Dena's Blog

Eco Etsy Street Team Blog

2009-03-26T12:00:00.002-04:00

One of my groupings of ribbons and trim has been featured on the Eco Etsy Street Team Blog.

My item is the one on the middle left, #3 or you can check it out on my Etsy site here!

New Re Bag

2009-01-19T18:27:00.005-05:00

A new year and a New Bag -

This is the Re Bag because it uses:

* Re-cycled felted wool Sweaters
* Re-claimed Vintage outdoor Fabric
* Re-purposed vintage bed sheets
* Re-used vintage buttons

All Re Bags are OOAK (One of a kind) and are completely customizable if you have specific wants and needs.

To Purchase or see more http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=19953114

Bikram Yoga - Happy Dena

2008-10-01T15:51:00.005-04:00

I have been trying to get myself in shape for a while now! I had blood work at the beginning of the year (See Below)! YIKES my Cholesterol was BAD - My doctor wanted to put me on medicine - but I asked her if we could try diet and exercise for 6 months and see if that would work.

So a Hot yoga studio opened just down the street - so no excuse not to go! I started going as much as I could at least 3 days a week! For those who dont know - Hot yoga is a form of Bikram yoga which is a series of 26 postures that are done in a room heated to 104 degrees for 90 minutes. I sweat anyway when I work out - so why not make it part of the workout itself!

In the beginning I would barely make it through the class. And wouldn't be able to get into half the postures. But pressed on because I felt better physically!

So last month I got my Cholesterol retested at the doctor! OMG Look at the changes!

Triglycerides: 283 to 106 - - - 177 point drop
Total Cholesterol: 244 to 179 - - - 65 point drop
HDL Cholesterol: 38 to 45 - - - 7 point up (this is the 'good' cholesterol)
LDL Cholesterol: 149 to 113 - - - 36 point drop

My doctor can not believe the results! She actually had to check my chart to make sure that I wasn't taking any medication to help it lower!

In those 8 months I didn't change my diet drastically, just went to Hot Yoga 3 days a week most weeks. Yogiraj Bikram Choudhury the designer of Bikram Yoga states that he feel that these 26 postures can help or cure most things. I am a firm Believer in this form of exercise and would recommend it to anyone that wants to get into shape.

It is not easy at first, but with dedication and time you can enjoy the 90 minutes and the heat!

Our wedding in Brides Magazine!

2008-08-30T12:20:00.002-04:00

I just heard from out wedding photographer that a photo from our wedding has been featured in Brides Magazine. See the Fiddler photo at the bottom of Andru Bemis http://andrubemis.com/

Original Blog post from Anne

Gonnella breadcrumbs movie sighting

2008-08-23T23:51:00.000-04:00

While watching the movie 'The Promotion' that is based in Chicago in a
grocery store. There was a long shot on a loading dock with a full
pallet of Gonnella breadcrumbs. Family bakery in the movies - I feel
special now!

Swimming Mania

2008-08-15T10:42:00.003-04:00

The Hubby and I have been watching the Olympics EVERY night. We love it. Everyday that Michael Phelps has a event NBC cameras are all over him. Such as, last night during one of his many prelims, I learned that he has the legs size of a 6' man but a torso of a 6'8" man. Interesting. . . but can I see the WHOLE water polo game instead?!?!?!

I found this shirt first on Crafster.com and then on Etsy.com. I just think it relates so well to the Phelps Mania.

"Michael Phelps Dived for my Swims"

Classic!

Wholesale Avaliable!

2008-07-09T11:47:00.004-04:00

It is official. I do wholesale orders. I have been promoting via my Etsy shoppe. But have finally added a page to my website for information on my wholesale items.

So if you know someone that knows someone that want supper cute up-cycled bags, accessories, or little whales - send them my way.

I have already had two wholesale orders last month. They came within a day or two of each other. The owners of the shops said they loved them. Now I am just waiting for some reorders to come in!

Have a great day!

Nose Plugs <> Olympic Swimming

2008-07-04T23:49:00.003-04:00

Most people that know me, know that I was a swimmer and water polo player for my whole younger life. Since the age of 4-5 I have competitively swam and then in my high school & college years I also played Water polo.

So while on this Fourth of July, while watching the Swimming Olympic trials, I was a gast to see a swimmer of my old stroke, the backstroke, wearing noseplugs!?!?!?! Is this synchronized swimming or real swimming? These people are in the olympic trials, and are better than I could even been. BUT, nose plugs?!?!? A fundamental in swimming is not sucking in water up your nose and I am sure these swimmers know that one. They must know something that I dont know with wearing them, just like those crazy new fangled swimsuits!

Picture of Haley McGregory from Olympic Trials wearing NOSE PLUGS!!

Eco Etsy Street Team - Featured Seller

2008-06-24T16:27:00.003-04:00

Yup, thats me!

Click the link to see the article!

Eco Etsy Street Team Blog

Just hanging around

2008-05-20T15:55:00.001-04:00

Just hanging around, originally uploaded by Dena Bena.

These little Whale toys are now complete with eyes and are for sale in the etsy shop - See Link on Right -

I think they turned out SUPER cute and even come with the link to attach to things!

Whale of a Good Time

2008-05-02T16:07:00.006-04:00

To go forward with my new found joy in felting crochet projects, I have created a whale.

The pattern is from a Japanese site. Here is the link to the PDF. I did not find the graphs hard to follow. Snuffykin Journal has some tips on using the pattern. It is actually fun having this pattern out so other people can see it. They look at you weird!

Since I knew I wanted to felt it I used the pattern, but used a J hook to crochet and some of the recycled wool yarn from the sweater that I took apart. I semi stuffed it, knowing that it was going to shrink. And then threw it in the washing machine for a hot cycle.

Before:
After:
He turned out really cute and fluffy. I needle felted on eyes and a mouth. He is even on sale now in my Etsy Shoppe!

Stay tuned for his little friends!

Edit *I should learn how to spell!

I got an Etsy Treasury!

2008-04-24T13:43:00.004-04:00

A week ago - I created a list of things that I wanted to accomplish with my business.

~~Create my own treasury~~ - I have now created my 3rd one!
~~Be picked to be in someone else's treasury~~ - I JUST got this one! SEE BELOW
~~My treasury on the front page~~ - My first treasury that I created did this.
My products on the front page

So Yea, Soulfulhues from Etsy shop http://www.soulfulhues.etsy.com selected my Felted bucket for a Team Eco Etsy treasury.

See it there in the upper right corner! I am so excited. You can click the image or go here to see it in person.

I guess it is time to add some more items to the list above!

Two Little Visitors

2008-04-23T11:33:00.005-04:00

Not very crafty - but we had two visitors yesterday that were lost. They came up to the window in our front room. The Pit mix came right on the porch. But it took me quite a while to get the shepard mix on the porch. They were all wet, looked like they just went swimming in the gulf. NO TAGS on either dog. So I called Animal Services. They came within a hour to pick them up. The Animal serivce lady even checked for a micro chip, but neither had one. She said that they are offered for $15!

So moral of the story, GET YOUR DOG OR ANIMAL MICROCHIPED! Better yet - have an idendify tag on them so that neighbors can call you and not the County!

The two puppies were sweet, and not aggressive. The Pit Mix had a ver unusual face and nose. One Blue eye and one brown, and the nose was half pink and half black. She was VERY sweet and looked like she had a litter recently. Hopefully the owner finds them at the County animal services. Lucky the County will microchip them and get rid of the fleas before the owner can pick them up!

Happy Earth Day - Hubby's New Bag

2008-04-22T19:42:00.008-04:00

My hubby is now bringing his lunch to work. I let it go a week using left over plastic shopping bags to carry all the yummies.

I made the most manly bag that I could that he could bring to work.

It was made with fabric from my stash with braided cotton webbing, elastic, red binding, and a brown vintage button.

I used this tutorial from Http://www.ohfransson.com with a few changes. I omitted the use of the grommets and added cotton webbing, used red binding to finish the inside edge so that there was less fabric to fold over, and added the button and elastic closure - so no apples get lost in transit.

I fused a stabilizer to both the outside fabric and the lining for stability and durability, since my hubby is using it! :)

The finished size is 7" x 5" x 9" high.

Baby Whale

2008-04-20T16:43:00.003-04:00

My neighbor has a lot of friends that are pregnant and due soon. She asked me if I could get together a grouping of items that would make a great gift for a mom to be!

