Wednesday, December 31, 2008

Stress & Happy New Year



Received this as an email and thought it was worth sharing.




STRESS
A lecturer when explaining stress management to an audience,
raised a glass of water and asked
'How heavy is this glass of water?'
Answers called out ranged from 20g to 500g.
The lecturer replied, 'The absolute weight doesn't matter.
It depends on how long you try to hold it.

If I hold it for a minute, that's not a problem.

If I hold it for an hour, I'll have an ache in my right arm.

If I hold it for a day, you'll have to call an ambulance.

In each case, it's the same weight, but the longer I hold it, the heavier it becomes.'

He continued,

'And that's the way it is with stress management.

If we carry our burdens all the time, sooner or later,

as the burden becomes increasingly heavy,

we won't be able to carry on. '

'As with the glass of water,

you have to put it down for a while and rest before holding it again.

When we're refreshed, we can carry on with the burden.'

'So, before you return home tonight, put the burden of work down

Don't carry it home

You can pick it up tomorrow.

Whatever burdens you're carrying now,

let them down for a moment if you can.'

So, my friend, Put down anything that may be a burden to you right now.

Don't pick it up again until after you've rested a while.

Here are some great ways of dealing with the burdens of life:

* Accept that some days you're the pigeon,
and some days you're the statue.

* Always keep your words soft and sweet,
just in case you have to eat them.

* Always read stuff that will make you look good if you die in the middle of it.

* Drive carefully. It's not only cars that can be recalled by their maker.

* If you can't be kind, at least have the decency to be vague.

* If you lend someone $20 and never see that person again,
it was probably worth it.

* It may be that your sole purpose in life is simply be kind to others.

* Never put both feet in your mouth at the same time,
because then you won't have a leg to stand on.

* Nobody cares if you can't dance well.
Just get up and dance.

* Since it's the early worm that gets eaten by the bird, sleep late.

* The second mouse gets the cheese.

* When everything's coming your way,
you're in the wrong lane.

* Birthdays are good for you.
The more you have, the longer you live.

* You may be only one person in the world, but you may also be the world to one person.

* Some mistakes are too much fun to only make once.

* We could learn a lot from crayons... Some are sharp, some are pretty and some are dull. Some have weird names, and all are different colors, but they all have to live in the same box.


*A truly happy person is one who can enjoy the scenery on a detour.
Happy 2009!
Julie
(~~)

Monday, December 29, 2008

Hi Sugar!



Just a few cottages that I will be adding to my lollishops tomorrow morning. Soon as the sun comes up I am planning on taking individual pictures and posting these. I spent most of the day in my craft studio making these! A very small peek at the mess going on there. I had to clear a spot to snap this photo...hehe. One more week off and then back to work.



I just love this valentine! "Hi Sugar"!!! Isnt she a doll and there is a cupcake too. So of course I had to make something SWEET with it! I wanted to trim some details with glitter but decided against it cuz its cute enough on its own. This is for someone special...shhhh!

I need to make one for my sister and I think if time allows I will whip some up for lollishops too.

Whatcha think???

Until Tomorrow,
Julie
(~~)

Sunday, December 28, 2008

After Christmas Sale

This pair of birds plus much more ready for their new home <3



All Christmas items are marked down 20-30%. The prices listed are the reduced price. All prices include shipping and handling!!! Whatta deal:D

Monday, December 22, 2008

Featured Lollishops and Thompson Family Blog

The sweet Sadie Lou featured me on Lollishops Blog today after seeing my cupcake cottage and glitter cottages on Danielle Thompson's blog. YaY!!

http://lollishops.blogspot.com/

Danielle's photos look way better than mine! She ordered these 3 cottages from me earlier this month! I luv her style and she is a sweetie. Her boys are super cute to boot. Check out her popular blog.

I went ahead and made an extra one while I was filling Danielle's order...Here it is. Wish I was a better photographer. New Year's resolution perhaps??? Danielle knows how to capture the sweetness in her photos;)
www.lollishops.com/piecefulbits
I like Sadie's name for them "Sugar Shacks"
Last one for sale this season! Get yourself one, you will love it!
Happy Day,
Julie
(~~)

Saturday, December 20, 2008

Powerless

Ice storm in the midwest. Just 1/2" of ice wreaks havoc at the homestead.

29 hours no electricity-


Makes a girl feel powerless.
We do not realize how much our lives depend on electricty. The hardest part is not knowing when the power will return.
My poor t.v. looks so lonely, doesn't it?
And not to mention poor poor Mr. 'candy' Kane, he has set up his residence in front of the only heat source. Could he look anymore pathetic?

Only makes me more behind on Christmas prepartions.

Hope everyone is safe & warm,

(~~)

Julie

Monday, December 15, 2008

Any Prouder?

