertising claims. On the prior occasions Mead Johnson admitted that it made false claims about PBM’s products. It is also the first false advertising case to focus on the issue of DHA and ARA nutritional ingredients in formula, which were introduced into the market in 2003 and have become a staple in recent years by many brands as key components for infant development.


“This jury verdict should send a significant and clear message to Mead Johnson about the way it conducts marketing and advertising for its brands,” said Manning. “This lawsuit also demonstrates our complete commitment to defending our products and the valuable brands of our retail partners.”


“As a parent and supporter of children’s medical research, I take a personal responsibility in assuring our customers that the products we produce are healthy and nutritionally equivalent to brand names like Enfamil® LIPIL®. It is important, especially now, for parents to know that there are lower priced yet highly nutritious store-brand formulas that will provide the same benefit to their children as any national brand name formula product,” Manning added.


The U.S. infant formula market is estimated at $3.4 billion and the global market is estimated at $7.9 billion.


All of PBM’s formulas, and for that matter all of U.S. infant formulas, are subject to the exacting standards of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), pursuant to the Infant Formula Act of 1980. This legislation vested FDA with the authority to ensure that all infant formula products sold in the United States provide the necessary levels of identified nutrients required for the growth of healthy babies. For more information, visit this FDA link.


PBM Products was represented by the law firm Kramer Levin Naftalis & Frankel LLP. Partners from the firm’s advertising practice, Harold P. Weinberger and Jonathan M. Wagner in New York, led the team.


About PBM


PBM is privately owned and based in Gordonsville, VA. PBM companies specialize in manufacturing, distributing, and marketing consumer food, nutritional, and pharmaceutical products. For more information, visit www.pbmproducts.com.


Enfamil® LIPIL® are registered trademarks of Mead Johnson & Co.



Christmas Stocking

I know Christmas is tomorrow, and it's kind of too late to make this stocking for this Christmas. However, you can always make it for next Christmas. You can find the pattern here. I like this stocking is because the color is very christmasy (is there such a word?) and once you hang this stocking you can feel the holiday spirit around you.

Tuesday, December 22, 2009

What to Give in Christmas?

This is a Sponsored Post written by me on behalf of Bidazzled. All opinions are 100% mine.



When people know that you are good in knitting and crocheting, they expect you give something handmade to them. They don't know how much times and efforts that goes into handmade stuffs. Sometimes they even think that handmade stuffs is given because it is cheaper than buying in the store. This is one of the reasons why I don’t give people my handmade stuffs. I only make things for people than really appreciate my creation. As for the rest I normally bought something online.

Recently, I found an online auction market called Bidazzled. Launched in early November, Bidazzled.com is redefining the online auction market by offering savings of up to 90% on name brand merchandise all while funding a lung cancer charity (The Ruch Foundation: www.ruchfoundation.com ).

Commonly called Penny Auctions or Pay-Per-Bid auction sites, bids are purchased in advance and then used to bid on merchandise. The price increases a few cents with each bid placed and a few seconds are added to the countdown clock to give others a chance to bid. The auction ends when no other bids are placed. So if a new laptop ends at just a dollar, then you win the laptop for a dollar!

*** EXCLUSIVE OFFER ***
* 15 Additional Bids to you if you use this code until January 15th (all you have to do is enter it on the registration page, there is no obligation or cost of any kind):
* Blog: BBP1202A
* Twitter: BTP1202A

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Thursday, December 17, 2009

Cross Stitch: Baby Cats in the Basket

I learned to do cross stitch when I was 12 years old. After I did about a dozen or so projects, I got bored. I didn't know whether I still keep all my finished project or not. Some of them is hanging in my parent's house, but the rest, I just keep it somewhere.

Anyway, if you like to do cross stitch, I got a free pattern for you. You can download the pattern in here. Enjoy!

Friday, November 20, 2009

Heirloom Project

I am a sentimental person and like to keep all things that have sentimental value. Recently I heard an idea that has in turn given me some ideas for quilts I would eventually like to make. One of them involves saving all the Little League (or whatever) uniform shirts while your child is young. By the time they reach college, the shirt fronts with the team name and logo, and the shirt backs with their individual number can be used for squares on the front and back of a quilt. The border fabric could be a print fabric with baseballs, basketballs, or whatever is appropriate to match the squares.

Another similar idea is using fabric scraps either from sewing projects that involved special events for the child or from actual outfits worn by the child during special events such as a school play, a Halloween costume, a wedding they were in, or any other special occasion. It could even be a favorite outfit that would bring back memories of special events. I have an abundance of ideas in this same vein such as vacations, etc. I can't wait to have time to do use some of these ideas in quilts myself.

At this moment, I need to read my Server Migration assignment.

