tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-43741167608346395702024-03-12T19:44:27.563-07:00BassettingPaddyMelthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11908879321188259379noreply@blogger.comBlogger16125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4374116760834639570.post-843676706590491472012-08-16T05:08:00.000-07:002012-08-16T05:08:04.441-07:00A Basset's Sister<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="text-align: start;">I realized that I don't have a face picture of Jeni, the Basset's sister, up here. I love her too much for this travesty to continue!</span></div>
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I present, Jeni! (She loves it when I put stuff on her, I promise. lol)</div>
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PaddyMelthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11908879321188259379noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4374116760834639570.post-86868932687970121792012-08-06T00:38:00.002-07:002012-08-06T00:38:43.838-07:00Basset BoilWhile working towards my goal of cooking more, I realized one thing. Boils are easy. You boil some water, add some spices and chopped up food, and that's it! Enter, my first shrimp boil.<div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-p9LmMkQUdnk/UB9qbKVH-KI/AAAAAAAAATQ/n1ca_eATuK0/s1600/P1040843.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-p9LmMkQUdnk/UB9qbKVH-KI/AAAAAAAAATQ/n1ca_eATuK0/s400/P1040843.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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The picture isn't that descriptive as I didn't think to take one until I was putting away the leftovers but it was very easy to do and tasted phenomenal. </div>
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Ingredients:</div>
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1 pound thawed shrimp</div>
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1 pound Andouille sausage, chopped up into 2 inch segments</div>
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3 corn cobs broken into three pieces</div>
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About 7 miniature potatoes in approximately 1 inch segments</div>
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Boil spices (can be found at the store, I used a shrimp/crab one) </div>
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The next step is to boil a large pot of water with the spices and everything but the shrimp in it. Then, when it's all about cooked (test the potatoes) you throw in the shrimp and let it boil for 2 to 5 minutes. Don't add them too early or else they'll be chewy.</div>
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The second thing tonight is a miniature craft project. I have some masses growing in my right forearm and they cause swelling and a lot of pain with pressure so I've been wimping out about exercise. No more, I say!</div>
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My solution? The workout jar.</div>
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Components:</div>
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Empty candle jar (one of my DC's)</div>
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Washi tape</div>
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Letter stickers (if desired)</div>
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Without the lid.</div>
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With the lid, and a dollar for today's workout!</div>
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I'm not sure what my reward will be when I reach $100, but I will be sure to let you know.</div>
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And now, for the Basset picture, one that could melt an icecap.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I think she was about 2 months old for in this picture</td></tr>
</tbody></table>PaddyMelthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11908879321188259379noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4374116760834639570.post-59845950097274931302012-07-19T05:49:00.000-07:002012-07-19T05:49:13.568-07:00Stinky Bassets!Hi, I'm Patty, and I'm addicted to buying candles.<br />
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It wouldn't be so bad if they were cheap candles from Walmart, but they're not. They're soy candles from two different companies, Diamond Candles and Hidden Treasures Candles. Both have a hook that many ladies, including me, find irresistible when paired with great scents. They have jewelry.<br />
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I'm a late bloomer as far as girly things go so my love for jewelry came late in life. I've always worn earrings but I've never quite been enthusiastic about the rest. Boy, has that changed.<br />
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I first happened upon Diamond Candles when a friend on FB bought one and I was intrigued. Since then, I have bought a total of 8 (one was an accidental double order) and have loved them all. Here are the rings that I have gotten out of them.
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I will be selling a few, probably both of the greens, the 3 clear stones, the pink one, and the purple one. I doubt that any of them have real stones, but it is sort of what is holding me back, especially with the purple. The gold ones I will keep for costume jewelry but they only fit my thumb and pinkie. </div>
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Which brings up why Hidden Treasures Candles is so great. Necklaces fit everyone. You don't get the option of picking what size ring comes in your candle.</div>
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These are the two candles that I bought and the necklaces that came in them.</div>
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Both of the scents are fruity and smell great!<br />
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I guess that I should mention the prices. Full price for them is $25 for the candle and at least $5 for the shipping. You can almost always find a $5 off coupon for Diamond Candles and there are also some other great deals for coupons that float around.<br />
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And yes, I burn a lot of candles because the dogs get that outdoor dog smell after a long romp outside and in case you didn't know, Bassets shouldn't be bathed often. It strips their skin of the oils that keep their wrinkles moisturized.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Addie actually shared the couch with Kabir! She doesn't like anyone on the same cushion as her.</td></tr>
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<br />PaddyMelthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11908879321188259379noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4374116760834639570.post-61968588621676373692012-06-11T20:05:00.000-07:002012-06-11T20:05:46.813-07:00Bassets don't get pizza!<div style="text-align: center;">
