Vikings VS Packers – OMG!

Posted on October 23, 2011 by Gloria

Is this bad timing for the Vikings to be playing the Packers, or what?!!  I think so.  Although, the Vikings are due for a great win (obviously), I’m just not sure this will be the game we’ll get it from.  Do I sound disloyal? No, I don’t think so. . .just realistic.  The Packers are at 6-0. . .the Vikings 1-5. . .need I say more? 

Do I believe in my heart that they can pull off a win? Yes. . .because I always start my Sundays knowing they will win, and then deal with the outcome. . no matter the score.  I know. . . you’re probably thinking I wear purple-tinted glasses and that’s fine. . .because, of course, I’m going to root and support my team. . .DUH!! :)

Okay-moving on - I like McNabb, but it was time to for a change, and Ponder needs to get out there and prove his worth.  I think he’s going to do fine, maybe a few mistakes, but nothing that hasn’t already happened in McNabb’s hands.  With Ponder stepping in, this may be what the Vikes need for some renewed umph!!

I haven’t heard if Winfield will be playing, but I am crossing my fingers.  As for Cook, well. . .I think it’s doubtful, but we’ll see.  As long as the defense can put enough pressure on Rodgers, and the offense protects Ponder. . .they may just pull off an embarassing loss for The Pack.  One can only hope!!

I’m not going to get into much more, except to say: I love the Vikes/Pack rivalry!  It makes for a great game and great gatherings with friends and family, but more importantly. . .I love the bantering between the fans, as long as it stays civil, and yes I do participate in this. LOL  After it’s all been said and done, we still walk away as friends.  Or should I say ‘friendly foes’?!

Anyway, enjoy the game & camaraderie!!

SKOL – Gloria

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Best Movies Ever – 10/14/10

Posted on October 13, 2010 by Gloria

Oscar – 1991 – Starring Sylvester Stallone, Chazz Palminteri, Paul Reigert, Marisa Tomei, Tim Curry, Vincent Spano, Kurtwood Smith, Don Ameche, Kirk Douglas, Yvonne DeCarlo and a slew of others!! Directed by John Landis.

“Snaps” Provolone (Stallone), a gangster in the 30′s, makes a promise to his dying father (Douglas) that he will go straight.  Well, that’s easier said than done!!  This is by-far one of the most ‘HILARIOUS’ movies I’ve seen!!  The setting is all about “Snaps” trying to get ready for his big day – becoming an honest banker (there’s you’re oxymoron, Connie). 

He has to deal with Anthony (L’il Antney) Rossano (Spano), who’s been stealing from “Snaps” in order to give the money to Stallone’s daughter in marriage.  Only it turns out, Theresa is not Stallone’s daughter, but Spano doesn’t know this.  In the meantime, Lisa (Tomei) – who is Stallone’s daughter – wants out of her ‘stifled’ life so she can travel and such.  She and the maid, Nora (Jocelyn O’Brien), come up with a plan so Stallone will allow her to marry her boyfriend – therefore getting out of the house and into the world.

While all this ‘back and forth’ is going on, the Finucci Brothers are trying to fit Stallone in his new suit for the big meeting - these two, Martin Ferrero (Luigi) and Harry Shearer (Guido), are way too funny and bring so much hilarity to the movie.  I love these guys!!

Lt. Toomey (Smith) is desperately trying to pin “Snaps” for anything and finally makes quite a discovery in the Provolone home.

Aldo (Reigert) and Connie (Palminteri) are superb sidekicks!!  Connie is my favorite, but I loved them both.  Trying to change their roles, as the ‘Boss’ goes straight, proves to be very entertaining.

Tim Curry (Dr. Thornton Poole) is amusing as ever.  He’s hired by Provolone for elocution classes: teaching him to speak properly – cause he don’t know how to speak so well.

Short (but important) roles: Yvonne DeCarlo as Aunt Rosa – you may remember her as Lily Munster; Don Ameche as Father Clemente – terrific actor from the classic era, as well as Cocoon, Trading Places and others; Kirk Douglas as Eduardo Provolone, Stallone’s father – well, if you don’t know who he is, you’re not a movie buff – needless to say, a GREAT ACTOR.