I have been experimenting with felted crochet, see the fucket post, and have moved into animals. Right now it is whales. I created a pattern for a small whale that includes a loop that you can hang from a stroller so it doesn't get lost.

Here is the before. (Shown on a folded 6" x 11" piece of paper.)
And the after. I hand felted this piece, but in the future I will probably machine felt them. Less wear on the hands.
I think he turned out supper cute and is ready for me to make some friends. Since he is small, they are a quick project to finish while watching TV.

P.s. Don't let Milo see it, his is on its way over the ocean to him :)

Sternlab.

2008-04-19T01:08:00.002-04:00

Sternlab.I would call this extreme knitting. Hopefully the place that you are using this is COLD. I can imagined how toasty warm it would get inside this thing. But it does keep prying eyes off what you are doing, and keeps you focused on your work.

Maybe I should get this to finish my taxes! Yes I know they are late, but we filed an extension. It is my fault for not keeping up on my business stuff. :(

More photos on Flickr here.

A Felted Bucket or Fucket

2008-04-16T15:47:00.005-04:00

My mom got me on this kick to unravel the many unfelted wool sweaters that I have to the raw yarn. I found a great sweater and stared unraveling. I have always loved the patterns of items that are first knitted and then felted, but you know that I do not knit. So I found a pattern for a bucket bag, or a diddy bag as the pattern calls it.

I crochet it up and then threw it in our washer with some other items that I needed to felt. It was HUGE before it was felted, and you can see in the photo. It ended up being only 5.5" in diameter in the end. So it felted over half - WOW!

It came out all cute. I dried it over a canister form that I had in the kitchen.

It is complete now and up for sale in my Etsy shop.

Coming soon are some other items that I crochet and felted. You are not going to believe how cute they are!

Denarella Designs Update

2008-04-11T16:02:00.003-04:00

I have finally updated my Denarella Designs website. It now includes information on me and also commissioned items that I have done in the past.

I would love to hear what you think!

Product Photos - Help

2008-04-11T15:17:00.008-04:00

Today was a nice and sunny day. But it is starting to get HOT here in Clearwater. We have already had to turn on the air because we are having moisture issues with our Bamboo floor, but it is about time anyway to live in the air conditioning. So, that means that we will not turn the air OFF till like October. This is the price we pay to live in Florida.

I took a bunch of photos today of items to add to the etsy shoppe. I did mostly the same that I completed in the previous post, but I took a few with just a white background.

Here are the side by side.

As you can tell I am still not satisfied with my photos yet. And just recently the camera that I like to use for my shots, fell on the floor and the screen is done. It was a great Casio camera, and I knew where all the function that I needed were, so now I am using out older Cannon PowerShot. We do have TWO digital SLR camera, but I am just not in the mood to really learn how to use them right now.

Really truly I would like to know what you think of the photos! Just post a comment here and spill your guts!

Honda Fits

2008-04-10T22:43:00.004-04:00

Pulling out of the Target parking lot

See another Honda Fit in my rear view mirror

He: *Head nod*
Me: *Head nod*

Pulls up next to me at the red light

He: 'Nice Honda.'
Me: 'Thanks, yours too.'
He: '2007?'
Me: 'Yea, is yours the 2008?'
He: 'Yea, and it's turbo charged!'

Red light -> turns to green.
He floors it and cuts me off.

He know that he is still driving a Honda, right??

Treasury Update

2008-04-09T15:08:00.004-04:00

-----UPDATE-----

One of the persons that I featured on the treasury has given me a shout out on her blog. Industrial Poppy made the super cute mice as seen here. She has sold the first set, but has posted more!

Thanks again for your kind words!

My Etsy Treasury

2008-04-09T11:35:00.004-04:00

In the world of Etsy.com where I sell all of my products now, there are a few things that you strive to do.

Create your own treasury
Be picked to be in someone else's treasury
Your treasury on the front page
Your products on the front page

Well this week I got to complete two of those items - I created my own treasury. A treasury in Etsy terms is a collection of products that you can pick that all match a similar theme, or don't, it is really up to you. The exclusiveness of the treasury is that the number of them is limited and you have to be there at the EXACT moment to get one.

Well I got one. I created it about Recycling and recycling wool sweaters. I picked some awesome items from other artist that use the same stuff that I do! I also tried to pick the little guys, the ones that needed sales or needed some exposure! The same stuff that I need!

So this morning I got a message that MY treasury made it to the front page! YEA! Thank you to Etsy user Jenarter for sending me the pic of the front page.

Etsy Update and Photo Box

2008-04-03T14:48:00.006-04:00

I have been updating my Etsy shoppe today with new QuicKEYs that I have finally finished from the -in-process- pile. I really don't understand why I have a 'pile' for this. The last step is the easiest. But finally it is complete.

While finishing compiling my items for this years taxes - note to self keep on top of the tax stuff during the year! I decided that I need to sell more stuff - DUH! So I will be adding new items to my Etsy Shoppe weekly. I will also be updating all of you more with items that I am doing. I will try to give more insight to what goes on in my head when I create.

Today I got out my homemade macro studio that I made from a post on one of many blogs that I read Strobist. I usually use it to take the photos that I use for Etsy. It is crazy easy to make and I think that the photos that it helps take look fairly good. You just need a box, recycled is better, and you cut the two sides and then the top out, with keeping a edge that you can tape the tracing paper. Tape tracing paper over the whole and TA DA!!! it is complete. You are only limited to the size of the box and the tracing paper.

I think that the photos are best taken outside, with the sun hitting the side of the box. With the tracing paper that covers the wholes that you made it difuses the light enough to keep the photo shadow free and keep all the colors true. I use a piece of recycled packing paper for my background. I think that it adds a extra feel to the photos. I also sometimes use this setup to take photos in my office. It works just as well but I still prefer the color that you get from outside. I am lucky living here in Florida, we get sun all the time.

I would love to hear what you think of my photos. Do they show you the product in an effective way? Are they clear? Do you like the background?

Thank you!

Enjoying my 29th birthday

2008-03-05T15:14:00.001-05:00

Picking up dog food with the Easter bunny. And, NO, I didnt buy them.

My 29th birthday!

2008-03-05T13:01:00.000-05:00

Enjoying it at the beach, with the dog!

The Business of Being Born

2008-01-23T13:42:00.000-05:00

After being able to enjoy the amazing birth of my nephew in Amsterdam, I have a new understanding of what is birth. I have been trained to be a doula. We learn lots of medical interventions of births in class. It does not compare to the help and support that midwives did for the birth of my nephew with minimal medical assistance and intervention.

There is a new documentry out about about how birthing of babies is a business and not an experience. This business is all about moving things along and not providing a good birth experience for the baby and mother.

See the trailer for the movie below.

Waiting for salvation army to open

2008-01-16T09:54:00.000-05:00

I didnt know it was a race to get in. I mean I know that it is half
price day, but come on. Btw. Those are car seats in my car. I an
sitting for friends twins this week. They are at school now, so I have
time to thrift. Got to go. The group is getting bigger!

To Knit or not to Knit

2007-12-26T22:44:00.000-05:00

I would like to tell you that, I AM NOT A KNITTER! I can crochet with my eye closed, sew, cross stitch, finger weave, embroider and dance a fricking jig. . . but I cant knit!

I know I have been trying to hide it for a long while, but it is true! I received a gift of a kit to make a change purse to then felt. It is too cute - the little purse will look like a piece of sushi. But it is a knit pattern, and . . . you know, I cant knit. Well I have a few days with a lot of hours of free time, so I will learn to knit.

I got needles and easy yarn. I have watch every utube video and looked at every other site, but it is just not coming to me. I am trying to learn the continental way to knit, instead of the english style of throwing the yarn. It is supposed to be faster. All I can think, is I wish my knitting needles had a crochet hook on the end to make this easier.

Well, I will give it a few more days to get easier. Sometimes I just don't understand why this is so hard!?!?!??

I feel so . . . yellow!

2007-12-17T00:11:00.000-05:00

If I was a Simpson's character, and I dont know why I would be on the Simpsons - This is what I would look like, at least what I think that I would look like. I think they made Cisco a little thin! J/k.

Make your own at Http://Simponizeme.com

Mama's Little Angel

2007-12-05T16:45:00.001-05:00

Half price at JoAnne Fabrics.

Now we all can get in the festive spirit!

