Needing to seriously vent...GRRR!!!!

GRRR!!! I was in a bit of a jolly mood this morning until I looked out my window after hearing what I thought was the recycling truck coming by since *scoff*. One would tend to think this since they had taken my trash can with the large black letters RECYCLING written on the side and the top fo the can piled high with newspapers, only to discover that yet again, it was the TRASHMEN who had taken it. This has happened so many times and I am beyond frustrated...I AM ANGRY!!! We try very hard to recylce where I am. There are times when we have one can of trash barely filled and 2 cans yes 2 filled with recyclables. Way beyond any to fit in those itty bitty blue cans they offer. I was even told by someone who works for the Keep PA Beautiful that having the trash can labeled recycling is fine!!! Yet I am beginning to think that either people don't read it, don't care or ...wait I ran out of reasons... anyway if anyone else has this problem or knows of a way to correct it I am all ears:) Sorry for the rant. On a lighter note, last chance to enter the drawing is today!! Thanks to Jeannie, Dolores, Wendy and Carlene who have entered so far. A winner will be posted tomorrow!!!

Still time to enter the drawing! Etsy Spring Cleaning Sale only 2 items left in stock!!!

Hello everyone! I wanted to make those of you aware that the drawing is nearing a close. April 1st is the deadline! If you are interested in entering the drawing for a chance to win a copy of my book Wedding Journals and Keepsake Gifts, please donate either an item from the Free Arts for Abused Kids wish list or a monetary donation ( even $1 counts!!!)

Things are being a bit quiet here. My husband has a second interview with the company FILA ( shoes ) in Maryland. I truly hope he gets it. Not only because it has been a long 9 months of unemployment, but also because I really want to move:) We have been talking of moving for a long time now. The original goal was after 5 years in this house, have equity and leave....10 years later....you get the picture. Anyway, keep your fingers crossed for us and the prayers. WE need it:)

Only 2 items left in my etsy store! I am cleaing out to make room for more items. These are the items left:






The shadowbox is $15 and that is including shipping in the USA. If you are out of the coutnry, email me for a shipping quote. The wall hanging is 9.99 plus shipping.


I have also picked up the items I will be sending to Free Arts for Abused Children (as pictured). My children and I went to Wal-Mart and grabbed a few things. It was good for my kids to be a part of this too. I try to teach them how to help out others who are less fortunate. I want them to realize that althoguth things are tough for us right now, there are others who have it a lot worse. Email me your comments. I love to hear from you all! Your input means a lot to me!!! Have a wonderful day and thank you again to those who donated to my cause! Enter the contest! Even if you are not getting married I am sure you know someone who is or who is crafty!!!!

Spring Cleaning and Recycling Tips

Hello again! I figured since this is the time that most of us do our spring cleaning, I would share some friendly tips. Many of you may already know this so just bear with me ( yes I do like to repeat myself.)


1. Try to recycle as much as possible. Sounds simple but many of us throw out papers in the trash without thinking about it ( me included:) If it is something you do not want someone else to see then maybe recycling isn't such a good idea ( especially important documents-always shred !!!)

2. While I was cleaning out under my cabinets, I came across so many plastic bags "I had saved", that I was overwhelmed. Many places such as Acme and Shop Rite take the bags and recycle them ( as well as those plastic bags your morning paper is wrapped in.) Take them to your local grocery store. You will not only have a much cleaner home, but you will be helping the environment as well.

3. For future shopping trips-take a canvas bag. They can be fashionable and of course are reusable and will save you trips to the stores to get them recycled which in turns saves gas....see where this is headed?

4. Remove caps from all jars and plastic bottles or THEY WILL NOT BE RECYCLED!!! I found it interesting . It seems since the plastic is too different kinds, they must be separated. I found this out after years of putting the lids on the water bottles.....






5. Last, stuffed animals. I know many of you who read this are moms and clutter from toys is a big one! I volunteer for an organization called SAFE (www.stuffedanimalsforemergencies.org ) that collects gently used stuffed animals to give to children in need. Some of the animals go to help children in hospitals, some go as reading buddies to kids in area schools, some go to raise money to aid schools in need of funds or they will face closure. These are just some of the ways my animals have helped kids. If you want to donate to me and live in the Philadelphia area, email me for more info. If not in this area, then check out the website for the closest chapter. This is also a good way for kids to help in charity work!


I hope this helps many of you. As I come across anything else you will be the first... no make that second to know since a lot of this is news to me:) Remember, donate any amount ( even $1.00 or purchase an item from the wish list) for Free Arts For Abused Children (www.freearts.org), leave a comment on my blog letting me know and get a chance to win a copy of my book!!! Drawing will be ending April 1st! My goal is to have 10 people enter. I have 3 so far. Thank you to those who have entered! Best of luck!

Donate to Free Arts for Abused Children and enter to win a copy of my book!

Thanks to my friend, Lia C. Kent, who sent me info on the wonderful group Free Arts for Abused Children, have I come to know another amazing charity. This is a group who aids in helping children who are abused or homeless find ways to release their pain and anger by throwing it into something creative. Along the way, I am sure it also helps the kids to make friends, find people who care about them, as well as build self esteem and realize that they are worthy of love from not only others but from themselves too. I have also discovered it has a Walt Disney Company member as their President!!! Way cool in my opinion:) Here is a list of items that they are in need of taken directly from their web site. www.freearts.org

OUR WISH LIST




Wish List


Art Related Supplies:
Acrylic paint (water based, 1/2 gallon bottles or larger preferred)

Baby wipes and paper towels

Canvases (various sizes)

Construction Paper (variety of colors)

Decorating materials (googley eyes, feathers, foam, pipe cleaners, shapes, sequins, buttons, pom poms, wood shapes, etc.)

Disposable cameras

Glitter paint / glitter glue (larger containers preferred)

Gray sculpting clay

Ink Cartridges for photo printer (HP Photosmart 385)

Jewelry making materials (including fancy beads, wire, fasteners, etc.)

Polaroid Film (600 speed)

Poster board
Sandpaper (Type: medium grade)

Sharpie brand markers (all sizes and colors)

Sketch Books

Small plastic bowls with lids

T-shirts (NEW plain white, all sizes)

Table coverings (plastic table cloths)

Tempra Paint

Treasure boxes (small boxes with lids that fit over the entire box)

Vellum Drawing Paper

Watercolor Paper

Wooden Spoons and forks



Office Supplies:

16oz. bottles of water
27 and 42 cent postage stamps
Bookshelves and shelving
Copier paper (standard)
Digital camera and photo printer
Folding chairs
Clear plastic storage containers with lids (16”w x 12”l x 12”h)
Toilet paper


Other:

Auction Items (gift cards, get aways, etc.)
Gift certificate for art supplies (Utrecht, Discount School Supply, Lakeshore, Michaels)
iPod
iPod speakers
Pizza Hut gift certificates
Smart & Final gift certificates
Costco gift certificates
Trader Joe's gift certificates
Professional Services (printing, legal, design, and more)


Free Arts for Abused Children
12095 W. Washington Boulevard, Suite 104
Los Angeles, CA 90066
310-313-4278
310-313-5575 FAX



For every person that makes a purchase to help this group or donation, and leaves me a comment telling me they did ( we are on the honor system here:) then you will be entered for a chance to win a copy of my book Wedding Journals and Keepsake Gifts from Quarry publishers! The drawing will take place April 1st which gives people ample time . I will refresh your memories every few days! I can be a pest that way LOL Thanks for the support. I am sure every child will appreciate it!!!!