I love this movie because it makes me laugh!!  It’s silly – but HILARIOUS!!  There is so much back-and-forth and in-and-out going on, that it’s a constant ride in the ‘revolving door’ of Angelo “Snaps” Provolone’s 4 hours to Going Straight.

When you need some plain silliness and a good laugh, run out and get this movie.  I’m pretty confident that you’ll like it!!

TTYL

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My Vikings – What Happened?!!!!!!!

Posted on October 13, 2010 by Gloria

Ok. . .I admit, I was pumped up for last night’s game against the Jets!!  I figured with Moss back in PURPLE, we had to win!  Favre being the quarterback he is, he would  get the ball to Moss, regardless of being surrounded by 2- 3 defenders, and ring up those TD numbers. . .must have been day dreaming, cause that sure isn’t the way it went.

Rufus, my Vikings TD Bear, and I were pretty silent during the game, especially during the first half.  Well Rufus was silent, I tried to help the team out, but I guess the microphone wasn’t plugged in right or the cables and wires were all tangled up and wet, so it turns out that I was just yelling at the TV screen, instead.  Gotta check into that hook-up.

Do I blame Favre for losing the game?  Hmm. . .kinda, but not really.  I strongly believe you can’t blame just one person, whether it’s a player or a coach, for losses.  It takes a team to win as much as it takes a team to lose.  If we were to count the mistakes, though. . .yep Favre.  He had some beautiful aerial launches, they just didnt’ ended up where they were supposed to.  His best though, was to Moss for the 37-yard touchdown, which ignited the team. . .yet we still lost.

His tendonitis is obviously an issue here, not that the game can be blamed on this alone, though.  Many issues plagued this game: Favre’s tendonitis, Favre’s recent issues with some reporter from 2 years ago (who conveniently picked this time to bring it up and not back then), Favre’s lack of adequate training/practice with Moss and Favre’s over/under throws to players.  Also, YA GOTTA PROTECT YOUR QUARTERBACK!!!!!!!   Finally, the weather didn’t help much either!  What a rainpour!!

Regardless of all these issues, they need to focus on the game, the play, the endzone!! This is all, of course, coming from a woman who has never played football, experienced the pressure and stress of having to perform for thousands and take hits from guys that weigh 300+ lbs.  But I do know what I like, and therefore; voice my opinion

I know the Vikings can make it to the Division Championship, they just have to relax-take in a few deep breaths-regroup and get it done.

Moss, I still love what you do!!  Please, don’t ever lose it!!  Favre – Congrats on the 500th Career TD Pass!!

TTYL

Gloria

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Getting Organized: Are you kidding me?!!

Posted on September 21, 2010 by Gloria

Seriously – being organized is the right way to go about life.  I, however, didn’t get that memo – or at least not the one that said URGENT!  I have been up to my elbows in papers, bows, ribbons, paper punchers, candies, fabric, ceramic molds, paints, thread, catalogs, magazines and everything else. . .and yes, this does include the kitchen sink.

I’ve made it my goal to organize everything.  From my Designing, Wrapping, Ceramics, Medical, Home, Kids and the Hubby!!  Not an easy task, believe me. I have years and years (decades) of ‘stuff’ to organize.  This is the really weird part about it: I am a very ‘detail-oriented’ person, yet a terrible housekeeper.  Everything has to have a box, drawer, folder, bin, etc. - even if it’s just one thing, but it’s all cluttered together LOL.

I’ve got my BrotherP-Touch label maker and I’m off.  My kids don’t like these little labels all over their rooms: Socks, Shirts, Pants, Underclothes, Laundry, Trash – you get the picture, right?!  I’m finding alot of items I don’t remember buying.  Lots of craft items (I’m gonna have some fun), lots of clothes (some with tags still on them), magazines and books (I haven’t read yet), plus so much more.

I joined Freecycle for my area and I’ve added to my already packed home with other “. . .but this is really needed” items. I’ve decided to finally give back.  If you haven’t heard of Freecycle, it’s an E-mail group where you offer items up for FREE.  People wanting these items come and take these off your hands.  I’ve seen food offered, cleaning supplies, clothes, furniture, appliances, computer systems, wood, plants, baby stuff – anything and everything. 