St. Nicholas Day

2007-12-04T10:55:00.000-05:00

While I spent my time in Amsterdam they were all gearing up for the holiday season. They didn't wait till after Thanksgiving because - THEY DONT CELEBRATE IT! This was hard for some people to understand. It is a different country and they have different customs.

Which brings me to St. Nicholas Day. When ever I bought a gift, and the shop was wrapping it. They wanted to know if it was for St. Nicholas. I would say 'Yes' it is for Christmas. They would then say 'Oh you mean it is for Christmas' I assumed they were the same thing. But alas I was wrong.

In Amsterdam they celebrate St. Nicholas Day which is December 5 every year. It is where children are given gifts from St. Nicholas and not Santa.

While roaming the city one day we ran into a parade. This was the parade that St. Nicholas makes his entrance into town. There were so many children with bags to get, what I figured to be candy. Made me think of a 4th of July parade - except it was COLD and there were people with black out faces scaring children.

I have to admit I feel that I am a pretty potical correct person. So the following will sound insensitive but it is exactly what I saw.
The people in the parade were all white people that had blacked out their faces with makeup and BIG red lips. They also wore what I would descibe as a jesters costume. Complete with a hat and a feather. I know, I dont understand either.

These Petes - See my previous post about them - had berlap bags and were handing out Cookies and taffy. Not in a wraped container, but with their gloved hands loose. Not really used to that. There were probally hundreds of petes that were in the parade, maybe two.

Soon St. Nicholas came and on this big white horse. He was dresses as a saint would be. Not as jolly as out santa here inthe states.

I bring this up because my cousin in law - well my cousins wife - really she is my friend too - sent me a reading that she heard live about St. Nicholas Day in Amsterdam. It was a great read and I laughed out loud when I read it - Dont worry I didn't wake my snoring hubby.

The essay is by David Sedaris called "Six to Eight Black Men."

Enjoy!

Pile of Junk Mail

2007-12-01T10:05:00.000-05:00

After coming home from being away for a month, there was a PILE of mail. Mostly JUNK and magazines/catalogs. I am fed up on geting catalogs! In this day and age I use the internet if I want to buy anything. No need to send me a catalog for something that I can search for online.

So I tore all the adress labels of the catalogs and proceded to try to find the 'I dont want this catalog no more' button on the different site. Well if it is there then they are hiding it.

SO I did another search and found. Http://www.catalogchoice.org it is a not for profit that allows you to do a simple search and submit. I did over 15 catalogs today. It is really easy to use and hopefully will make my mailbox less full!

Give it a try and spread the word - Less paper in your mailbox is better for the environment!

Happy Thanksgiving

2007-11-24T16:34:00.000-05:00

This Thanksgiving I am over the BIG pond with some of my family in Amsterdam. It was hard not to be with my hubby or both sides of our families. My hubby and I have been talking via SKYPE while I have been here. Well, at my inlaws Thanksgiving table they set up the computer and I got to spend time with them at the table. It was a great time seeing and taking to everyone and enjoying the small time that I got to be included in the holiday fun. Too bad my M-I-L cheese cake cant be transfered through SKYPE!

Picture compliments of my F-I-L!

My Macbook pro

2007-11-20T05:22:00.001-05:00

My CPU is now trying to swim with the fishes! I love decals.
Especially when they are on sale and only 5 euro.

Yes!

In Amsterdam (Just a walk(RUN) in the park)

2007-11-17T16:36:00.000-05:00

While on a walk in Vondel Park and the surrounding area. There was some sun that made for a few good photos.Moss on a tree. There are many LARGE tree in the park and since the sun is rairly out the moss grows on all the trees.In the park everyone walks their dogs. Usually not leashed. The dogs here are so good I don't understand how they don't run away or attack other dogs or people. The dog park here is not even fenced in it is just an open grassy area. The owners do not yell the dogs names, most just look at the dog or give a quick whistle and they come running. Amazing!
Around the corner at the local market, the sun really came out. I got to show you the angry vegetable - Like my hubby would say. They say it is a cross between broccoli and cauliflower. I may have to get one just to try!Remember Zwarte Peit - See previous post. Well he is coming any day now and this local bakery has cakes and cupcakes that look just like him. Then there are costumes which includes face paint for kids. Just weird.Lastly a door to someones apartment. I want this tile and door!

My new Love in my Life.

2007-11-17T16:30:00.000-05:00

Baby Milo

Random photo - my lunch

2007-11-11T14:20:00.001-05:00

My lunch at Vondel Park with L&M, mama and Sean. It is a type of squash soup with a great glass of mint tea. If you haven't tried it, it is easy to make: take a sprig of mint and put it in a glass of water. Let it steep for a minute or two and add a sugar cube or two
and enjoy.

They serve them everywhere here, always fire hot! Give it a try you will like it.
---------------------
Sent from my iPhone

Pictures from now on!

2007-11-11T06:01:00.000-05:00

I have found that people in my life do not want their photos on my blog( I asked and have been denied) - so from now on the only photos that will be here will be photos with no people or just me! So if you are waiting for pictures of people from my Amsterdam trips - Sorry!

I guess that it is my blog - so it should have photos of only me or Cisco, he doesn't mind.

This photo is from Cisco dressing up as my hubby for Halloween!

Random photo

2007-11-10T20:21:00.001-05:00

Photo of the brickwork of the entrace of someone's house in Amsterdam. I want this entrance!

In Amsterdam (Do you have any brownies? - 'Maybe at the bakery!?!')

2007-11-10T18:45:00.000-05:00

Today and yesterday were busy days. On Friday Night Sean our friend from Dekar via Chicago took a train here to visit. He was 'working/training' in Frankfurt and had the weekend off. Well since I was going to be in the are I figured that it would work out from him to visit here. So far so good. . . But it is Sean so you never know!

Sean and I went on a all day foot tour of Amsterdam to day. We started off going to the local bagel joint for some coffee and bagels, can you believe it?!?! Well the short story here is: On the tables there are bowls with chunks of white and brown sugar to use in your drinks. First, Sean did not know what it was, and then he wanted to eat them like appetizers. So while waiting for our breakfast, I noticed that all the other sugar bowls in the place had black things in them, ours did not. While Sean was up getting the bill, I noticed that the guy in the next table was digging around in his sugar bowl for the black things. THEY WERE CHOCLATE?!?!? First off I was pissed because there were none in our bowl, and they would of been great in my coffee, secondly I was grossed out knowing that someone already rooted around with their hands while eating all the chocolates. EWWW!

We then walked over to the Heineken museum that is closed till May 2008?!?!? Jeff and I went here on our last visit to Amsterdam. We really had a great time! So I guess they are trying to make it better for my next trip here with Jeff!

We did a lot of walking all over. We got Cheese for Sean, because he said that cheese is not cheap in Senegal. I walked and shopped in every fabric store - and didnt buy a thing! I was just window shopping. . . or pre-shopping for my next time at the outdoor market.

While walking I saw this tree with these crazy spikie balls all over it. Sean came and checked them out and picked some off the tree. He threw them at me and with all there spiky goodness they STUCK in my hair. We asked L&M (My sister and brother-in-Law) what they were and they are the start to a buckeye?!? I know I didn't believe it either, but I checked Wikipedia and they were right.

Sean and I went all over the city, saw all the sights including the Red Light District, during the day, which I would recommend to everyone - not to go, there is no need to go, but if you do go during the day. By the looks of things the high earners do not work the windows during the day. Just my opinion.

We got lost a lot while walking. Well just turned around. We stopped a lot to check out the map. Picture of Sean above (I guess no one wants their picture on my Blog - So I have removed the photos of people) to confirm. We got home without getting killed by a car, tram, motor bike, bicycle or by crazy people.

When we got back we went to dinner at this Persian restaurant that my hubby would love (Miss you!!!). The place is a old church turned in to a middle eastern restaurant. I took this photo of the wall of tile work. I know there is nothing that shows scale - but this is a HUGE wall. I am excited about this photo too because it was a VERY low light situation and the wall was all the way across the restaurant and I got a good photo. Well good enough for you blog readers - are you there?!?

My mom comes tomorrow and Sean leaves Monday, so it should make for a FULL house. Hopefully the baby will wait a few more days and not make it a fuller house!

