Tattoos

Tattoos are something this generation seems to love. They call it BODY ART. I love most all forms of art, but I am not a big fan of tattoos. I loved watching Miami Ink and love watching LA Ink because those tattoo artists amaze me.

First of all a tattoo requires having a needle penetrate the skin and ink injected into it! PAIN! Anytime something penetrates the skin, there is the potential for contracting a disease. The most common and contagious risks of getting tattoos include contracting Hepatitis B and C, HIV or AIDS and various other infections. You can also suffer from an allergic reaction to the equipment or ink. These things can actually be fatal!! If the tattooist injects the pigments too deeply into the skin, the pigments may migrate beyond the original sites, resulting in a blurred appearance or spots where the color has disappeared.

Before even thinking about getting a tattoo a person should make sure their tetanus and hepatitis shots are up-to-date. Know the tattoo artist and find out how they sterilize their equipment. More than just the needle needs to be sterile! Getting a severe staph infection can easily result in a lengthy hospital stay or death!

Watch out where you put a tattoo! Remember the effect of gravity makes skin sag. The above butterfly will eventually turn  into a caterpillar when the owner gets to be my age. Also, what looks good on a young person may seem a little ridiculous when you get older. Tattoos in the workplace are becoming more common, but there are still lots of employers who will not hire people with tattoos. Think before you get a tattoo and try to place it where it will not be visible to employers, when you are properly dressed for the job.

Cheaper than a class ring! That might be a true statement, but tattoos are still expensive. They are even more expensive if you decide you want to have them removed. The removal process costs several thousands of dollars and is very painful.

Think before you get a tattoo!

There have been reports of people with tattoos or permanent makeup who experience swelling or burning in the affected areas when they underwent magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

With so many realistic looking temporary tattoos on the market it might be a good idea to get one of those first before you undergo the needles.

As you can see I know a few people who have BODY ART.

Despite advances in laser technology, removing a tattoo is a painstaking process, usually involving several treatments and a huge expense. Complete removal without scarring may be impossible. So think before you decide to get a tattoo!                 Is BODY ART worth the risk?

Horseshoe Christmas Tree

This awesome Horseshoe Christmas Tree can be seen in Elk City, Oklahoma. I have no idea who welded it together, but I think it is a real work of art. Also, notice the round ball on the metal base behind the Christmas Tree. The ball is sculpted out of horseshoes as well. I can't imagine how heavy these pieces might be...that many horseshoes would be very heavy. Western Oklahoma really has some wonderful free art exhibits open for the public to view. These are at the Old Town Museum on Historic Route 66.

End of Garden

This year we decided to plant some cherry tomato and jalapeno pepper plants. This does not really equal a garden, but it was the only thing we wanted to plant. We love both of these things and they are so much better freshly picked. We also did not want to have more things that required weeding and additional work. Both of these plants thrive in the hot Oklahoma summer with a little water and not much work. This is the last bounty of the wonderful 2010 garden season.

Pine Cone Turkey

This is a easy project for the kids. The turkey can also be used as place card holder at your November parties or just several of them lined up in the middle of the table for small decorations. 

TURKEY

ONE LARGE PINE CONE

5 FEATHERS

3 PIPE CLEANERS

First lay the pine cone down to see how it will be on its side. This is how you decide where to place the head, legs and tail feathers. To make the head I doubled the pipe cleaner, made a small circle to form the head, with the end poked out to make the  beak. Took the other ends and wrapped around the pine cone to keep the head on.

Next I took two pipe cleaners and twisted together. You can see the ends make the "feet". Then I placed the pipe cleaners in the back of the turkey an bent them so he looks like he is sitting down. Next I glued feathers inside the bottom of the pine cone to make the turkey tail.

You can use any color pipe cleaners and feathers you like. I love orange and yellow so that is what I picked out of the craft drawer.

Make a comment and share your easy craft projects to be used in November.



Trick or Treat - Happy Halloween!

I just love Halloween! All the cute costumes the kids wear when they trick or treat or attend a Halloween party. In my first photo is my granddaughter. Note that she was not much taller than the door knob. I just went and measured. The knob was 49 inches high, so she was between 52 and 53 inches tall. She is now taller than I am. Whew, thinking of this makes my eyes water! OK...back to Halloween. I made the "Dorothy" jumper she is wearing. She already had a blouse to put under it. We bought a little pair of inexpensive shoes and glued red glitter all over them.  She was proud of her outfit and wore it to school and out to trick or treat. I also made her Mother a matching outfit that she wore to her job at the school. Our schools have decided to have story book day rather than Halloween. The kids are suppose to dress up as story book characters.