Check them out: www.freecycle.org

The Freecycle Network™ is made up of 4,864 groups with 7,603,875 members around the world. It’s a grassroots and entirely nonprofit movement of people who are giving (and getting) stuff for free in their own towns. It’s all about reuse and keeping good stuff out of landfills. Each local group is moderated by a local volunteer (them’s good people). Membership is free.

Anyway, as soon as I get somewhat organized, I will be able to do my crafts and share with you.  I had hoped to start a while ago, but hmph! that didn’t happen.  Now I’m to a point where I can begin!!  I’m excited about that!

Organization is extremely important!!  No more searching through piles of home and business items.  No more having to go to the store and buy more of ‘what I already have, just don’t know where it is’ items.

To get started, yourself: Get a couple of totes/bins/baskets – and start sorting it out!!  You’ll feel better about yourself!  Just don’t become too Anal-Retentive!!! ;)   If you can’t afford to buy all those storage items, use boxes until you can.  Make sure they’re sturdy and line them up your wall, open-end facing out, not up LOL – like cubby holes.

I’ll track my progess, I hope you share your progress and we can all get organized!!

TTYL

Gloria

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0-2. . .hmmm

Posted on September 21, 2010 by Gloria

OK. . .not sure what’s going on with the Vikes right now.  Maybe Favre’s ankle isn’t as good yet, like he said.  Maybe losing Rice, due to injury/surgery, is really hurtin’ us.   I don’t know, but I gotta admit. . .this is disappointing.

 

Last week’s game may have played out differently, had the ref ‘seen’ that Kleinsasser DID make the catch!!! That call should have been overturned, but. . .can’t do anything about it now.  It would be great if they were fined, when it’s obvious that they made a bad call, but OMG!!. . .I do give them credit for their work.  I’ve seen some amazing calls in the past 26+ years that I’ve been watching this great sport. The ones where you know the ball was caught, he was in-bounds, that was pass-interference, it was a touchdown – only to find that the ref was right and we were wrong. (apologies for all the nasty things and names I’ve used at them-LOL)

Well, I’m hoping Favre figures out what he needs to do to improve his game.  Interceptions – not acceptable.  He’ll work on it, cuz that’s how Favre plays.  He’s about the game.

Adrian Peterson-WOW!!  He’s a bulldozer with a Vikes uniform!!  The strength that this man has in his legs – to keep going with 3-5 guys trying to pull him down – Amazing!

Always looking forward to the next game!!

TTYL

Gloria

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Baby Shower Sets

Posted on July 23, 2010 by Gloria

This is one of the newest designs on my website: That’s A Wrap! Designs

Set with Green and Yellow, these sets are ideal for when you don’t know if it’s a boy or a girl.  Two sets with this design: Standard Set and Napkin/Side Mint Set

Standard Set includes: Bookmarker, Lifesaver Bottle Favor, Mini, MintBook, SOE (standard open-end)

Napkin/Side Mint Set includes: Napkin Wrap (3), Side Mint Book

Thanks for stopping by. . .

TTYL

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Christmas in July

Posted on July 23, 2010 by Gloria

I know you hear this phrase all the time – nothing like overusing it, huh?  Well when it comes to crafting. . .you need to keep this on your mind.  If you intend to sell your wares at craft shows, you should already have quite an inventory now or at least in the middle of creating.

I haven’t decided whether or not I’ll be doing the craft show scene this year, but. . .because of economics, I will be making most of my Christmas gifts.  The first craft will be a Ribbon Pinecone Ornament.  This is one of my favorite Christmas crafts.  I like doing crafts that are relaxing. . .the ones that you don’t even realize the time has passed.  Another craft I’ll be doing next week will be the Giftcard Box.  Very simple. . .yet very addicting!

I will include a Supplies Needed list, Instructions and Photos for each craft as I make them.  This will be fun, because I’ll be teaching my daughter at the same time.  She’s quite the crafty one.