In Amsterdam (Welcome to Holland)

2007-11-08T20:08:00.001-05:00

Well today was my first full day in Amsterdam. I am OK on the jet lag, But I did sleep till noon. It is pretty sad when your very pregnant sister has to wake you up! (right not it is 2am so I am hoping that I wont sleep late again:)

My sis and I went on a excursion to her favorite salvation army type store, she love them like I do, and also to the grocery store that you get to use a cart in - more on that later.

Before we left Amsterdam we stopped for gas. Wholly cow gas is expensive here, like 1.255 euro a liter. So you do the math. While my sister was in site paying, I saw this women in front of me pull up to gas up her car. First off I was checking her out because she had on the cutest coat. But then I realized that she parked at a pump with the tank on the opposite side of the car. Then I look, yes there were spots open with the pump on the same side. Then another car pulls up and does the same thing. That got me thinking how in the US people will wait for the pump on the side of the car all the time. Now with my Honda Fit I can use the wrong side punps because the car is small, or at Costco where the pump hoses are long. Well after like a million(Just kidding!) dollars or euros - depending on if you did the math or not we were off.

On this stretch of the highway there was flashing speed limits over the road every half mile or so. My sister said that there is a draw bridge ahead and it to control the traffic so that most of the traffic does not come to a complete stop. So when the bridge goes up the speed limit signs create a type of traffic pacing so that the bridge can raise and lower with out delaying traffic. Wow what a concept. So I asked do people actually abide by the Speed limit. She said YES! There lies the problem with implementing this in the US - Who abides by the speed limit? Lea said that there are cameras on the highway and roads that take a picture of you and you get a ticket in the mail. No FUN!

We went to the resale shop. Oh My GOD! I was in heaven. But my brain was hurting for all the calculating in my head to convert the prices to dollars so I could figure if it was a good deal or not. We found a European version of a playpen made of solid wood, chinelle blanket, baby hat, embroidered tablecloth, packet of scrap fabric -with out opening it - for 2.5 euro (that was for me) and I think that was it! Well when were going from the second floor back to the first floor, I fell down the stairs. I was 4 steps from the landing and my front of my shoe caught something and I stumbled and then saw my ankle rolling so I did a twist and roll so I did not fall on my face and fell with a crash. Thank goodness I was only holding the blankets. I fell right by the break room door for the shop and two women came out to find out if I was alright. I couldnt believe that I fell down the stairs when these stairs where real size. You see most European stairs are TINY and steep and your hole foot doesn't fit on them and you hit your shins when you walk up then. Well the worker girls and my sister got a chuckle out of the American falling down this BIG stairs and said 'Welcome to Holland!' So I guess I need more practice on stairs - not many in Florida!

After the fall - we went to the grocery store. It is the closest thing here to a US grocery store. You even get a cart. You do have to put a euro coin in to get the cart detached from the other ones. This is a great idea. Think of all the people who would return their carts if they had to pay 50 cents if they didn't return it. And if the crazy american said they can spare the 50 cents I sure there is someone that would, for the 50 cents they would get from the carts, would return them. Do they use this for the carts at the airport? Well the store was great and we found everything that we needed. They even had a American foods section and it had things/brands that I have never seen. Funny.

After we went out of the market and there was a coffee shop type place. Lea got us some of these things called 'Oil Balls' which is not how they are spelled or called but the dutch word for a spherical donut is close. They were yummy and a great snack. I got to get the coffee and even tried to pronounce the dutch word for a caffee latte, which the women could not understand, but she did when I uses caffe latte. At least I tried!

In the walkway to the market there are all these packages on the ceiling with this 3 foot tall black skinned dolls moving their hands and legs. I have heard Lea talk about this before and they are Black Petes or Zwarte Peit. Check out the Wikipedia entry with a click. They are the helpers of Santa, like elves. It is not very PC, but it is Amsterdam they let a few things slide here.

Sean, our great friend working in Africa, is this week in Frankfurt - so he is taking the train here and staying with us for the weekend. Hopefully the baby will wait a few more days - because we have belly cast to make, and my mom is not coming till Sunday!

My flight

2007-11-08T20:06:00.001-05:00

I meant to send this before I posted the photos but forgot. So here it
is now

Following is what happened during the flight over the big pond.

7:15 pm There is someone famous in the row in front of me. I can't
see who it is nut people keep coming up and taking photos of him. I
will tell you who it is when I know

8:00 pm I guess I fell asleep for takeoff. But what rudely awaken by
the women in front of me slaming the entertainment device that is at
the back of the seat into my head. Whoops she didnt even notice. Then
she apologizes that her seat is back so she can sleep. But dont worry
I corrected her to apologize for cracking me in the head. - I swear
that I am not this rude in real life only on planes

8:05 pm have no idea who the famous guy is! And whomever keeps
farting should stop because of is hurting my nose!

8:16 pm the headphone jack on my iPhone does not fit my headphones so
no music. But I brought my nano so I have something to drown out
others noise.

8:19pm snack time - Two glasses of water and ice with an airborne in
one them. We got pretzel. Not like you get dehydrated on a plane enough!

9:15pm dinner is coming. At least it will be warm because it is
freezing on this plane. They did give us a thin blanket. I got a veggy
curry for dinner. It was good. There was a salad with lettuce and
bulged wheat. The bestest best part was the Andes choclate mint chip
cookies. With tea it was my favorite! The Lady in front of me even
put up her seat so I could eat. I am watching 'the Simpson movie' so
far its ok.

1:08 am. He is a leaner, the guy sitting next to me. His head is half
way across me seat. Yes I have nudged him to move. But again he sleeps
half on my seat and I have to pee. Hopefully the loud talking dutch
behind me will wake him and I can pee. Only two hours left in the
flight. We are over Ireland now.

1:58am breakfast time. Egg muffin thing. Yogurt. Really I just need
coffee and some chapstick. My lips are chapped. Finally got coffee,
yum. The sun is up. And I finally got the guy sitting next to me to
get up. I feel better.

We are finally here, now I hope my luggage made it!

P. S. I asked the people in front of me if they knew who the famous
guy was, and they said that the thought that he was not famous just
traveling on a group that was taking his photos. I still think he was
famous. I saw him up close and had no idea who he was!
---------------------
Sent from my iPhone

Breakfast on northwest

2007-11-07T03:07:00.000-05:00

Sunrise over ireland

2007-11-07T03:06:00.000-05:00

Dinner on northwest

2007-11-07T03:04:00.000-05:00

Twin cities

2007-11-06T19:33:00.000-05:00

Well I made it here and just have enough time to use the worldperks
club services that I get to use with my Amex platium card. It is not
the nicest or the cleanest but they have a free serve bar and a beer
tap that you pull! To bad that I have an 8 hour flight to be on and
don't want to be hung over on!

Leg one

2007-11-06T16:15:00.000-05:00

Well the trip to Amsterdam has begun like every plane trip does, with
delays. Now I am not complaining about having to wait inthe airport
for two hours while my first flight was delayed because I would of
waited in at the next stop anyway. I just want you all to understand
because my nubby travels more than any one I know!

So when we the crew is boarding the plane, the preboard all first
class, people with status, and family with young children. And
then. . . They board all rows! For a plane that was already late this
made things take longer.

Once we all board an the plane is pulling back, this guy, very slowly
gets up from his seat to go and sit somewhere else. The flight
attendant tells him go sit or the pilot cant pull back. He tell the fa
to tell the pilot to wait then! I don't understand people! Dies he
really think we all want to delay ourselves further just because he
want to move from his aisle seat to another aisle seat! I made a
comment! I know but I could of taken him if I needed to!

Northwest was great about the delay. We all got $10 vouchers for
airport food. I got two vouchers because they gave me one when I
checked in, and then another at the gate.

Now I am enjoying my favorite magazine and soon will watch a movie on
my MacBook!

I'm leaving on a jet plane! A full one!

2007-11-05T00:21:00.001-05:00

I am leaving on Tuesday to be in Amsterdam for three weeks to be with my sister and her hubby for the birth of their new son! I was checking the flights tonight and seeing if I will be having some space and saw this!

So really I should be hoping that I will have enough room to store my bagage! Wonder why all these people are going to Amsterdam? That is just a HUGE plane to be full.

On a side note, this is a LONG trip that I am going to be flying alone! I have flown alone before, but not for 8-10 hours. I was discussing this with my hubby tonight and I told him that I was worried when I had to leave my seat if my stuff was going to be there when I get back. He said that I have nothing to worry about and he has never heard on anything like that! I did a quick Google search an couldn't find anything either.

Hopefully I will have all my things and TWO HUGE suitcases filled with baby things for the new baby!