I don't believe I have ever been this proud! My daughter just graduated yesterday from honor's college in 3 1/2 years. She is the brightest & most beautiful young woman! I am a bit impartial ;) She graduated with the highest honors-Magna Cum Laude. All I can say now ~ look out world !!!
The family portrait.

LETS GO LOLLISHOPPING

JUST A FEW DAYS LEFT FOR CHRISTMAS SHOPPING..


You really need these yummy cupcake ornaments for your tree! I have even purchased a set for myself. They look so good. Shipping is included~the best part. Lori, Renegade Rose is a sweetie too. I plan on leaving mine up year round. I found these from another blogger that had purchased them @ lollishops (http://sharonscottagequilts.blogspot.com/)

http://www.lollishops.com/set-of-4-fauxfake-pink-white-cupcake-ornaments.html


how could you resist?

Wait until you see more of her sweets...
http://www.lollishops.com/renegade-rose


While you're there check out the other yummy shops!
http://www.lollishops.com/

(~~)
Julie

Monday, December 8, 2008

Cuppie Cakes

These were just listed in my shop tonight! I am trying to get more made to list in time for shipping for Christmas...but heck they would be good year round.


These 3 cuppie cakes were made for Ellia greenbeanbaby and Nina funoldnew. thanks girls =D

These Cottages were made for Danielle thousandclowns. She wanted one cupcake cottage and 2 candy cottages. Thanks Danielle!
Hope everyone is enjoying this Christmas season...fa la la la la la ,la la la la
I havent even started shopping yet...YIPES.
(~~)
Julie

Friday, December 5, 2008

Scrappy Jessi's cookie swap~my recipe

Isn't she the cutest...that Jessi?


http://www.scrappyjessi.blogspot.com/
Check her blog for other blogs participating with their yummy recipes.
White Chocolate and Cranberry Walnut Cookies
You will want to double the recipe for these. I think it's the almond extract that I like the most in this recipe.


White Chocolate and Cranberry Walnut Cookies

1/4 c. butter or margarine, softened

1/4 c. shortening

1/2 c. brown sugar, packed

1/2 c. granulated sugar

1 egg

1 teaspoon almond extract

1 1/2 c. all-purpose flour

1/2 teaspoon baking powder

1/4 teaspoon salt

3/4 c. white baking chips

1 c. dried cranberries

1/2 c. chopped walnuts (or pecans)

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350 F.

2. In a large bowl cream together the butter, brown sugar, white sugar, until smooth. Beat in the egg and almond extract. Combine the flour, baking soda, and salt; stir into the sugar mixture. Mix in the white chips, cranberries, and walnuts.

3. Drop onto cookie sheet using small scooper or shape into tablespoon size balls.

4. Bake in oven for 12-15 min. or until done. Do not over bake.

5. Cool for 5 minutes on baking rack and then remove from cookie sheet.

Makes 2 dozen

Happy Cookie Baking

(~~)

Julie

note***I made these for my daughter's high school graduation party a few years back and they were the hit of the food table.***

Tuesday, December 2, 2008

Lollishops is Tops!!!

I love love love Lollishops!! Hurray for Sadie! Sadie Lou Who that is. My shop has been doing well and I couldnt be happier about it. Thank you Sadie Lou and your crew!
Two of my glittery cottages that are still available. Check out my sold section to see how well the shop has been doing. I wish I could do it full time but my "real job" offers health insurance for the family. A girl's gotta do what a girl's gotta do;)
Anyway here's the link and while you're there check out all the other lolly goodies from the other shops-amazing stuff there!
Hope to see you there,
Julie
(~~)

Sunday, November 30, 2008

Cuppie Cake Ornaments

These 2 pink and green cupcake ornaments are for Ellia greenbeanbaby. I think these are my favorite. I will make more from these papers.

Adding this set to Lollishops today. www.lollishops.com/piecefulbits


This is the whole set that Ellia has requested. I really do like the pink and green ones.
(~~)
Julie



Friday, November 28, 2008

It's finally HErE...Lollishops


Finally opened!!!
These are listed at my Lollishops plus a few more. I have already had a sale. check it out
There are so many lovely listings. Time for some shopping!
Check out those sweet candy cane legs on these pom pom birds.

Hope your Black Friday went smoothly.
(~~)
Julie





Monday, November 24, 2008

Giddy Yap Giddy Yap Let's Go...