Bobbin Organizer

I don't know about you, but I have tried numerous ways to keep my bobbins organized over the years and have yet to find the perfect method. Here are a couple of ideas for you to think about.


Clover offers the Stack 'N Store Bobbin Tower, a freestanding bobbin keeper. I like the fact that each stand holds 30 bobbins, and the towers can be stacked on top of each other for even more bobbin storage. Individual bobbins are easily snapped in and out of the tower, and thread colors are clearly visible. Although this is not an inexpensive choice, it is the closest I have come to the perfect product for bobbin storage.



A less expensive choice is Bobbin Wraps. This is one of those products that you look at and think, "Why did't come up with this idea?" It really does tame those stray threads. Additionally, since my sewing machine utilizes a clear plastic bobbin, I am able to see the thread color through the top of the bobbin. However, if your machine uses a metal bobbin with a limited ability to see through to the thread color, this is probably not your best choice as it covers too much of the thread color. Bottom line: This product is inexpensive and keeps stray threads securely locked into place.

Thursday, November 19, 2009

Holiday Buying Guide

This is a Sponsored Post written by me on behalf of Dirt Devil. All opinions are 100% mine.

My favorite thing about Christmas is seeing the excitement on everybody when they open their gifts. Normally I wrap my gifts beautifully with lots of ribbons and trimmings. Besides having fun wrapping them, I want my gifts to stand out among other people’s gifts.

As for the content, I don’t think I want to give something handmade. The main reason is because I don’t think I can find time to make it. Also, not everybody appreciate handmade items. They though that if I make something from scrap, it is because I want to save money. They don’t know how much time and efforts that goes to handmade items.

I try to organize myself early on in this incoming Christmas. I made a list of things to buy as gifts for my family and I tried to find good bargain online.

I just found out last night that Dirt Devil published holiday buying guide. It lists over 300 websites, tricks, and celver ways to save when you shop online. For example, if you want free shipping, you just browse the links that the buying guide lists under free shipping. The buying guide also lists a bunch of link to website that provides coupons. So, before buying anything make sure you check these website, sometimes you find coupon that will save you even more.

I found it interesting that this buying guide also includes the links to handmade items. They list out etsy, but I can’t find artfire there. Probably it’s because artfire is new.

Anyway, I found this buying guide useful because I can find so many tricks and tips to find good deal, not to mention the “Dirt Devil” good deal itself. How can I resist a good deal like “A hand and stick vacuum in one” for only USD 29.99,- ?

2009dirtdevilguide_250x250

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Quilt Festival

The Palm Beach County Convention Center will be host to the first World Quilt Show on Nov. 13-15, 2009. The event will be host to the 2009 Grand Finale of the World Quilt Competition XIII. This international quilt contest draws entries from across the globe. Last year's 2008 competition displayed quilts from 10 countries spanning Europe, Africa, Asia, North and South America, and including Australia and New Zealand. It is the largest and most comprehensive showing of international quilts in the United States.

Hearts & Garlands by Liz Jones was the 2008 Best of World quilt in the World Quilt Competition.

Valley View by Pamela Druhen won third prize in the Innovative category in the 2008 World Quilt Competition

Scottish Dance by Linda Steele won third prize in the Traditional category in the 2008 World Quilt Competition.


The show will also present a Florida statewide prize-money competition. Entrants are required to be residents of the state of Florida. This, along with many other special exhibitions, is sure to create a spark of excitement with enough "eye candy" to satisfy any quilt-loving enthusiast in attendance. The festival will also boast a Merchants Mall with a lineup of nationally known vendors offering everything imaginable for quilters, wearable artists and home sewers. If you are in the Palm Beach area on these dates, swing by to see some beautiful quilts and buy a few yards of fabric to add to your growing collection. Go to QuiltFest.com to check out other locations of shows around the country.

Monday, November 16, 2009

Cooking

My husband likes to watch cooking show. Sometimes if the recipe is easy and the result looks good he would try to cook it. I can't cook and don't like to cook but I like to eat. So, it's nice to have someone to cook for me. Probably I should ask him to learn to cook at one of the culinary schools such as Northwest Culinary Institute. This school is a Division of International Air and Hospitality Academy. International Air and Hospitality Academy's main campus and corporate headquarters are located in Vancouver, Washington, just 12 minutes from Portland International Airport. This 15,000 square-foot facility accommodates up to 20 new students per quarter. For more information, visit: www.nwculinary.com.

Crocheted Necklace

Crochet isn't just for clothing or housewares. Some of the trendiest jewelry today is made from thread and beads. Even if you've never tried threadwork or beadwork before, this amazing beaded and crocheted necklace will probably be within your skill comfort level. Beads are threaded onto a double strand of thread, so it's fairly quick work too. It would make a wonderful gift for any girlfriend on your list, but be sure to make one for yourself too!