Also - If I was a super hero, I would be ProcrastinaTOR - ' does things at the last moment!' Well it sounds better in my head with the voices! Gosh, you think I would of learned by now!

2007-10-31T23:07:00.000-04:00

I was waiting for a package to be delivered today. After all the trick or treaters stopped, I figured that my package was not coming!

Well at 10:20pm - the UPS man came and delivered my package! Can you believe it!

So here is a atta boy for my hard UPS man!

2004 Halloween Pumpkins

2007-10-21T23:48:00.001-04:00

2004 Halloween 050, originally uploaded by Moottoast.

In connection to Halloween being soon! I submit to you, all blog readers, the Pumpkins of 2004.

Jason - Famous for the JellyBena Dena picture, decided that he would do characters of his friends in Pumpkins.

They turned out great - Jason spent a LONG time doing them.

My Hubby is in the middle on the bottom!

What I remember from this Halloween is that I volunteered to clean the pumpkins, and it was fun for the first two. But I had so many roasted pumpkin seeds that Jeff and I got sick of eating them! AND that Jeff and I went to get Jason a dremel to help with the carving, but got him a dremel engraver instead - whoops!

JellyBena Dena

2007-10-21T22:55:00.000-04:00

That's Me! I know I cant believe it either! Jason has finally posted the photos on his blog. He says that it is over 4,000 jelly beans! Well actually it is 4,096 jelly beans in eight different flavors!

I hope that he didn't use buttered popcorn, because I really hate the jellybelly buttered popcorn flavor!

Thanks again Jason! I dont think that I have ever wanted to be in jelly beans but am flattered all the same!

Whoa - Slow down

2007-10-19T13:44:00.001-04:00

DSC_0093.JPG, originally uploaded by Moottoast.

This is a speed limit sign near the place that we stayed in Jackson Hole, Wyoming.

I guess anything with the back drop of the Grand Tetons is beautiful!

Click the photo to be directed to Jeff's Flickr account to view more Jackson Hole pictures or others that he has listed!

Who put this on my blog?

2007-10-17T23:42:00.000-04:00

Jason had this youtube video on his site and I think that it warrents another post on my blog. This is where Jason works and it is too funny.

Potty Humor is funny, on Tv!

Also - Jason, still waiting on the pics of the JellyBena Dena!

Personalized Monogram Burp Cloth

2007-10-17T00:51:00.000-04:00

My mom needed some gifts for a friend that had a baby. She saw these personalized burp clothes and then commissioned me to make some for her.

They are totally cute - and I have added them to my Etsy site to see if I can also sell any!

A burp never looked so good!

Sleepy Cisco

2007-10-16T01:23:00.001-04:00

Sleepy Cisco, originally uploaded by Moottoast.

Jeff got a new lens for his camera. Thank goodness that Cisco is a better model that I am!

Isn't he the cutest dog that you have ever seen?!?!

Nice Shooting Jeff!

Check yourself before you wreck yourself

2007-10-15T18:43:00.001-04:00

While searching Etsy for items that were sold today - just to see what people are actually buying, because, Hell, I'm not selling anything! I ran across an Etsy seller 'CarolLeeDesigns'.

She makes these cards called 'Hate Mail' They are the type of cards that you really want to send but cant find in your local card shop!

Here is a few of my favorites.

HateMail --- Be Mo re Like Your Sister

HateMail Minis --- Nice Parenting Skills --- Lilac

HateMail --- Check Yourself

I think this goes under the same label of why I love to watch America's funniest home videos - the guy getting hit in the special place is always funny!

So buy up some cards and hurt someone's feeling today!

Do you Voodoo?!?!

2007-10-15T18:12:00.000-04:00

My hubby just sent me this link that is from a production firm in Chicago. If you look at the cubical guy in the TV on the left - it is our 'Soon to be famous' friend Jack!

Well I think he is already famous because he is in a game on the web!

My favorite place to put the pin is between his legs - then watch his reaction in the TV - Priceless. . . Too funny!

Check out Manning Productions web page also - Very nice! The bouncing balls and the animated Staff is totally cool!

I want to be a bouncing ball!

New Business Cards

2007-10-15T13:47:00.000-04:00

Jeff has been on me to obtain business cards for all the people that would like one. So this weekend between watching birthing videos at my Duela training class, I created a business card for my Denarella Designs business.

Once I get Dona certified for being a Duela I will have to get business cards for that!

I love doing my passions!

Chicago Bears - How I miss you!

2007-10-14T00:00:00.001-04:00

Here in Florida we are unable to get the Chicago Bears on the TV especially when the 'Bucs' are playing. I am all ab out supporting the local team, but come on, you are playing infomercials for three hours and you can't play the other game which usually includes the Bears! Well two weekends ago I sent am email to the local Fox Station, and to my great surprise, I got an email back.

I still don't get why I cant watch the Bears!

---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: Sports < sports@wtvt.com >
Date: Sep 30, 2007 2:16 PM
Subject: Fox 13
To: denabena@gmail.com

Hello,

Got your email and we would love to bring you a 1pm game, but we can't this week. In the NFL, CBS and FOX share double headers, that means that on various Sundays (like this Sunday and next Sunday) CBS has the double header which means that they can show two games, we can only show one game. Thats why you don't see a 1pm game this week and its why you won't see a 1pm game next week either. Wuth the Bucs on the road in Carolina this week and at the Colts next week, the only game you will get to watch on our air is the Bucs vs. Panthers and the Bucs vs. Colts.

The bottom line is that every time we can air an NFL game, we will air an NFL game, we don't cover them up with paid programming.

Sincerely,
Chip Carter

What I'm doing this weekend

2007-10-13T12:34:00.001-04:00

Another thing that I can do in my free time. And I can make sure that
my sister is supported through her birth!

Happy Saturday.

Folding T-shirts

2007-10-12T23:08:00.001-04:00

Jeff has a ton of tshirts- so I had to find a way to fold them without
wasting my whole day. I found this crazy way to fold on utube- just do
a search for folding tshirts. I folded all these in one commercial
break! Lucky me!

Sent from my iPhone

Yard Work!

2007-09-16T22:04:00.000-04:00

Today, I worked in the yard.

Last Sunday I worked in the yard.

Things grow too much, too quickly, in Florida!

It rains every Sunday when I work in the yard! I work through the rain!

I get real dirty working in the yard in the rain.

Today, when I was done - my lovely husband said - I should hose off in the yard!!

Next Sunday my husband will be working in the yard!

Jelly Bena Dena

2007-09-10T20:21:00.000-04:00

Have you ever had someone do something so out of the box for you that you couldn't speak?!?!?!

Well, I have been waiting to blog about this till I saw Jason, but last time I was home - Jeff couldn't get ahold of him.

-----------------------------------------------------

One day Jeff is crazy laughing at his computer, which is nothing new. He then yells at me. He tells me that he was told not to tell me about what he was going to show me, but since I am his wife, he 'HAD' (He used that word) to tell me.

Then he shows me on his computer a photo of me. It is a large photo like the size of a foam core board. WHAT?!!?! So then he shows me the magnified view of 'my' eye - it looks all pixelated. No it is not computer pixels it is JELLY BEANS!

So our friend Jason made a HUGE piece of art of me out of all Jelly Beans! It is utterly amazing. I have only seen the photos once that Jeff had.

The reason for this post, is I know that Jason - Hopefully reads my blog :) and I just wanted to tell him how flattered and in awe that he made this piece of art. I don't think that the reason for the art was for me but for the actual act of making it, but I still think that is really cool and cant wait to see the real think in real life!

So Jason, can I see some more photos of the 'Jelly Bena Dena'? Maybe you will even post them on your blog at http://www.katzwinkel.com/blogger.htm

San Francisco

2007-09-09T21:27:00.000-04:00

Jeff and I went on a trip for labor day to meet my parents in San Francisco. We had a great time, despite the weather. I mean the weather wasn't bad it was Florida HOT! I swore that we both checked the weather before we left and it was supposed to be in the 70's and it was in the 85's to 90's. We did not pack correctly. So we sweat way too much, but as you can see got some sun!

We did most of the San Fran touristy things. Went on the night tour at Alcatraz - you must do the night tour, it was sooo creapy! We went to Sausalito to their annual art fair - it was HUGE and we saw a lot of great art and people watched too. We also rode the cable cars and walked a TON! I swear I don't think that the whole state of Florida has as many hills as San Francisco does in one square mile! Thank goodness we both purchased and brought good shoes. My toes are happy to be home though and be back in sandals!