This next photo is one of my husband, who always dresses up for Halloween, our granddaughter is in the middle with two of the neighborhood children. The little "Tigger" costume belonged to my granddaughter when she was that size. Since it was a good quality costume I have saved it to be worn over and over. We gave the Tigger some cat features on her face with make up. The boy on the right side of the photo is wearing a black sweat suit. Since the sweat suit was old an quite worn we painted glow in the dark paint around the legs so he could be seen. We just used the Halloween makeup and painted his face and he was good to go. I do not like Halloween masks. If at all possible it is better to use face paint.

For my granddaughter's costume we went to the local thrift store and found a formal dress for a couple dollars. It was really cold that night so she had to wear her windbreaker and was not happy about that. Then we went to one of the dollar stores and picked up a cute little crown to complete her Princess costume. She loved wearing it to school and to trick or treat. She also wore it many times when she and her friends were at the house just playing dress up.

There are so many ways to dress up for Halloween, without buying one of those costumes that barely last through the one wearing. Check your thrift stores and think ahead as you shop.

This photo is "Granny's Love," my six year old grandson, his mask is a soft hood and so much better than the old plastic ones. He is not as easy to please as his sister was at that age. Doesn't he look like a real crime fighter??? He makes me laugh!

Here is Logan as Spongebob! Logan is my friend Pat's grandson. Logan was born one year after my grandson on his birthday. So both our grandson's have the same birthday. Both boys love Spongebob Squarepants. I have watched more than my share of Spongebob on TV.

And last but not least is my GREAT Granddaughter, my grandson Daniel's daughter. Ava is a little mini Daniel, because she looks just like him!

Happy Halloween! Be safe and have fun.

The Rink Gallery/Magic Show OKC

Rockwell and 32nd street in Oklahoma City you will find a great afternoon of entertainment.

We enjoyed a FREE Magic Show, FREE Live Music, FREE Food and a great time looking at all of the neat stuff at the Rink Gallery. It is a huge building filled to the brim with all sorts of things. There was furniture, antiques, collectors items, decorator items, clothing, you name it!

Bill Crawford performed his wonderful feats of magic,  told funny stories and just totally entertained us! Bill is a certified master magician, motivational and after-dinner speaker. He is the minister of the First Christian Church in Tecumseh, Oklahoma.  Bill also has a new book out, MYSTERIES OF ILLUSION that is a fun and entertaining collection of five short stories centering around a cigar-smoking magician who finds himself doubling as a detective in a wide variety of puzzling events. You can check on line at Barnes and Noble to find a copy of the book.

After the show Bill entertained us some more, with stories about when he and our State Representative Harold Wright were younger! I could truly envision Harold and Bill learning to eat fire.  Harold also performed magic acts, he and Bill did some shows together, now Harold works magic at the state capitol...lol.

I was having a hard time taking photos and trying to clap at the same time. Bill is only there at 3:00 pm on the 2nd and 4th Sunday of every month. Try to mark your calendar and check out the Rink Gallery and the Free Magic Show, Free Live Music, and Free Food.

Bill Crawford was the Counselor at the School for the Blind when my husband was 14 years old in high school. They have known each other for nearly 48 years! That is pretty magic too!

Emergency Plan

Does your family have an Emergency Plan? Our State Office sent out an e-mail from Homeland Security outlining what every family should do to prepare for and respond to potential emergencies. When watching the news it seems that there are more natural disasters than ever before. Of course, it could be that we just have more media coverage and are more aware of these disasters.

The information said that every family should get an emergency supply kit, make a family emergency plan, and be informed about the different types of emergencies that could occur. It said that all Americans should have some basic supplies on hand in order to survive for at least three days.

The following is a list of basic items that every emergency supply kit should include:

Water, one gallon of water per person per day for at least three days, for drinking and sanitation.

Food, at least a three-day supply of non-perishable food.

Battery-powered or hand crank radion and a NOAA Weather Radio with tone alert and extra batteries for both.

Flashlight and extra batteries.

First aid kit.

Whistle to signal for help.

Dust mask, to help filter contaminated air and plastic sheeting and duct tape to shelter-in-place.

Moist towelettes, garbage bags and plastic ties for personal sanitation.

Wrench or pliers to turn off utilities.

Can opener for food (if kit contains canned food).

Local maps.

Additional items to consider adding to an Emergency Supply Kit:

Prescription medications and glasses.

Infant formula and diapers.

Pet food and extra water for your pet.

Important family documents such as copies of insurance policies, identification and bank account records in a waterproof, portable container.

Cash or traveler's checks and change.

Emergency reference material such as first aid book or information from http://www.ready.gov/

Sleeping bag or warm blanket for each person. Consider additional bedding if you live in cold-weather climate.

Complete change of clothing including a long sleeved shirt, long pants and sturdy shoes. Consider additional clothing if you live in a cold-weather climate.

Household chlorine bleach and medicine dropper. - when diluted nine parts water to one part bleach, bleach can be used as a disinfectant. Or in an emergency, you can use it to treat water by using 16 drops of regular household liquid bleach per gallon of water. Do not used scented, color safe or bleaches with added cleaners.