TTYL

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‘Best Ever Movies’ 7-21-2010

Posted on July 22, 2010 by Gloria

Here’s another movie on my ‘Best Ever Movies’ List:

Star Wars: Episode IV A New Hope – 1977 – Mark Hamill, Harrison Ford, Carrie Fisher, Peter Mayhew, Anthony Daniels, Kenny Baker, Sir Alec Guiness, Peter Cushing, David Prowse and the remarkable voice of James Earl Jones. 

I don’t know if there’s anyone out there who hasn’t heard of Star Wars, but I do know there are some who haven’t yet seen the movie.  Hooda thunk?!!  For being 1977, this was by far the best Sci-Fi movie ever made. The special effects in the movie were years ahead of it’s time.  George Lucas definitely had a vision of how he wanted this to turn out.  The music was unique – I can hear the Cantina Band playing in my head right now.  The characters he depicted in his mind and put out on the screen were definitely unique and out-there (love the Jawas).  He made Tatooine look so desolute, but interesting enough that you would want to stop in for a super quick visit, if it were real. 

I remember the first time I saw it – it was a Sunday, around noon, we had just left mass and my mom and us four kids all piled into the car.  My mom surprised us by driving to the movie theater instead of home.  She bought the tickets and we went to find our seats.  Seems others had the same thought, because we saw two other families from church come in to watch the movie.  Needless to say, I fell in love with it right there and then – ok, yes - Luke Skywalker (Hamill) and Han Solo (Ford) did have something to do with it (blush). 

The destiny of Luke Skywalker was at it’s beginning.  He leaves his home on Tatooine after realizing he has nothing there anymore, following his new-found mentor Obi-Wan Kenobi (Guiness) and robots C-3PO (Daniels) and R2-D2 (Baker).  They hire a ‘scoundrel’ (Ford) and his companion, Chewbacca (Mayhew), for a ride to Alderaan, to help rescure Princess Leia (Fisher).  She’s been captured by Darth Vader (Prowse, Jones) and Grand Moff Tarkin (Cushing).  Their journey together is sealed in fate and there begins a terrific run of six (6) great movies, total.  I love the action, combined with the humor in this movie.  The power of the Dark Side was made real by the domineering voice of James Earl Jones.  The sound of evil just spilled out of Vader’s mask, and lingered long enough to send a quick chill down the back of your neck.

I would encourage you to watch Episodes IV-VI first, then you can watch Episodes I-III.  This is the only way I can explain my reasoning: Episodes IV-VI are the story of Star Wars, Episodes I-III explains the cause for Star Wars.  Does that make any sense?  In my head I have a whole page for this reasoning, but my mind is keeping a tight grip on it and saying ‘nope, say this instead’.  I think I actually hear a chuckle going on in there.  I would love to hear your synopsis on this. . .not the chuckling part, the order in which to view the Star Wars series.

Anyway, moving on. . .I got one of the thrills of my life when we went to Florida in May of 2006.  We went to MGM Studios for the day and lo-and-behold it was Star Wars-Jedi Mickey weekend.  WOOHOO! Was I excited.  Anyway, we saw Jedi Mickey and even got a pic with him and we watched the shows playing in the park.  We saw Darth Vader and the Storm Troopers and other characters.  It was really fun, I enjoyed every bit of it. . .I felt like that little girl watching the movie for the first time again.  Here’s the best part. . . Chewbacca was there. . .I mean the real Chewbacca – Peter Mayhew.  OMG  I had already used up all the available space on my camera disk when I saw him walking around amongst the spectators.  I quickly started deleting all the blurry pics and asked my kids to come with me to get a pic with him. . .they didn’t want to.  I think his size intimidated them.  Well I asked someone in the crowd to take a picture for me, hubby was off on the sides with the kids, Chewbacca gladly agreed.  Needless to say, this is one of my favorite pics!!

To give some perspective on size: I'm 5'3"

Thanks for stopping in. . .

TTYL

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Candy Wrapping Occupation

Posted on July 21, 2010 by Gloria

Occupation? Definitely, YES!! 

Have you ever had to buy party favors? At a child’s party, didn’t you usually provide a goody bag? At a wedding, didn’t you offer a scroll or mints for the guests?  Well this is exactly what the candy wrapping industry is about. . .except we cater to the customer on a more personal level.  We PERSONALIZE your favors. . .a more ‘from the heart’ favor. 