I got a new haircut before we left - not the 'Locks of Love' haircut - but a normal cut. I LOVE it and think that I have finally found a good salon in Florida!

An Unusual Carrot

2007-08-14T10:36:00.000-04:00

Mom and I went to Farmers market here in South Haven, Michigan and we bought this:

We did't even eat it - Too creepy!

More to come soon!

Whatz Up?!?

2007-07-20T11:20:00.000-04:00

Hello! How are you?

Well it has been a few days er weeks. . . So just wanted to update you

I have continued to run every other day - as you can see from my Nike widget on the right. I can now run over 2 miles without stopping and dieing! Cisco is also in good shape. But it has been HOT here in Florida so we have to run late at night, because there is no way that I am getting up early to run - I like to run, but not that much. Sometimes I feel like I am killing him, but he is smiling the whole way. At least Jeff has the air set to -5 degrees in the house so he cools down quickly.

Jeff and I cleaned out our closet last weekend. You can now see the floor. It was a great group effort.

I am quitting my Job?!?!? Yes?!?! I gave my notice last week Thursday. I have agreed to stay for three weeks, so I only have two left. A new guy starts on Monday and he is supposed to take on all my projects. Hopefully he stays longer than the last guy that was supposed to take on some on my projects, he only lasted one week. People in the office are already taking claim to items on my desk. But I think that the new guys is going to get my desk. My job is not that bad, it is just not a great work environment for me. I really want to start my own business, so Jeff and I figure that this is the best time to give it a go. We will see what happens.

The Denarella Designs business is going OK. I haven't sold ANYTHING on Etsy. But I have been putting in motion the documents that I need to run my new business out of the house. I filled out the 'Doing Business As' form this week. I had too, because someone wrote a check to Denarella Designs. Next I will get a checking account and move forward. Jeff is on board which makes everything easier. So NEW designs are coming soon.

I have successfully completing teaching my second session of Agility Dog Training. We start new classes today. Now there are two that I am an assistant on. So a bunch of new faces and the same faces that have moved up to the next agility basic class. So looks like I wont get home till 9pm - Oh volunteering is soooo fun, especially when you can deduct your time.

I think it is time to get my hair cut! I haven't had it cut since the wedding, and that is almost a year ago! I want to donate my hair to Locks of Love, but I just need it CUT OFF. I am ready for a short style, Jeff is going to LOVE that - NOT!

Well that is all for now - I will fill you in soon on anything else.

SEE YA

Did you hear - I am going to be an Auntie

2007-06-29T14:05:00.000-04:00

Well I have known that I am going to be an Auntie for a while, but I was hesitant to put it on my blog because I wanted my sister to have the enjoyment of telling everyone!

So now that it is a few months later - everyone should know - so following is the first photo of my new niece or nephew of my sister Lea and my brother-in-law Marky Mark (As my mom calls him!)No I didn't do any type of photoshopping to the photo. And i don't know how the kid got a crayon in the womb!

Crongratulations Lea and Mark!

And away we go . . .

2007-06-26T23:47:00.000-04:00

If there is something that I want to be really good at in my life it would be . . . taking photos. After seeing the raw files that Anne took at our wedding, I want to be that! It is just like she is just so good that she presses the button and BAM - totally hot Dena and Jeff - where actually stand Dena(sucking in her stomach, and trying not to smile weird or show my double chin) and Jeff(Hot and sexy as usual). I know hopefully, that it took time to learn her craft, or she could just be totally awesome - probably a little of both.

But this post is not about photos or photography, well not supposed to be, it is about my Denarella Designs business finally getting started.

When we were in Michigan with all the family for Memorial Day, we stopped in this totally cute store, and Mom knew the owner. Mom knows everyone - she is just cool like that! My mom started promoting my business ventures with the recycled felt. She, the owner, says that she would love to see what I do. Well I forgot to email the owner. So I gave three examples of my keychains to my mom to show the owner. SHE LOVED THEM, well actually I don't know exactly how she felt, but she wanted to buy 10!

I shipped them our today only 3 days since my Mom told me about the order. They are on the way to a shop called blue eyed girl. If you are near or even within a 10 hour radius(I'm worth it) stop buy and act like you love them and buy two - don't worry I will pay you back.

So finally without further ado . . . I present Denarella Designs 'Recycled Wool QuickKEY'

The reasoning for the photo spout above, is I spent a LONG time trying to get these shots, and I used shot 5 and 7 in my post. But Jeff said that we are going to make a DIY light box this weekend, so that they will look great even is Cisco took them!

I made these little tags for each. You know you need to use up that left over paper that I bought for the wedding. That is why the text does not show up great - that paper is shiny and sparkly. I even figured out how to use eyelets!

Special thanks goes out to Jason, for thinking of the 'QuicKEY' name - It is just a pun that I couldn't pass up!

I'm Running

2007-06-25T20:43:00.000-04:00

Well, I have finally decided that I need to really exercise. I know that I am married now, and probably have let myself go a bit, but everything is reversible.

At the awesome wedding of Andy and Chrissy that we went to Chicago for the other weekend, I met this women, 'Lou' that I felt that I already knew. You see she has a blog too, and I have been reading it since I linked to it from another friends blog. You remember Lou I talked about her and her blog a few post ago. Well she kept talking about how she has been running and LOVES it, and how I should start running too. Lou said that she was going to make it her mission to get me running. Well since I was the sober driver, and she was not, that conversation stuck with me, and hopefully, she remembers it.

So I started running. I am trying for every other day- 2miles. I just completed today my second run today. Boy Cisco is TIRED, I can barely hear my self type over his panting. He loves it! I have also added a widget to my blog website so that you all can check on my progress and kick me in the rear if I fall off the wagon.

Runners butt here I come!

Side note about the Chicago Wedding, Jeff was drunk in the front seat when we were driving Lou and Jason kinda home, and every exit he saw he just kept saying 'GreekTown Gyro' 'GreekTown Gyro' 'GreekTown Gyro' 'GreekTown Gyro'. I finally gave in and had to double park and wait for 30 minutes while he waited in line. Being sober driver is always SOOO much FUN!

MANGROOMER Do-It-Yourself Electric Back Hair Shaver

2007-06-19T19:04:00.000-04:00

Really- are you serious?!?!? I was doing an innocent search on Amazon and I found this - I mean come on, you cant find a friend to help you! And this guy in the photo back is not even hairy. I want to see if the thing really works!

Really this guy needs a hair cut!

The things that people come up with!

Weekend of 05.19.07 to 05.20.07

2007-05-21T11:50:00.000-04:00

This weekend:

I and Cisco volunteered at an adoption expo in Tampa for GRRMF. I have never seen so many people that shouldn't have animals. There were lines for an hour before it opened for puppies. I was asked no less than 10 times if they could adopt Cisco. I just don’t really believe in on-spot adoption, where is the check that the family is capable of having a pet?

I went to a new goodwill store, which was a ‘weigh and pay’. This is what I saw: Large canvas bins filled with tons of crap. People with gloves and face mask digging through each of the bins. Carts on the side piled with items. People filling their cars to the tops with ‘crap’ that they bought. And no, I didn’t find anything.

I went to a craft fair Safety Harbor for about 2 hours, and found out when I was talking to a vendor before I left, that my fly was down, THE WHOLE TIME!

At the craft fair, that if you have a booth that is selling dog items it doesn’t mean that you can bring your dog into the booth. Especially if the owner of the booth brings her dog that attacks other dogs THROUGH ITS KENNEL! – Like I said some people shouldn’t have dogs/animals.

I made a felted pouch that I will be putting on my ETSY shoppe soon – So cute!

I found out that I can really annoy my husband with a cup and straw!

Clicker Dog Training

2007-05-17T10:10:00.000-04:00

I don't know if I have mentioned, but I am now a dog trainer. Well actually I am an assistant instructor at Upper Suncoast Dog Training. I am now on my second session of Basic Agility. We have reformatted the Basic Agility course to incorporate clicker training.

My mom did clicker training with our family dog, Frankie. Frankie is a shelter dog and usually doesn't know what to do with herself. The clicker has help my mom train her to be great, but I think she is a smart dog in the first place.

Cisco and I have been doing clicker training since he joined us. It is utterly amazing when he actually gets what you want him to do, all with out saying a word, he just does it.