Funny enough, with my down tick in physical activity, my attention has become diverted by...food!</div>
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GG loves pizza while I'm not so crazy about it. Call it overindulgence in my youth or my brain trying to save me from unhealthy choices, but traditional pizza just doesn't do it for me anymore. Digiorno's new meatball pizza isn't bad every once in a while, but once a week (although great for the budget) is just not my cup of tea.</div>
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Enter, eeeeeeasy pizza. Okay, slightly harder than popping a frozen already configured pizza in the oven, but not by much. </div>
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I have two choices with my "homemade pizza," pizza or quesadilla style. Tonight was pizza style.</div>
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Ingredients:</div>
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Naan (garlic adds a zing)</div>
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Pepperoni </div>
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Marinara sauce (Lucini is recommended as the taste is phenomenal!)</div>
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Mozzarella cheese (always grate/shred your own, the pre-shredded stuff is coated with flour making it lousy for melting)</div>
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With the naan being pre-baked, it only takes 8 minutes on the "pizza" setting in the toaster oven to get the crispiness that we like. Of course it can be made in an oven, where it can also be set right on the rack (fewer dishes!) but when it's just GG and I, we like to save electricity. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">You know that a Basset is right off the side of this picture, begging her little heart out</td></tr>
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While the healthiness of this dinner (there is a side of heated frozen veggies out of the picture) is debatable, at the moment I am going towards less frozen and boxed entrees and more "homemade" dinners. It's a work in progress, but it is progressing.</div>
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I also had a great day today as far as helping animals. Someone in town decided to give up their Basset and while we can't take another (it still hurts me to walk sometimes and I don't know what I'd do if he was a jumper) I decided to post him on my FB. Right away, a friend let her sister know, who has actually been looking for a Basset! This handsome guy could have met a horrible end (he was ftgh) but luckily, the good part of CL came out and he is headed to his new home this weekend!</div>
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End note, a friend of mine has asked me to design a card for her to use for her craft swaps. I'm very curious to see what I come up with. She has great taste so I will be working my butt off to make it happen!</div>
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~And as always, a few goodnight pictures~</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jeni and Lil' Bit Kabir sharing a Basset's bed</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Bassetting Master</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>PaddyMelthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11908879321188259379noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4374116760834639570.post-83157488295416465622012-05-17T19:00:00.001-07:002012-05-17T19:00:03.473-07:00Bassets don't like to studyJust like the average Basset, I don't like to study. Unfortunately, I have to. This last week and a half has been spent doing so and so will the next few weeks so my craftiness is on hold.<br />
<br />I also have had a lot of time taken up by my newest addition to the family. His name, at the moment, is Lil' Bit Kabir Mr. Kitty Butters (it keeps getting added to) and he has had quite a few medical problems. I knew it was a possibility due to his age and probable poor nutrition for most of his life (10 years or so with his prior owner, a hoarder) but he has had it rough. He had to have 3 teeth pulled last week (he only has FOUR left) and has been so picky about what he ingests the last week that I've had to give him chicken broth to ensure that he is drinking fluids (really low sodium stuff). He may be more expensive, but my little guy is going to have the best retirement that I can give him!<br />
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Speaking of him, I entered him in a contest. I doubt that he'll win, especially with the poor quality photo, but I just had to do it to let others see his handsome smile! Please check out the link below the picture!<br />
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Click <a href="http://www.pureloveforpets.com/SearchDetails.aspx?imgId=090fa8ff-072d-4817-aef8-f15b5594b7d2&email=sugaluva_15@hotmail.com" target="_blank">here</a>!<br />
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If I ever do win a contest, it will definitely be put back into local animal rescues. I've gotten two of my loves from rescues and while they may have been "damaged" (not my choice of word) by having hard life experiences, so have I. I think that we're all better for it.<br />
<br />PaddyMelthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11908879321188259379noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4374116760834639570.post-8650311839418488972012-05-07T21:36:00.000-07:002012-05-07T21:36:02.725-07:00May showers bring Basset flowers?As I surf the ideas pinned on Pinterest, I am always drawn to the multiple piece crafts. This particular <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/mrshoffy/6871595587/in/pool-719712@N23/" target="_blank">picture</a> caught my eye some time ago but I don't really feel up to finding a bunch of fabrics and really meshing it into the room's decor. Then I saw this <a href="http://craftsnob.com/2011/09/button-temptations/" target="_blank">post </a>by CraftSnob (the picture leads back to a Flickr as well) and decided to mesh them into a nature scene. I have done the majority of the first piece, a hoop of a cloud, during my precious minutes while all of the fur babies were asleep, some snoring right next to me.<br />
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They will be a collection of 3 and 6 inch hoops, with different nature scenes constructed from buttons and various thread. My focus will be on the buttons and I will be trying not to use thread as anything but accents.<br />
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Below is wordy and not craft related, just fyi :)</div>