Sleigh Ride
JMitchell Parish, Leroy Anderson 1948
Just hear those sleigh bells jingling,ring ting tingling too
Come on, it's lovely weather for a sleigh ride together with you,
Outside the snow is falling and friends are calling "Yoo hoo,"
Come on, it's lovely weather for a sleigh ride together with you.
Giddy yap, giddy yap, giddy yap,let's go, Let's look at the show,
We're riding in a wonderland of snow.
Giddy yap, giddy yap, giddy yap,it's grand, Just holding your hand,
We're gliding along with a song of a wintry fairy land.
Our cheeks are nice and rosy and comfy cozy are we
We're snuggled up together like two birds of a feather would be
Let's take that road before usand sing a chorus or two
Come on, it's lovely weather for a sleigh ride together with you.
There's a birthday party at the home of Farmer Gray
It'll be the perfect ending a perfect day
We'll be singing the songs we love to sing without a single stop,
At the fireplace while we watch the chestnuts pop. Pop! pop! pop!
There's a happy feeling nothing in the world can buy,
When they pass around the chocolate and the pumpkin pie
It'll nearly be like a picture print by Currier and Ives
These wonderful things are the things we remember all through our lives!
Just hear those sleigh bells jingling,ring ting tingling too
Come on, it's lovely weather for a sleigh ride together with you,
Outside the snow is falling and friends are calling "Yoo hoo,"
Come on, it's lovely weather for a sleigh ride together with you.
Giddy yap, giddy yap, giddy yap,let's go,
Let's look at the show,We're riding in a wonderland of snow.
Giddy yap, giddy yap, giddy yap,it's grand,
Just holding your hand,
We're gliding along with a song of a wintry fairy land
Our cheeks are nice and rosy and comfy cozy are we
We're snuggled up together like two birds of a feather would be
Let's take that road before us and sing a chorus or two
Come on, it's lovely weather for a sleigh ride together with you.


Well okay just substitute the word boat for the word sleigh and it's appropriate for the pictures.
I bought these little guys at a local antique shop yesterday. They look like they would fit perfectly on a "Charlie Brown Tree" They need a little repairing, but sigh, I might just leave them be:)

The boat was my brother's when we were growing up. My mom and dad just gave it to me this summer. He had passed just before his 21st bday in a tragic accident 1984. I cherish this boat as I remember playing with it often.
It is now displayed in my craft room on a shelf. It is made by Tonka and even has a metal boat trailer it sits on. The steering wheel is broken, but all in all it's in great shape and holds fond memories.
Thankful for those early memories of childhood and the time I have with my family and friends.
Happy Thanksgiving to All
Julie
(~~)


Wednesday, November 19, 2008

Another Lollishops Preview Peek

Be very Careful you may be overwhelmed by the sweetness! Dont say I didnt warn you. These sneak peeks are just a taste of the sugary creations. This is my 2nd Gingerbread entry for the Lollishops contest.

December 1 is the big reveal. Everyone will be posting their own version of a Gingerbread House in their shops http://www.lollishops.com/

Still trying to figure out a cute name for this little guy. He seems to have fallen~probably the slippery ice from our last storm...sigh. Should I make him into an ornament? Should I leave him as he is? Either way he has captured my <3.>

More views of the sweet Winter Red Bird. Don't you just love his candy cane legs?




Red & Aqua make a great color combination.


Have A Happy Rest of the Week

(~~)

Julie





Saturday, November 15, 2008

Lollishop Preview and Sneak Peek

Since beta Lollishops is opening very very soon, I have 2 more sneak peeks for my gingerbread house. The contest is December 1! I added some more small details to it today.




A pretty dove ornament for your tree. This ornament looks the same on both sides.
Here are some more of my mini cupcake ornaments. I need to work on some pink ones now!





Have a great weekend,
(~~)



Julie

Saturday, November 8, 2008

Winner of Betz White Blog Giveaway..Yes Me;)



Brrr...fall is turning to winter here. That gives me an excuse to stay in and work on some projects.


My make shift light box. I need to purchase one more light. The pictures below were taken with the light box with only one light coming from the right side.

The very first time I have won a blog giveaway! I was estatic and you can see why...
They are super yummy and you can find more cute creations here http://blog.betzwhite.com/

And here is her book: I am adding that to my wish list.
The large star is a special order for a sweet customer. I have included the little star as an extra surprise for her. She buys a Christmas ornament every year for her niece/godchild which marks something that is happening in her life that year. What an awesome Aunt/Godmother she is. A gift from her heart. She requested yellow and I was not sure if I would like it at first, but I think they turned out nicely.
And finally, but definitely not least. My sneak peek for Lollishops Gingerbread house contest

Wish I could show you more ;) but Sadie Lou made us pinky swear only to show peeks.
Hope you have a warm weekend,
Julie
(~~)

Tuesday, October 21, 2008

Close Knit Community

A very close-knit community with a bird's eye view. 4 of these houses will be on their way to Canada this week. The other 5 will be put in Lollishops when it opens in Nov. (~~)


All our houses in a row!
These 3 were hand cut and assembled by me and I made the little pink tree on the left!

The Church was purchased at Michaels and the little house was hand cut and assembled by me. Dont you just love the dormer?




Yummy Colors...It's hard to see but there is a pink bird perched on the rooftop of the pink house.



The Aqua and Turquoise one on the left I think is my favorite, if I had to pick just ONE. I do favor the pink tree though.
Thanks for stopping by
(~~)
Julie