Last night I put his dinner kibble in my treat pouch and went on the back porch to do some training. He already knows many tricks, but in this agility class I need to work on his duration on the touch. He knows that if there is a circle thing on the ground he needs to touch it with his nose. Well we started there, and then I delayed the click till he actually held his nose on the target, which is now a heavy stone coaster, because the plastic lids move around a lot! Well when we finished training he was actually doing a bow on the target!

It is just amazing! I showed Jeff when he got home, and he was amazed! Now I need to think of another trick for tonight's training.

I have class on Fridays and this session we have 14 dogs, yes 14 BUT they are mostly small dogs, so it really doesn't seem that crazy. My last class is repeating this class, so it is great to see how much they improve with the clicker.

If you have any clicker questions, I would be happy to answer them, just put them in the comments.

2007-05-15T16:46:00.000-04:00

I have received my first custom order for a wrist Key fob, key chain, key cuff . . . I don’t know really what to call them. Can you all in blog land think of something? My mom is always great of thinking up new names and ideas for things. She was the one that thought up Denarella, we actually she used to sing it to me instead of Cinderella in the song. I don’t know if it was because people were always asking me to do things, or that I thought that my life was awful because I was always asked to do things. Well, only she knows. When my mom told my dad that I was going to call my new venture Denarella, he said that was his nickname for me. So kudos to both parents!

When I was in junior high I ran for class president. I needed a slogan, so my mom or I came up with “Don’t be a Jellybena, Vote for Dena’ and my buttons and signs has Jellybeans all over them. I didn’t win, but I thought it was a good slogan.

So now I have three items up in my Etsy Shoppe, and one custom order for a friend next door that want it embroidered with something that shows that she has twins. She said that she would even show it off at the ‘Twin’s mommies night out’ that is every Tuesday! So now I have to think of what to embroider on it, humh . . .

Happy Tuesday!

Denarella Design Etsy Shoppe - Open

2007-05-13T19:24:00.000-04:00

It is finally official - My Etsy shoppe is finally open with my first item listed. It is a key fob that you can hang from your wrist. It is made from recycled sweaters and cotton webbing. I think it looks great.

Here it is:

This picture was taken in our front yard on this pink flower / plant thing. Jeff said it looks fake - but it is real.

I will hopefully posting more items in the next few days. . . . it all starts now!

Reduce, Reuse, Recycle - Old 80's stuff!

2007-04-24T08:55:00.000-04:00

This is a post that I got from whipup.net that I read daily. It is a crochet purse made out of old cassette tapes and brown grocery bags. Can you believe it? On the site http://www.myrecycledbags.com they have a lot of bags made out of many different types of materials. Another one of my favorites is the evening bag made from VHS tapes. Think of how many of those things that you still have and never use? The site also has a tutorial for cutting and balling plastic grocery bags. What a great way to recycle and produce less waste.

I don't know what I would like to make. I do need to make some type of grocery bags so that I can stop using the plastic ones from the store. That is all I need another project!!??!?!

Goal this week, is to get items ready to put on my ETSY site. Must start producing money! I have also posted some of my used wedding items on Ebay. Hopefully they will sell with a HUGE profit!

Mr. Katzwinkel - The man, the mith, the Jason

2007-04-23T14:16:00.000-04:00

J, Jason or Katzwinkel is a great friend to Jeff and me. He and Jeff have been friends WAY before I was around. In time J and I have become friends! J has a blog too, but his post are good and all the grammar is correct and everything is spelled right, not like this blog.

FYI - NEVER, I MEAN NEVER play Scrabble or boggle with Jason, not because he pouts and storms off if he loses (Who is that?) but that he is so damn good that he will come up with words that you need a dictionary to verify. Oh Jason. . .

Well Jason's new post is a small step inside his life. I just LOVE reading his post and wish we lived closer so that we can see him MORE -(When are you coming for a visit?) He talks about . . . Well just read his post. So I check the comments - LOU? Took me a second to realize that this is a girl and then swing - yes I swing in the interwebs - over to Lou's Blog.

There she has a post about Jason talking about her! I read a bunch of her blog post and feel what she is preaching, being an undercover nerd.

But anyway - Hello to Jason and to Lou - nice to meet . . read you blog!

One of those random days!
(Hubby was nice enough to point out all my mispellings and grammer errors - So Jeff is the smartest, today!)

Our Wedding Cake

2007-04-22T20:14:00.000-04:00

On Anne's blog about our wedding, there has been some talk about our wedding cake. I knew that I didn't want a normal wedding cake! So I searched Google images, and Flickr for different photos. I found my, oh I mean our, cake from Google images, I think!

Here are the two cakes side by side, the one I found and then our cake!

Our Cake bakery, Amelia's Cooking in South Haven, Mi (269.214.0140) did a great job! PLUS the cake was delicious!

ANNE RUTHMANN PHOTOGRAPHY: Wedding: Dena & Jeff

2007-04-20T09:42:00.000-04:00

Anne has finally posted our wedding photos! YEA!

Take a look!

ANNE RUTHMANN PHOTOGRAPHY: Wedding: Dena & Jeff

(thanks Anne 4 updated link)

What do you do when you are alone?

2007-04-19T22:34:00.000-04:00

What do you do with the razors that you get for free, but normally cost $10 a piece?

Shave felted sweaters, duh!

I have been a felting fool since my mom put the bug in my head. I by at least 4-5 sweaters a week from the half price sale at Salvation Army, So I have quite a stash. After the felting process they need to be finished more so that I can use them in my 'craft'. All pieces are cut apart to lay flat. Then the felted sweater must be shaved. I know that I could purchase one of those things that they make for shaving sweaters, but I did and it did not work - so I use this razor. Jeff thinks I am crazy, but hey it works.
The sweater then must be steamed flat, and they they are in a holding pattern until they are ready to be used.

The 'craft' is still in process. It will be Denarella Designs first product line. I know that you all are going to need two, or maybe more!

~~Now if only I could get my denarella email to work~~ My Denarella email works!!!!! so that I can open my etsy shop! (Thank you hubby!)

Are you Chilly?

2007-04-18T21:41:00.000-04:00

One of my new favorite crafting toys is my Brother SE-270D embroidery machine. It is so great as an embroidery machine and as a sewing machine. I mean it threads it self! I know I can believe it either. Also when it is done stitching, press one button and presto all the threads are cut. I just can believe that I used to sew on my mom's old Kenmore. But that was a great machine - It used cams to do decorative stitches.

Well I have been having problems with my embroidery thread getting stuck because it is so slippery. The machine comes with this plastic net stuff, but the thread actually catches on the net and then breaks. I was just sick of having to 're-thread' my machine.
So I made a thread cozy. I have a ton of leftover fleece from making Cisco's rug, and just used a strip of it with a pin to hold it closed. Don't make it too tight or the machine will get angry! After the cozy was added, I did not have a thread break! Genius, I know!

Did you ever watch 'Mamma's Family'? There was this character that lived next store that made cozies for everything. I love that show - my mom and I used to watch it all the time when I was younger.

A 'Personal' Day

2007-04-18T21:29:00.000-04:00

Yesterday, Tuesday, I needed a personal day. I needed to recharge my energy with good stuff. So with a suggestion from my awesome hubby, I decided to take the dog to the beach. We LOVE honeymoon island Dog beach - Because it is HUGE and you get to see dolphins.

On our way to the Beach - I had to stop to get cash for the $3 entrance fee - worth every penny. Well in the Publix shipping center where there is a B of A that I use, I saw this:
WTH - He was parked out front of a liquor store. I really just don't know what to say about this. I can even imagine trying to get into this 'truck' and why the heck is he even driving it down the road so that he can run me over monster truck style!
Well after that Cisco and I had a little Photo in the Fit - The Honda Fit that is. Cisco loves my car as much as I do. Now if I can only get him to jump in the truck with out having to pick him up.Cisco and I had a great time at the beach. It was 75 and sunny - great day to throw a Frisbee for hours. We met a few other dogs, but in all it was fairly empty on a Tuesday. Here is a cute photo of the puppy!I still can believe someone gave him up!

Crocheted Pasta

2007-04-16T08:05:00.001-04:00

Ganchillo con espaguetis, primer intento, originally uploaded by Alícia.

Yes, that is pasta crochet into a ring.

What a hoot!