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Today, after I got home from a taxing time at physical therapy, I read a touching post by <a href="http://ohthelovelythings.blogspot.com/2012/05/im-writing-this-post-as-part-of-things.html?showComment=1336443857510#c2194165264436319236" target="_blank">Oh the lovely things</a>. She lists several things about herself, many of which I identify with. So here goes my attempt, as my reason for this blog is to share all parts of my life, not just the crafting ones.<br />
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1. I am afraid of failure to the point that I cause it just to be able to say that it is intentional. Self sabotage has been the name of my game for several years now, with anywhere from skipping out on attending meetings so that my results won't be called into question to stubbornly refusing to study for extremely important tests, not the least is one for promotion.<br />
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2. I dig up the pasts of others and judge them for it. Some people may change, some may not, but I feel that the past is an indicator and sadly have allowed it to affect my relationships. I am working towards being able to forget the pasts of others.<br />
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3. I am so unhappy sometimes that I attempt to make up for it with volunteering. The problem is that sometimes, in the course of animal rescue, the dog or cat is euthanized while you are attempting to save it and it opens the floodgates of feeling inadequate. A life is lost and I feel that is my duty to mourn it since in my mind, I failed it.<br />
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4. I have been diagnosed with a condition in my knee that means that I may never be without pain. Main days, bending or straightening it causes extreme pain but I am forced to act as if it doesn't to be able to mend my ankle. I frequently get depressed about this small deficiency and am ashamed of that fact.<br />
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5. I am afraid that I'll never be in a lifelong happy relationship with a committed spouse.<br />
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6. I get nervous to the point of small panic attacks but I won't go and get it diagnosed as the idea makes me nervous enough to have a panic attack. It's slightly funny when it's not happening.<br />
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7. My sense of humor is frequently off putting to other people. It makes the amount of true friends few and far between.<br />
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8. I cry when I strongly experience any emotion, including anger.<br />
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<span style="color: orange;">Happy/silly insights:</span><br />
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1. I let the house get messy because I like the feeling of organizing things. My mom always teased me for it but I like organizing items into piles and then putting them away. GG hates it :)</div>
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2. More times than naught, I feel a burst of pride when I put on my uniform to go to work. </div>
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3. Seeing a dog smile always makes me smile.</div>
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4. I drink certain energy drinks for their taste alone and sometimes I actually dislike that they have caffeine.</div>
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5. I like ordering different hand made soaps and trying out different artisans.</div>
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6. I am attempting to not get addicted to Diamond Candles, but I've already ordered my second one (the green apple one smells great!).</div>
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7. I like people watching.</div>
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8. If it is a choice between chocolate and another flavor, chocolate is the eternal winner.</div>
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<br />Last but not least, I alluded to a new family member so I present to you Lil' Bit Kabir Butters!!!</div>
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This sweet guy is estimated to be at least 11 years old, is blind in one eye, is partially lame due to knee problems, has very few teeth left, and bless his little soul loves to mark everything that he can. The first day that we had him was spent correcting this behavior inside and watching him mark the entire backyard twice (took a few hours each time).</div>
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We have decided to belly band him while we're training that little habit out but love his stinky butt to death already. He is such a grumpy old man that the first few days were filled with snarls and attempts at biting but he has now settled down and only gets grouchy when it's late at night. </div>
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More on him later as I am just in love with this little old senior. Poor guy had a hard life with a hoarder but GG and I are happy that we can give him a retirement home filled with love and happiness.</div>
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Last but not least, Addie's sad face about the fact that three begging dogs STILL doesn't get them table scraps.</div>
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<br /></div>PaddyMelthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11908879321188259379noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4374116760834639570.post-80472537775024222642012-04-30T23:54:00.001-07:002012-05-01T19:58:08.257-07:00May savings, Basset style (which means, the lazy way)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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In my quest to lose this extra weight that I've gained from my lack of exercise and HORRIBLE eating habits (I don't do all caps lightly, people), I am implementing a series of changes. This first, to begin cooking again. I also want to incorporate more salads and fruit into our lives, which can be rinsed in the colander. Sad thing is, I highly prefer a spinner but haven't had one for quite some time. Enter, the Kohl's coupons!<br />
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When I was younger, I learned the value of sales/clearance shopping. Stocking up with holiday essentials is cheap and easy with after holiday sales, always ensuring the ability to always participate fully without exorbitant spending. So far, I am fully stocked for next Christmas and Valentine's Day (I can take pictures but it's not pretty...yet).<br />
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Back to shopping for every day things. I love Kohl's (I'm not getting paid to say this, either). Mostly because I love the Vera Wang line that they carry, but I do love the rest of it. And the best part is that I spend enough money there (my wardrobe is split between there and Target) that I get extra coupons in the mail. I almost always have a 20 or 30 percent off coupon in my coupon book, just waiting to be spent.<br />