Tuesday, November 3, 2009

Need Better Vision

Embroidery has been around for a very long time. As long as people have sewn clothing, they have decorated it with stitching. Embroidery began in the Middle East and the Orient. I love to to embroidery, I just don't like the time it takes to do a project... or the vision to do it. When I was younger I used to be able to spend hours to do it without tiring my eyes, but not now. That is why nowadays I prefer knitting or crocheting. I can do it without looking.

Speaking of better vision, do you know that you can win $5,000 grand prize from Abbott Medical Optics Inc. (AMO) just by making video showing the impact of improved vision? If not, then hurry since the contest is still open for more entries. You can choose one from three selected theme:
1. My contacts are getting in the way of my good time
2. My favorite sport or activity would be so much cooler with better vision
3. You should see life after the iLASIK® Procedure

If I win this iLASIK Video Contest, I will do vision laser correction and nothing can stop me to do my beloved hobby again.

The Prizes
$5,000 Grand Prize
First Prize (one in each video category):
HDTV package — a $2,500 value
Second Prize (one in each video category):
The Flip UltraHD™ camcorder — a $199.99 value

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Monday, November 2, 2009

Teaching Your Children to Crochet

One important key to successfully teaching children something new is to make it meaningful to them and have the result be something fun and creative. When teaching kids to crochet, it's generally best to use a smooth acrylic or wool yarn in a medium or bulky weight, and light or bright color, along with a larger-size crochet hook, such as size I, J or K. The lighter color and smooth texture of the yarn make the stitches easier to see, and the larger hook is easier for small hands to grip.

Naturally, learning to crochet starts with the simple chain. As kids get the hang of chaining, it's wonderful seeing them get "hooked" as they beam with pride at their accomplishments. Once kids feel comfortable with their chaining skills using the smooth yarn, you can then introduce them to a few novelty yarns with interesting textures.


What really makes learning to crochet "click" for kids is discovering what fun, cool things they can make -- even with those simple lengths of chain. Thanks to the flexibility of the crocheted chain, it can be used just about anywhere you might use a piece of string or cord.

Kids can turn longer chains into necklaces, which can be embellished with beads, buttons, charms, medals or school awards. Shorter chains are perfect for bracelets, anklets or even rings. Chains can also be made into cute hair decorations or colorful ties for holiday packages. With some cardboard, short chains and a hole punch, kids can make hanging tags to match!



For a personal, one-of-a-kind style, kids can string their shoes with their own unique crocheted chains, made to the same length as the original shoelaces. Colorful chains can also be shaped into pretty flowers and scrapbook embellishments or used to create simple bookmarks. Two or three long chains braided together make a cool-looking belt. The creative possibilities with the simple crocheted chain are virtually endless!


Not only will children enjoy putting their new crochet chaining skills to good use, but they can also help you use up your yarn scraps in the process. What's more, after seeing how much fun they're having with chains, kids will be eager to learn the next step -- single crochet.

Sunday, November 1, 2009

Pocket Calendar

As a stay at home mom, I need to have 2 pocket calendars: a basic one (for doctor/dentist appointments, birthday/anniversary, etc) and the other one is lists of things to do.

I need to have a routine and stick to it. Monday and Wednesday are my doing things out of the house, Tuesday is cleaning bathrooms and laundry, Thursday is laundry again and Friday is dusting, mopping. If you like me and like to get organize, get pocket calendars and write things down so you can see what you have to do. They have nice selections and I am sure you can find one or two pocket calendars that you like.

If anyone asks me if we can do something on a certain day, I can look right then and see if we are free to go.

Friday, October 30, 2009

Crocheted Halloween Cozy

I know that the Halloween was over, but this Halloween Cozies are a fun way to dress up party treat cups. After the party's over and the goodies are long gone, these cup cozies can be used to hold all manner of kids' treasures. Make the same cozy patterns in different colors and embellish them in a variety of ways to create other special themes or decorative looks for any time of year.

Tuesday, October 27, 2009

Yarn in Vietnam

I have been to Vietnam twice and both were for business. I went only to two cities, Ho Chi Minh and Hanoi. Although I went there for business, I managed to do some sightseeing and some shopping as well. If you like handycraft things like me, you would surely fall in love with Vietnam. Along the street you will find small shops that sell handycraft things like smocking dresses, crocheted dresses, embroidery bedsheet, etc. You can even find cheap yarns if you diligent enough to ask around.