Fire Extinguisher.

Matches in a waterproof container.

Feminine supplies and personal hygiene items.

Mess kits, paper cups, plates and plastic utensils, paper towels.

Paper and pencil.

Books, games, puzzles or other activities for children.

The information also said to write down the Name, Date of Birth, Social Security Number, Important Medical Information and telephone numbers for each member of the family. Other important information such as doctors, pharmacist, medical insurance, homeowners insurance and other numbers that might be needed.

Before an emergency happens, sit down with your family members and decide how you will get in contact with each other, where you will go and what you will do in an emergency. Keep a copy of this plan in your emergency supply kit or another safe place where you can access it in the event of a disaster.

Agri-Tourism Western OK

The other day I was heading west on I-40 and passed the P-Bar Farm site. There were 5 school buses and lots of cars. P-Bar Farm started with a corn maze and has expanded to a complete farm fun destination. My grandson has gone there at least once a year for several years and loves it. I am just impressed with all the things they have now including a working flour mill. Next time you are looking for inexpensive family fun try P-Bar Farm at Hydro, Oklahoma on Historic Route 66.

Eggs Benedict

My husband loves EGGS BENEDICT and has fun making them. I do not like poached eggs or Hollandaise sauce. My husband use to make Hollandaise sauce from scratch and then he found this neat Hollandaise sauce mix!

Packaged sauce mix directions: Whisk sauce mix and 1 cup milk in small saucepan. Add 1/4 cup margarine or butter and bring to a boil, stirring frequently. Reduce heat and simmer, stirring frequently until thickened, about 1 minute.

Hollandaise sauce from scratch: 1/2 cup (one stick) butter, 3 egg yoks, 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice. Combine the ingredients in a small saucepan and let stand at room temperature until the butter is soft (45 to 60 minutes). Five minutes before serving time, place the saucepan over low heat, and stir constantly until the sauce thickens.



EGGS BENEDICT

2 English muffins, split and toasted

4 slices Canadian bacon, cooked

4 eggs, poached

1 package Knorr Hollandaise sauce mix, prepared to package directions

or

Hollandaise sauce made from scratch

Top each muffin half with a slice of Canadian bacon, an egg and a spoonful or two of the Hollandaise sauce of your choice.

Poaching eggs: My husband puts water in a 12 inch skillet and brings to a boil. Then add two tablespoons vinegar. Break each egg into its own shallow bowl. Quickly pour eggs out of bowl into the boiling water. Try to get the egg in the water as quick as possible so it stays together.

Toast English muffins and Canadian bacon.

OK after all this information about EGGS BENEDICT he decides to skip the Hollandaise sauce and just add a slice of American cheese! Still a good breakfast treat.



JULIE I DID IT!!!

THIS IS THE FIRST SCAN I DID ON MY SCANNER BY MYSELF!!!

For those of you who can operate all the features of your computer and printer this will not seem like a big deal, BUT for me this is awesome!!! Julie has taught me so many things over the years, about how to do things on the computer. She taught me how to blog, how to save files, how to take photos off my camera to put on the computer and oh so many many other things.

I tell her thank you, but that is not nearly enough for every thing she teaches me! Julie is the brightest and kindest young lady in the world. I know there are many times she thinks, if I ask her how to do something she has already shown me a million times, she is going to scream. Thank goodness she once worked at a nursing home, and was aware how the minds of old people work or don't work as is my case.

I tried this scan thing before and all I could get the three in one printer, copier, scanner to do was to copy my item. Today I learned to go to the start button, click on all programs, find Lexmark on the menu and then start the scanning process.

OMG it worked...JULIE I DID IT!!!

I was at the ACE Home Center Grand Opening - Chamber of Commerce Ribbon Cutting which was the reason for scanning the photo out of the newspaper.

Baby Gifts

My favorite thing in the world is to give someone a gift. I prefer to be able to plan ahead and look for special things for the special event. Last week I received an invitation to a baby shower that is being helt this week. I had to do some quick shopping to find some neat things for this shower. The mother-to-be is a very special young lady with the cutest little boy ever!

This is the gift packet I put together for the baby girl shower. Note at the top I found some pink child size hangers. I was just walking by this end cap at the store and they practically jumped in my basket, because I certainly never thought about giving child size hangers before! It makes lots of sense though because this new little girl will need to have enough clothes in her closet to be a diva! I know she will be as beautiful as her big brother.

This is one of the neatest things ever for the baby shower, especially if the older child is in attendance. I found this at my pharmacy that is mostly a huge gift shop, with a pharmacy in the middle. It is a tin can with a t-shirt inside that says "World's Best Big Brother" on the t-shirt. I just knew this little boy was going to need a gift too. After all he has been the "baby" for four years and I remember well what it felt like to be "dethroned" when my sister was born!