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The thing about Kohl's is to never, ever, ever, buy anything at full price. They have so many sales that you will almost always get what you want at a lower price. Combine one of their sales for 20% off and a coupon for 20% or 30% off and you have a deal! And on top of that, if you wait and buy those large ticket items during certain promotion times, they will give you a coupon for a certain amount of money ($10 for every $50 spent on your purchase).<br />
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Today, the GG and I realized that we had Kohl's cash that was to expire on a busy night of mine so off we went to the store. We were originally going to buy a Dyson, but found the same model on Amazon for a lot cheaper. We decided to peruse the kitchen section, my favorite part of the store.<br />
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Voila! Our booty for the night.</div>
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What was our final price for both including tax? <span style="font-size: large;"><b style="color: purple;">$11.11</b>!</span></div>
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GG has been asking to get more food storage containers (helps with leftovers and healthy snacks) forever and when we saw the ones with air tight sealed snapping lids, he went for them. </div>
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$11.11. That's a savings of about $79 all gained by paying attention to the dates on the coupons (20% off), catching a little sale (I don't remember how much it was, sorry!), and using some Kohl's cash from a previous purchase ($50). Sure, they do it to encourage shopping at their stores, but quality wares at cheap prices always makes me a return customer. I don't coupon in the least, besides what stores send me so when I get those types of savings, I get excited :D<br />
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Side note...the newest member of the family is almost here! I can't wait!<br />
<span id="goog_163373923"></span><span id="goog_163373924"></span>PaddyMelthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11908879321188259379noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4374116760834639570.post-57746700105028885812012-04-30T11:35:00.000-07:002012-04-30T11:35:03.006-07:00This Basset mama loves washiAs you may or may not know, this Basset mama volunteers with a local animal rescue, doing online networking as well as volunteering at adoption events (all breeds rescue). Today, we had an amazing couple drive three hours to<b> just meet</b> one of our puppies, a wire haired terrier mix. Well, long story short, they were so amazing and completely blew away one of our seasoned volunteers that they were able to take her home with them today. During all of this, a piece of paperwork was separated by a cashier and so we now need to mail it to them. What? Excuse to make a "dog" themed card? Don't mind if I do.<br />
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Now, I'd seen plenty of cards using washi tape as banners, and I soooo have wanted to emulate them. So I gathered my meager supply and came up with a plan...<br />
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And got to work. I attempted to make them all different lengths and shapes at the ends...<br />
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But I am neither extremely clever nor inventive so I ended up with this. I attempted to cut the triangle out of the bottom but I couldn't find quite the right template. <br />
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For the look, try and lay the edges of the tape plush to each other so that the white of the card stock does not create a white space between them. </div>
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For the front accenting piece, I worked on and messed up a few concepts. I again used my scalloped edged circle punchout to make a white cutout to layer over a brown bigger one. I attempted to use a square thank you stamp and it just never lined up right with the rectangle edging so I scrapped that idea.</div>
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Enter, the adorable way too cheap stamp from China. </div>
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I then glued it to a brown scallop edged cutout and plopped that on top, finishing up the simple card. <br />
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Next time, I think that I'll add some twine and maybe a few buttons but I didn't want to go too over the top on a "here's your paperwork" note. </div>
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<br />PaddyMelthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11908879321188259379noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4374116760834639570.post-61849244141256556552012-04-27T18:30:00.000-07:002012-04-27T18:47:01.422-07:00A healthy Basset is a happy BassetToday's post is a food post. I love food. I love the taste, smell, and sometimes, appearance of food. That being said, I dislike cooking. I like baking, but as I am attempting to eat better to help my weight loss goals, I have put baking on the back burner. Enter the EASIEST meal ever. It tastes amazing!<br />
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Chicken Caesar salad with a twist</div>
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Ingredients:</div>
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Skinless boneless chicken breast (at least 1/2 per person)</div>
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Lettuce/Spinach</div>
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Tony Chachere's original Creole seasoning </div>
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Low fat Caesar dressing (compare the nutritional information among those in the aisle and pick the best one) </div>
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Croutons (optional, again, compare the nutritional information)</div>
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Mozzarella (optional)</div>
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Equipment needed:</div>
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Grill (I use my 2 person George Forman's grill)</div>
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Colander</div>
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Cheese grater</div>
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First, plug in the grill and allow it to heat up for about 7 minutes. While this is being done, rinse the chicken breast and remove any fat. Then, sprinkle the chicken with Tony's seasoning. The amount is up to you. If you have never had it before, tread lightly and just sprinkle. I like to put a good deal on as I put it in everything. </div>