Favors have become an important piece on the ‘party planning’ checklist.  People want their guests to feel their presence is very much appreciated. . .and in some part, let’s be honest, we want it better than the last party we went to. ;)   Yes, I said it. . .there is lots of competitiveness out there for ‘Bigger and Better’ than little Johnny’s party or Marge’s daughter’s wedding. . .lol

As for gift-giving, this is a wonderful niche – who doesn’t love to receive a gift with their name, wedding date or new house on it?  You’ve now taken ’just a gift’ and upped it a level or two.  A gift which would have been tossed after it’s use, will now be placed in someone’s scrapbook or favorite book to keep forever or used to hold other memories.

Click image for full view

Example: I made all my nieces and nephews a ‘movie night’ gift pack.  Sorry, no pics of the actual pack.  I made movie tickets with the kids’ names and some other little info and placed them, along with the candy and popcorn, in a small popcorn container.  They loved these, because of the personalization.  They’ve kept the tickets and the container, also.

Customers have ordered minis, mintbooks, sticks of gum, etc, to pass out at hometown events/local fairs to get their name out to the public. . .usually for elections.

The great thing about my occupation, is I can do this all in the comfort of my own home.  We are a home-based, small-business industry.  There’s no large overhead to deal with, no need for a large inventory supply.  Stay-at-Home parents are enjoying the flexibility this business offers.  Being home for the kids/family is a big bonus.

Not much equipment is needed.  If you have a computer, printer, paper, paper cutter/scissors and glue/tape. . .you are good to go.  Having a candy wrapping program makes it that much easier, as well.  I have WrapCandy.  You get lots of templates and graphics, plus there’s a forum with thousands of members, who are more than willing to help out and share their skills, knowledge and ideas.

There are many candy wrap designers out there with websites, me included, that offer wonderful sets already made up. . . just purchase, print and wrap!  There are so many different templates to choose from:  Holidays, Special Occasions, School, Religious, Birthdays, Weddings, Showers, Business, Fundraising, Customer/Employee Recognition, and Just Becasue.  There are also many designers that offer graphics and clipart to make your own wrappers. 

Check out my site and see what I have to offer: That’s A Wrap! Designs - I will be posting new sets here as I make them.  

If you have any questions, please dont’ hesitate to ask!!

TTYL

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Measure Twice, Cut Once

Posted on July 20, 2010 by Gloria

This is perfect advice for the construction industry and just as important for SEWING, as well.  Measuring once should be a given, but that fact totally escaped my mind when I needed that bit of ‘common sense’ the most. 

I was planning on making two dresses to match for me and my daughter, to attend a party for my brother.  I picked out the material, all the accessories and the sundries needed.  I already had a pattern for myself, so I went and bought a pattern for my daughter.  I know the rule of thumb on sizing – you need to get a size larger, which I did.

I sat up all night making the dress, it was gorgeous.  When my daughter woke up, I had her try it on and yep. . .it didn’t fit.  One size too small.  Not the happiest person that day, but hey. . .too late to do anything about it and I really didn’t want to go buy more material, so we bought her a new dress for the party. . .LOL  I deserved a new outfit for all that hard work, but it was pretty hard to justify with a closet full of clothes.

Moral of the story. . .Always – Always measure your subject. . . and Measure Twice!!

I will be making that matching mother/daughter set – I think I’ll make it for Christmas and have a family photo done – show off my sewing skills.

Speaking of Christmas. . .I’ve come up with a rather great gift involving my sewing, designing and candy wrapping.  This year I will be making a fabric Advent Calendar with pockets for the days.  In each pocket I will be placing a wrapped Hershey’s Mini, which I will design.  The design will come after I have picked the material for the calendar.  I may just pick up several different patterns for a nice variety.  Some cute, some elegant.  Getting tha Christmas Feeling!I don’t have a pattern for this, so I will be winging it and I’ll make sure to write it down, step-by-step and post it here. . .if anyone is interested in trying it.  I love combining my crafts together.

TTYL

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