Since I got a large container of wipes I found this cute travel wipes container. Is this cute or what! She is going to be a little Princess.

On the little pink outfit I included with the gifts, the Princess theme continued! I added some cute litle socks with pink on them as well. I put in a medicine dropper and nose bulb, because those things always seem to get lost. My little boy like to play with them, so I couldn't find them to use with his little sister. Amazing I remember things from that long ago...LOL.

No little girl can survive without frilly headbands. Never ever get my daughter started on her hair! She swears I gave her those beautiful hair styles to torture her. At any rate she had some pretty hair things too.

Up on the top of the photo next to the hangers...look at the white box. It is a Christmas ornament. I really love giving Christmas ornaments for new babies or newly wed couples.  I also got this beautiful "Baby's First Christmas - 2010" ornament at the pharmacy, because they also carry the Hallmark collectors' Christmas ornaments. This one is shaped like a baby rattle and made out of porcelin.

In the past I have done baskets or diaper cakes for baby showers, but this time I just put together some things I liked. I put everything in a gift bag with all that wasteful tissue paper in the top to make the gift pretty. Share your neat baby shower gift ideas by leaving a comment on this post.

Blair Cabin

This cute little "pocket park" is located one block off Main Street on Custer in Weatherford, Oklahoma. The Blair Cabin was moved to this location to exhibit a piece Western Oklahoma history. To the left of the log cabin you can see the outhouse complete with moon shapes cut in the sides to look like the authentic bathrooms of yesteryear.

The landscape around the cabin contains heirloom plants and flowers. It is maintained by volunteers who are master gardeners. They added things like the wash tub and cast iron pot to the decor. Inside the cabin is old style furniture.

The side of the building next to the park was painted to add background to the prairie feel of the park. Native grasses were planted between the cabin and the painted wall to complete the illusion of being in the wild.

An old wooden wheel wagon was placed in the grassy area, to give an additional realistic touch to the park's theme. This park is directly in front of the post office so it is a highly visible feature in Weatherford, Oklahoma.

Cat Nap

Cats and kids are so much alike. The minute you see them in a pose and want to take a photo they start twisting around and will not do what you want them to do! Lizzie Tu was so pretty laying on "her" bed, and the minute she saw the camera she started stretching and turning over. The bed is in our granddaughter's room, but Lizzie Tu thinks it is her bed. My husband placed the pillows so she had a corner to curl up in on the bed.

I only bothered her for a minute and then she was right back to sleep. Oh, the life of a spoiled cat! Cats and kids look so innocent when they are sleeping, but they are really dreaming up something to do to us when they wake.



Recycle Clock

Do you have one of those inexpensive clocks that has stopped keeping the correct time? Here is an easy craft project to recycle that clock. Pop off the front, remove the hands and the clock parts. Use the plastic front as a template to cut the photo to the correct size. Put the photo in the clock frame and snap the front back on the frame. Instant "unusual" photo frame!

 Used 8 x 10 photo for this clock frame

Squawkfox

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OU Makeover

The other day I was in another town and ran into Wal-Mart to pick up a tablet. On the way to the office supplies section of the store,...oh and this was NOT one of the new Super Center Stores, but bless their hearts they are building one in that town too...I walked by a couple of sale racks with OU stuff. First, my husband and I found t-shirts for $1 and a pair of flip flops with a beach towel wrapped around them for $5. I was excited because our granddaughter likes OU stuff and wears flip flops year-round. Next I turn around and see OU shower curtains for $5, so I put one in the cart. Remember I buy stuff on sale at every possible opportunity. We continued our shopping, finding a few more great buys for things we actually needed.

Lizzie Tu in the bathroom window checking out the new decor.

When we got home that afternoon I took down the frog theme shower curtain we had in the bathroom and hung up the new bright OU shower curtain. I took down the yellow bath towels I had made into curtains with the frog tie backs.  Our house is old and our bathroom is small so adding such a bright shower curtain livened it up a lot. Then I took the beach towel that was with the flip flops and turned it into a curtain for the bathroom.



Callie Ann taking her turn in the bathroom window with the new OU stuff.

First, I cut the beach towel in half lengthwise, then I measured how long I wanted the curtain to be and folded it over and stitched to make a rod pocket. Next I cut the extra length of the towel off just below the pocket on the back side of the towel. I used this part of the beach towel to make the middle part of the curtain, to hang between the other two pieces of the towel. We leave our curtains apart all the time, and just open and close the mini blinds. We have to have the space in the middle for the cats to sit when the window is open. I had never thought of doing OU decor for the bathroom, but I loved the change.

For $7.50 plus tax we now have a BRIGHT OU bathroom. I just need to find some OU rugs for the floor and maybe a couple other accessories.....BOOMER SOONER!!!