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After the grill has heated up, place the chicken in it and grill for at least 6 minutes, until it is cooked all the way through and there is no pink in the middle. </div>
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While the chicken is grilling, rinse the lettuce or spinach in a colander and arrange on plates. Add croutons if desired. </div>
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When the chicken is done (remember, no pink in the middle) take it off of the grill and cut into strips or bite sized cubes. As I try to reduce the amount of dishes that I use, I cut it on one plate while all of the greens are on another one and then switch them out for half and half.</div>
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After the chicken is cut, place on top of the greens and add the desired amount of croutons (watch the serving amount!) and grate Mozzarella on top. </div>
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Dressing can be added on top of everything or put into a side container to dip forkfuls in. </div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-n9qRw2TM3jU/T5tHG_IK5GI/AAAAAAAAALo/zvBr2ZRJz2w/s1600/P1040548.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-n9qRw2TM3jU/T5tHG_IK5GI/AAAAAAAAALo/zvBr2ZRJz2w/s400/P1040548.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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I forgot to take a picture before I ate most of it and GG's was completely gone :D hehe<br />
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This salad is bursting with flavor due to the Tony's seasoning and the combination of ingredients never sits heavy on the stomach. </div>
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<br /></div>PaddyMelthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11908879321188259379noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4374116760834639570.post-5620827590729028162012-04-24T21:07:00.000-07:002012-04-30T14:52:50.592-07:00Bassets help othersThe last few days have been quiet due to stress from work obligations. But what are the best ways to de-stress? Volunteering and crafting! So what's the best way? Combining them into one.<br />
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Enter, the opportunity. I have had a few items in an auction before for Rowdy to the Rescue animal rescue, and two sets of cards (pictured below) raised $40. Granted, they have some of the biggest hearted contributors but it was phenomenal to help in some way. <br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vfNf9pJ80RU/T5N684XcfII/AAAAAAAAAIo/3KNAJ00Lu2Q/s1600/LB1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vfNf9pJ80RU/T5N684XcfII/AAAAAAAAAIo/3KNAJ00Lu2Q/s400/LB1.jpg" width="400" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gM7cWlCJApE/T5N7Tz26I0I/AAAAAAAAAIw/yN73Ay_6jsw/s1600/il_570xN.321337893.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gM7cWlCJApE/T5N7Tz26I0I/AAAAAAAAAIw/yN73Ay_6jsw/s400/il_570xN.321337893.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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So when a friend suggested that I help with an online auction for Cystic Fibrosis, I said why not? It also is giving me an opportunity to test out the newer designs in a card sampler.<br />
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https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.263731130383719.61523.109816222441878&type=1<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dX3pIBTSmpE/T5d3mM3bF_I/AAAAAAAAALY/dTAfbd30lDc/s1600/P1040549.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dX3pIBTSmpE/T5d3mM3bF_I/AAAAAAAAALY/dTAfbd30lDc/s640/P1040549.JPG" width="640" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NQjSAJCRpx0/T5d3qhUAu_I/AAAAAAAAALg/4uPUiin-mdo/s1600/P1040550.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NQjSAJCRpx0/T5d3qhUAu_I/AAAAAAAAALg/4uPUiin-mdo/s400/P1040550.JPG" width="400" /> </a></div>
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I'm not quite sure if I want to continue along the same thread or if I
should invest in a Cricut. I've seen great example of paper crafts using
it on Pinterest but I have yet to be able to justify buying one since I
don't know how much I'd be able to use it.</div>
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One last note, the GG and I may be adding a new member to the family. No, it is not a mini GG, but it is super adorable! Stay tuned, I am hoping that it happens this week.</div>PaddyMelthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11908879321188259379noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4374116760834639570.post-50424923467408649022012-04-22T19:11:00.000-07:002012-04-22T20:03:20.848-07:00A little love for some Basset grandmasI actually did it! I completed a task that I set for myself in a timely manner. I have actually made two Mother's Day cards just like I wanted to. Well, not exactly as I wanted to. The first one I made for my mother and I messed up on it several times, but we'll get into that.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Fo2gSf6a0UY/T5S4HsWDO9I/AAAAAAAAAKg/RqVYTzccEFA/s1600/P1040538.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Fo2gSf6a0UY/T5S4HsWDO9I/AAAAAAAAAKg/RqVYTzccEFA/s400/P1040538.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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For these cards, you will need:<br />
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<li>Cardstock of desired color and size (I cut mine to 6 1/4 by 8)</li>
<li>Scrap booking paper</li>
<li>Paper doily</li>
<li>Buttons of desired colors</li>
<li>Liquid and stick glue</li>
<li>Scissors</li>
<li>Pencil</li>
<li>Ink</li>
<li>Sentiment stamp (I used a "make your own sentiment" set by Martha Stewart)</li>
<li>Shape punchout (I really would have loved to use banners, but alas, I don't have any) </li>
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I'm not quite sure of the cost for each card as I had all of the materials at home already. </div>
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First is the doily. I was originally going to stamp directly onto the doily but I smeared it :( So I tried to cover it up with another doily.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Z5X1IWVmtsw/T5S4e6DTUSI/AAAAAAAAAKo/2nPcXGOs79k/s1600/P1040520.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Z5X1IWVmtsw/T5S4e6DTUSI/AAAAAAAAAKo/2nPcXGOs79k/s400/P1040520.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FZbBZkGxsxk/T5S4h_hb0HI/AAAAAAAAAKw/cw52JJBa-vA/s1600/P1040521.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FZbBZkGxsxk/T5S4h_hb0HI/AAAAAAAAAKw/cw52JJBa-vA/s400/P1040521.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">If you look closely, you can see the second doily/the messup :(</td></tr>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QRzn_my-Ri0/T5S4lA7xOrI/AAAAAAAAAK4/0BFSReFVN-k/s1600/P1040524.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QRzn_my-Ri0/T5S4lA7xOrI/AAAAAAAAAK4/0BFSReFVN-k/s400/P1040524.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