Several times, when I was walking in various cities, i would see a woman knitting on the street. They were all right-hand throwers, some knit, some purl, one twisted all her stitches. After asking several people, I found a market which some of the stalls sell yarns. Each of these stalls is about 6-10 feet wide, somewhat deeper, and cheek to jowl up against its neighbor. In this market, there were many stalls that sold yard goods. Interesting to watch. Anyway, the yarn booth had a bunch of yarn, each color packaged tightly in bundles of about ten or so. The light in the market wasn’t bright, so I wasn’t sure at the time if the yarn was good quality. It seems to be good quality.

If you are planning to travel to Vietnam after reading this post (grinning), Accor hotels offers "Accor Hotels 3-Day Super Sale Asia Pacific". Travelers will be able to take advantage of savings when they book on-line between 27 - 30 October 2009. Over one million room nights will be on sale, with rates starting as low as US$30 per night. Stay period Dec 2009 till Apr 2010.

So what are you waiting for, book your hotel now!

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Saturday, October 24, 2009

Crocheted Christmas Character

It's the little things that make a holiday special. Decorations all around the house make a cheery welcome for guests of all ages. And they don't have to be expensive or time-consuming either. By spending a few evenings with a basketful of yarn scraps, you can create a cast of Christmas characters to make your yuletide season bright. These little ornaments can be used to trim a tree or a wreath, or they would even make a clever gift embellishment that the recipient could use later on his or her own tree. A dozen of these in a Christmas gift basket would make a great gift and become a part of someone else's holiday tradition. For pattern, you can click this.

Friday, October 23, 2009

On Demand

Nowadays, there is always a fight everyday in my household. It is a fight to get a remote control between my daughter and my husband. During the day, normally my daughter can get to see her favorite programs on the Disney channel since I don’t like to watch TV (I prefer to do my sewing project). However, when my husband comes back in the afternoon, he doesn’t like to watch Mickey Mouse Clubhouse, Little Einstein or Pocoyo. He will switch the channel to AXN or cooking channel much to my daughter dismay. Probably it is my fault that I resort to entertain my children with TV when I am busy, but who doesn’t?

Recently, I read that if you have Charter digital, you have On Demand and it’s free to access. Charter Communications is an American company providing cable television, high-speed Internet, and telephone services, by the way.

There are over 6,000 movies and shows to watch anytime you want. No waiting, no schedules. Missed one of your favorite shows? There are many of your favorites the day after they air on TV. Free!

Your kids probably don’t understand or have the patience for TV schedules. When they want their Mickey Mouse Clubhouse, they want it right then. With this “On Demand”, they don’t have to wait anymore. You can learn more at charter.net/ondemand or you can get updates and fun extras on Charter’s Facebook page.

Ondemand

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Thursday, October 22, 2009

Raised-Shells Crochet Bag

If you are a big fan of shell and in the need to change your bag, then probably this Raised-Shells Crochet Bag is a perfect project for you. Made using a basic 5-dc shell with no space at the center, but with an added element to give the shells extra dimension. By working into the back loops only when creating the shells, you get a deeply textured pattern. Were these shells worked in rounds rather than back-and-forth rows, they would be worked in back loops only and then in front loops only on alternate rounds.

There is an interesting development when the raised shell stitch pattern is worked in two or more colors; the color that's the main color on one side becomes the contrasting color on the reverse, due to the projecting and receding pattern rows. So, if you use this pattern to make something like a scarf, for example, you'll end up with a reversible, two-for-one design!

One really cool element to this bag is the rulers that adorn the top edges. What a clever embellishing idea! The rulers not only give the bag a unique, eye-catching look, but they will certainly come in handy for quick measurements while working your projects. Click here for the pattern and enjoy your new bag!

Tuesday, October 20, 2009

The Power of Internet

Internet is the most important invention ever. Because due to the invention of internet, people are experiencing more advantages than before it’s invention. I learned how to crochet when I was 5 years old. I learned it from my auntie. Sadly, she didn’t know how to knit and I didn’t know anybody that knit. Only 2 years ago, when I was searching for something, I stumbled across somebody’s knitting blog. From there, I found a link to a site where you can learn how to knit.

Barack Obama understood the power of connections on the Internet. In February of 2007, Obama met with Marc Andreessen, Netscape founder and Facebook board member, asking for tips on how to utilize social networking for his campaign. Rather than invent a totally new product, Obama tapped into existing systems. His organizers published thousands of videos on YouTube. Obama and his wife, Michelle, both had personal pages on Facebook which they updated daily, and his staffers created and formed Facebook groups. The campaign created a website for its supporters called mybarackobama.com which utilized familiar tools from other sites such as Linkedin, eVite, Google Maps, and Facebook. Obama embraced existing communities and websites and used them to his advantage.

There’s even a report out called Obamanomics that studies this phenomenon. If you are interested to read more detail about Obamanomics, you can click on the link.

Obama

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