And you could still see the blue ink. So my final solution ended up being to stamp the sentiment (Happy Morther's Day) onto a white card stock punchout and then gluing that to a brown kraft paper punchout that I had in my supplies. Whew, crisis averted!<br />
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The blue paper that was used already had the lace pattern along the edges, making it extremely ideal! <br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7fmH7ofEx7s/T5S47Ugh0aI/AAAAAAAAALA/m4P6-k0CJR4/s1600/P1040527.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7fmH7ofEx7s/T5S47Ugh0aI/AAAAAAAAALA/m4P6-k0CJR4/s400/P1040527.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XWNgC0Ad6wI/T5S4-ekM5aI/AAAAAAAAALI/ZsyiVSJ_j7k/s1600/P1040539.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XWNgC0Ad6wI/T5S4-ekM5aI/AAAAAAAAALI/ZsyiVSJ_j7k/s400/P1040539.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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Notice how my two themes, the doily and buttons, were both integrated into it exactly as <a href="http://bassetting.blogspot.com/2012/04/april-encourages-outside-basseting.html" target="_blank">I wanted it to be</a>.<br />
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The second thing that I did today was make a weight loss tracker using decorative glass pebbles and a few clear cups in different shapes. I kept it simple and didn't put any lettering on the cups as to their purpose since both the GG and I know what they are for and this way they look a bit more decorative on our kitchen counter.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SpRQBkFaZQY/T5St5BOiWmI/AAAAAAAAAKI/Mg2AxqB8LI8/s1600/P1040516.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SpRQBkFaZQY/T5St5BOiWmI/AAAAAAAAAKI/Mg2AxqB8LI8/s400/P1040516.JPG" width="400" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DDk8tGXOrLY/T5St0OgblnI/AAAAAAAAAJ4/1ILG15kMcK8/s1600/P1040508.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DDk8tGXOrLY/T5St0OgblnI/AAAAAAAAAJ4/1ILG15kMcK8/s320/P1040508.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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This one is GG's</div>
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Instead of each having our own glass to put in our lost weight, we each are putting it into the same one as a sort of act of unity. We're in this together!! (So cheesy, I know) The clear pebbles each represent one pound, the blue/purple ones get moved over at 5 pounds, and the flower bead is the end weight!<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0PtpcwIu1G8/T5St8Z255LI/AAAAAAAAAKQ/kH05g0K8gSI/s1600/P1040512.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0PtpcwIu1G8/T5St8Z255LI/AAAAAAAAAKQ/kH05g0K8gSI/s320/P1040512.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
My weight loss goal is to get rid of 20 pounds and his is for 16. I feel like the shorty is going to have to work harder *wink* It looks like we may start going to the lake sometime next week so we definitely are behind in getting back to our beach bods. Hehe<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xWxzVx3ZvZM/T5St2kj4jtI/AAAAAAAAAKA/PA8PfZqMmqk/s1600/P1040509.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xWxzVx3ZvZM/T5St2kj4jtI/AAAAAAAAAKA/PA8PfZqMmqk/s320/P1040509.JPG" width="320" /> </a></div>
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The view of mine from the top...so many pebbles!</div>
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As for where I got the materials, I just went to Marshall's after searching through Ross and Target and got the three cups for $2.99 each and the pebbles for $3.00 for about $13.00 (with tax) for this little reminder. I could have used my normal cups, but I don't like to run out as it is, so I figured the little decorative ones would do better.<br />
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And while I'm typing all of this up, check out who kept me company.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9J8qK_Ccj3M/T5S6GisKa5I/AAAAAAAAALQ/0eKAFba5yes/s1600/P1040534.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9J8qK_Ccj3M/T5S6GisKa5I/AAAAAAAAALQ/0eKAFba5yes/s400/P1040534.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jeni's paw is in the top right</td></tr>
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<br />PaddyMelthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11908879321188259379noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4374116760834639570.post-58633479209196179832012-04-21T21:55:00.000-07:002012-04-22T20:03:34.384-07:00April encourages outside Bassetting<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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The time has come. I can no longer use my ankle as an excuse not to be
proactive. Shucks! I only mention this as it means that my outside obligations are back in force. I even took the Basset out for a walk at the Farmer's Market this morning and she did great! I think she may yet have a future in therapy. Now back to the crafting. </div>
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After my mad fit of crocheting and knitting, I
started dabbling with stamping. While you may not know it by looking in
my house or on my computers, I am very minimalist when it comes to my
cards. The next few pictures will more than illustrate that point.</div>
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<img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vfNf9pJ80RU/T5N684XcfII/AAAAAAAAAIo/3KNAJ00Lu2Q/s400/LB1.jpg" width="400" /></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gM7cWlCJApE/T5N7Tz26I0I/AAAAAAAAAIw/yN73Ay_6jsw/s1600/il_570xN.321337893.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gM7cWlCJApE/T5N7Tz26I0I/AAAAAAAAAIw/yN73Ay_6jsw/s400/il_570xN.321337893.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--JpEBsoqtds/T5N7kZDxDlI/AAAAAAAAAI4/EANTQo4vBLM/s1600/Fox.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--JpEBsoqtds/T5N7kZDxDlI/AAAAAAAAAI4/EANTQo4vBLM/s400/Fox.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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All of them can be found <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/Paddybug" target="_blank">here</a>.</div>
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I have several different card styles in the works as well as switching up the colors for the cupcakes, but for the last few weeks I just haven't been able to motivate myself to finish any one new style, even though my shop desperately needs them. Tonight though, I am planning out Mother's Day cards for my mom (herein referred to as Moogie) and the Gentle Giant's (his 6'2" to my slouchy 5'4 1/2" makes it seem that way, lol) mom . Even though we aren't even engaged, I don't think that she'll mind my making a card for him to send to her :) I am going to combine a few things, such as this front idea:<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CP8r_ZrE03M/T5OBVureftI/AAAAAAAAAJA/B7QXCjNPWn0/s1600/doilieref.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="299" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CP8r_ZrE03M/T5OBVureftI/AAAAAAAAAJA/B7QXCjNPWn0/s320/doilieref.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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From this <a href="http://recapturingwonders.blogspot.com/2010/05/happy-mothers-day.html%20" target="_blank">post</a> by Jessica Rosario</div>
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My main attraction to this piece is the doily. I love those silly little paper things to death (see my suitcase <a href="http://bassetting.blogspot.com/2012/02/basseting-requires-rest.html" target="_blank">here</a>) but I am not inherently girly so my usage is a lot lower than I would like. I am also drawn to the stamping onto the doily and is also a major point for me.</div>
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The next example has me adoring the use of like shades and buttons:</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-D8ciEuNfNXs/T5OCdSFacvI/AAAAAAAAAJI/2_vVvBtn6HA/s1600/buttoncardref.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-D8ciEuNfNXs/T5OCdSFacvI/AAAAAAAAAJI/2_vVvBtn6HA/s320/buttoncardref.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Via this <a href="http://taysrocha.blogspot.com/2011/11/button-art-mais-inspiracoes-com-botoes.html" target="_blank">post</a> (try as I might, I couldn't find the original on etsy)</div>
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I love tying my cards up in twine and finishing them off with a button and a bow and these cards completely take the cake! I have the perfect paper to put on the front of my white card stock as well. I haven't quite decided on the inside sentiments, but I figure that I can write my own while my GG writes his own.</div>
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Switching gears, I thought I'd show the point that I referenced to above...my "creative space."</div>
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My creative space is actually the kitchen table. We used it twice maybe when we started dating and he had me over for breakfast and dinner (yes, he does cook for me :D ) but stopped doing so when we established our tradition of watching <i>Law and Order: SVU </i>during dinner, resulting in us being another couple who sits on the couch to eat at all meal times with the exception of having guests over. We have a rather large coffee table that makes it so easy and convenient and even served as my crafting table when I was couch bound.</div>
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This is what it looks like on the typical day, which makes the minimalist and tidy cards seem even weirder.</div>
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The jar of white liquid on the right is my home made mod podge with plastic wrap rubber banded over the top since the lid was mistakenly thrown out by someone -.- Hehe</div>
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There's the suitcase again. It is holding my yarn, doilies, and seasonal stuff (mostly Valentine's day themed items). </div>
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This one is my vantage point from sitting at the table. Really inspiring, right? *snort* </div>
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In the picture above, you can see my label maker, which I have been using to label <b>everything</b>. Even the boxes of envelopes are labeled on the top. This is by far the messiest point in the house and is unfortunately viewable from every vantage place in the house besides from <b>inside</b> the bedrooms and bathrooms. Seriously, every where. Even down the hallway *eek!*</div>
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And the last picture of the night is of the most helpful Basset who just wants to be included in making cards for her grandmas.</div>
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<br /></div>PaddyMelthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11908879321188259379noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4374116760834639570.post-45397656602981281892012-02-23T01:50:00.001-08:002012-04-22T20:02:50.623-07:00Bassetting requires restAs mentioned before, I had ankle surgery at the end of last month and I have been resting with my girls, and no one rests like a Basset. Bassets are the masters of this because they need it during their crazy fits of energy, running up and down the hallway and leaping through the air after their toys.<br />
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The blue bed is for Jeni and that darker area in the corner is her fur (it's hard vacuuming on crutches) where she has to sleep when Addie is in her bed.<br />
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On to crafts, I have had the opportunity to start and finish a few. I forgot to get my camera from the other room for the processes. The following are some of the things that I did.<br />
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This is a scarf I crocheted. It ended up being for Jeni even though Addie wants the attention for wearing it. I crocheted it with a random 5 or 6 hook and some yarn I had laying around from Walmart. Then, I took one of the extra buttons that come with your clothing in that little plastic baggy and sewed the ends together using it. It only lasted about 5 days and then Jeni started chewing on it. </div>
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We have learned that Addie has a penchant for crafting supplies and so we needed a quick solution to my scattered belongings in the living room. We found this old suitcase at a Salvation Army at a little over 3 dollars thanks to a half off sale (score!) and I decoupaged several paper doilies (10 for a little over $1) on both sides after cleaning it off. I am still working on finding fabric that I like well enough to replace the inside plain brown material. </div>
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This scarf was crocheted for Addie using a variation of the double stitch and secured in the same way as Jeni's, using an extra button from a purchased shirt.</div>
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Here's my first knitted piece, a washcloth, using the simple single stitch. The little flecks help to hide the imperfections that were caused by my inexperience. </div>
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This is my spring wreath that I meant to be hung up on my sheltered front stoop or somewhere in the house. I like having contrasts of the same things but not in equal portions. This is where my supplies fell on Addie's wrong side, as she seems to savor fake flowers. I bought several flower bunches from Michael's at $1.99 and one of the big pink flowers at $2.99. I also got a few sprigs of leaves that I affixed onto a wood wreath with super craft glue as well as wove them into the branches. They can also be hot glued in, but I don't like using hot glue over carpet (something about the guns burning the carpet, I know, crazy).</div>
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Right now, I'm crocheting a scarf as well as knitting another scarf on large needles (I) while I'm trying to figure out what next I should do with some new typewriter font stamps, pastel stamp pads, and decorative paper.</div>
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Last thought, who doesn't love craft shopping the clearance rack after a holiday? It's amazing!</div>
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And now, a few pictures of my prides and joys, one actually fitting in the other one's bed.</div>
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<br />PaddyMelthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11908879321188259379noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4374116760834639570.post-61971230946950445472012-02-05T23:27:00.001-08:002012-02-23T01:57:35.715-08:00A wounded Basset MamaIt has been a few days since my last entry and it is because I had surgery last week. My tendons in my left ankle needed reconstructive work and as a result, I have been off my feet all week. More entries will happen, especially as my craftiness continues.<br />
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Update: I added a picture taken within the first few days after my surgery (my mind is foggy). My leg is propped up to the left and she was extremely distressed that I had a loud pump connected to it from the floor.PaddyMelthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11908879321188259379noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4374116760834639570.post-14886581670258981412012-01-28T21:12:00.000-08:002012-01-28T21:12:05.137-08:00Basset and her rescue sisterOne thing that serves to stress me out and to relieve stress is involvement in a local all breed animal rescue. Unfortunately, there is a great demand for it in my area and so there are quite a few local ones but I picked one a few years back who were willing to help me out (I rescued a mother and her kittens when someone was about to be evicted for taking them in from the cold) and I continue to work with them to this day.<br />
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I have been trying to figure out some fundraisers that I can do and other crafty things that can help at adoptions. I came up with a simple and easy craft involving cheap items from craft stores or even from Wal*Mart that can help catch the eye of potential adopters at adoption events. Some of you may have seen similar variations from time to time and I know that these types of things are even sold on sites such as etsy and ebay.<br />
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Materials needed~</div>
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<li>Bandanas - 99 cents at Hobby Lobby</li>
<li>Iron on letters - two different brands for under $5 each (WalMart and Hobby Lobby)</li>
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Equipment needed~</div>
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<li>Iron</li>
<li>Ironing board</li>
<li>Scissors (optional)</li>
<li>Cotton cloth (optional, not pictured)</li>
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First, the decision needs to be made concerning what phrases should be used. Possible phrases are:<br />
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<li> Be Mine</li>
<li>Pick Me</li>
<li>Adopt Me</li>
<li>I'm Yours</li>
<li>Best Friend</li>
<li>Kiss Me</li>
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Some organizations may desire to use these as a quick look at a dog's quirks, such as "social" or "no cats." After the letters are cut out or peeled, arrange them in the desired phrase on an ironed bandana. Then iron the letters according to the package directions. <br />
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Now they're ready to help your rescue dogs catch the eye of their new forever families!<br />
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Contact a local animal rescue to see if you can donate some bandanas of your own!PaddyMelthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11908879321188259379noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4374116760834639570.post-4060079242623924562012-01-25T00:39:00.000-08:002012-02-23T01:56:01.271-08:00How to BassetLearning how to basset requires two things: a role model and a lot of time that you're willing to throw right out the middle. I have both.<br />
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My role model is none other than a certified registered Basset Hound. This girl is of the bow legged variety and she is the one who introduced me to the art of bassetting over a year ago with her sweet little face when we first got her. While I am not fond of breeders, I did help my boyfriend find a responsible one located over 5 hours away who truly has the betterment of the breed in mind. Adelaide is the product of two mahoganies, a tri-colored freckled little pooch. She is smaller than is typically seen for a Basset, but is within the average weight range (she is a little over 40 pounds at 16 months). The vet has congratulated us for keeping her healthy and ensuring that her weight is perfect. It doesn't hurt that when she steals her sister's food (a 5 year old 17 pound purebred mutt of mine) it is of the weight management persuasion.<br />
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Now that you have met the Addie, there is something that needs to be defined: Bassetting. Bassetting is the practice of laying back, enjoying the small things like head scratches or treats, and asking for what we want. Every Basset owner knows that if their hound wants something, they will get it. They may have to cry, whine, grumble, or even bark in the ear of whoever possesses what they want (and it is a LOUD bark) but they will get it. Watching her do this for over a year made me realize that I need to step up for what I want but also to lay back and enjoy what's going on around me.<br />
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That is the end that I am working for. I am working to make the act of taking what I want and deserve, instead of timidly sitting to the side and waiting for someone to <i>maybe </i>give me what I have earned.PaddyMelthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11908879321188259379noreply@blogger.com0