Faux-tatoes

2007-04-11T09:09:00.000-04:00

My in laws are in town. They are great to have around and we get along great! Jeff's step father is doing Atkins - so I had to do some thinking on what to make. I am a fairly good cook, but my rotation is not that big!

I made my soon to be famous Parmesan crusted chicken from Rachel Ray - Not many carbs there. Roasted vegetables and potatoes - The potatoes were for my Hubby - He loves roasted potatoes.

Then I make what I have named faux-tatoes. They are made out of cauliflower instead of potatoes. I found the recipe on The food networks web page - in the listings for the show 'Low carb and Loving it'. Everyone loved them. They are sure to be on my list of things to make again!

I also made a dessert that is low carb, but not low fat - Thank goodness they were small - but TASTY!

2007-04-09T13:55:00.000-04:00

It is rainy and cold here today. It is still dark outside at 2pm. I feel like I am in Chicago again!

How was your Easter? I made my first Easter dinner. We even used our new wedding china and wedding silver. BUT I put them ham on the serving platter, walked away and heard a POP. The plate cracked right down the middle. Another trip to Macy's.

I went thrifting this weekend. I didn't really find anything really good. Just not my weekend. I did get to go to some of the shops in downtown Clearwater. Lots of JUNK!

I did find these boots. They were real funky and I knew they were worth more then the $3 that I bought them for. I have them on Ebay now and they are up to $18.61 and over a hundred hits in less then 24 hours! I think this may be the best that I have thrifted before. Jeff said that I just need to find another 100 pairs to make it worth my while. He just doesn't understand the thrill of the HUNT!

You can check out this ebay item here:

2007-04-04T21:12:00.000-04:00

Well, I got to go to my favorite today - Salvation army 1/2 price clothing day. I only found ONE sweater - and it was grey - today there weren't any wool sweaters. I hope someone else hasn't found my store and is stealing all my wool sweater - it is probably for the best because I have a ton of sweaters already.

I also found a retro spring jacket. I will have Jeff take a photo of me in it later to post. It was only $3.50 - So I figured it was a sweet deal!

I also took a stroll to Walmart. Our walmart here is scary! I like to go in the day time. Well I found a bunch of good sales. I got Cisco a new collar for only $3 and it has paisleys on it. He looks so cute

I have been doing so much laundry since we got the new washer. Today I set the washer to be finished with a load when I got home for work. It was awesome! I felt like the infomercial "Set it, and forget it!" It really gets the clothes clean and they dry in no time because they are only slightly damp when I pull then out of the washer. When the wash is done it make this cute little sound, much better than the awful tone that my dryer makes.
I found this site that gives you a recipe for making your own detergent and fabric softener. I have the homemade fabric softener in my machine right now. I used eucalyptus for the sent. I figured it was a bit more manly then lavender.

Oh yea did I tell you ---- I LOVE my LG SteamWasher xoxoxox

2007-04-03T20:10:00.000-04:00

Well it is 8:10pm and I am still at work. Yes I know that if I was working and not typing on my blog that I would be able to leave, maybe before 9pm. Thank goodness I still get 1.5 for overtime. -- Cisco needs a new . . . well he doesn't really wear shoes -- I know that I am a college graduate, but my employer thought it would be smart to move me to hourly when I took a ton of time off for my wedding. OK with me - not I get more money for overtime.

Cisco is here at work with me. I feel bad that I leave him home all day - then when I am going to be doing overtime he is home more. He is a good boy! He has been sleeping under my desk and peering up at me asking when we can go home! Soon puppy!

We got our new washer this afternoon! It is soooo lovely! I had to run home when they were delivering it, so I haven't been able to give it a trial run yet. It took a lot of strength not to try it out after the deliver men left, BUT I really want to watch it run! I did take 5 minutes and read the instruction manual - I love instruction manuals - must be the engineer in me.

For all that do not know - tomorrow is 1/2 price clothing day at Salvation Army - we at least at my Salvation Army. I will try to only pick up a few sweaters - only if they are neat colors! Maybe when Jeff is sleeping I can try to felt in my new washing machine. Oh yea - I forgot he reads my blog - DOH!

OK must get back to grading this townhouse project - because I still need to watch American Idol tonight - and the puppy is HUNGRY!

Her Craftyness in process

2007-04-02T15:03:00.000-04:00

I have been trying to get this craftyness out of me so that I can, maybe, profit from it. I have so many ideas in my head, I just need to get some out.

I broke the washing machine - Don't tell Jeff - well actually the sweaters that I was felting broke the machine. I guess I put too many in there. Jeff said that I cant felt sweaters in the new machine. Guess I will either have to figure out a way to make felting cleaner or get a washer from Salvation army to put in the garage for this purpose. The new steam washer front loader from LG comes tomorrow. I am excited - yes excited about a new awesome washing machine. Now how am I going to break the dryer so that they both match - Just kidding - do they really have to match?

I was up till 2am last night trying to get the second denarella design to completely work. - Well I think there is some more processing of ideas to get this to the end. Jeff asked if I am going to charge $100 per piece because it takes me so long to finish one thing. Well once I get the process and the process correctly done I can wip them out - to bad I am a perfectionist.

I have been looking at all these crafty blogs - they are so cute and they have all these blogging friends that they have swaps with, and people actually comment on their post. Now I think I and maybe Jeff read this blog, so maybe I will ask them if I can join their click.

Cisco and I have class tonight so that I can get caught up on my clicker skills. I suppose if I am going to teach a class all about agility and clicker I should be good.

Also I know I already posted it BUT - I am selling my initial key rings on my other site

http://www.denarella.com here is a example of how they look:

denarella.com

2007-04-02T01:26:00.000-04:00

http://www.denarella.com/

This is my new craft selling website. It is not anywhere complete BUT - I have put some items that I purchased so that you all can buy them. So . . . Please buy them.

More crafty stuff to sell soon!

Also - Just a thank you to my hubby for the web 2.0 logo. This is a great logo for now. I have an awesome graphic designer working on a new logo for tags and the web. And no it is not me!

Blog layout Updated!

2007-03-09T23:31:00.000-05:00

For all those who use a RSS feed - check out my new layout - I am still doing some tweaking but I think it looks much better!

Tell me what you think in the comments.

Wool sweater season - In Florida ?!?!?

2007-03-08T23:14:00.000-05:00

When my mom and sister were here last week - we found ourselves going to thrift stores, EVERYWHERE! You really don't know how many you are missing when you have two other people in the car that are looking for stores too! I really enjoy going to the stores and searching and picking through the piles - I guess it was from all the years of garage saleing and dumpster diving with my mom. I used to hate it when we had to grab the great garbage from my friends house - but now I do it to Jeff - What goes around comes around I guess.

My mom and sister and I would look at every store for 100% wool sweaters to felt. We found NONE! I just assumed that there was no need for wool sweaters in Florida. But today I hit the mother load. I went to a Salvation Army that I had went with my family and found SEVEN count em, seven sweaters - In great colors too --- AND it was half off white tag day and luck me all my tags were white! Check em out! Prices were between $2.00 to $4.00 which includes the discount.

I also picked up some other items that I hope to make into a bag that I am designing - you know something new to do with my time now that the wedding is over and I have my life back! I saw these towels last week, and when they were still there today I figured that I had to pick them up. I did a quick search on the Internet and people are making stuffed animals out of the funky towels - they are soooo cute! The towels were marked $3.99 a piece but I got them for $1.99 each - so half off is GOOD!

On my lunch break today I found a goodwill store - I was in another town for a meeting - so I stopped in and found a great table cloth with funky orange flowers and a stack of hand dyed fabric which equals 4 yards and a retro cloth of London bridge(?) Jeff knows - but I have already forgot what he said. Total purchase for these three was $7.20

Lastly I stopped at Walmart for some $1.00 fabric - hey it's cheaper than muslin - for trying out patterns. After this gentleman took 30 minutes to cut my fabric - I found this tapestry tape - it was $0.75 a yard so I got all that was left. bag handles I think?

GRRMF Reunion

2007-03-08T08:46:00.000-05:00

Last Saturday 03.04.07 - I packed up my family mobile - the Honda Fit - with my Sister, Mom and our AWESOME golden retriever Cisco, AKA Cis to our second Golden Retriever Rescue of Mid Florida yearly reunion.

I really enjoy going to these things, not only because Cis and I have a great time, but because I get to meet new people every year. This year was no exception, I actually got to meet the women that did the intake of Cisco. She said that his previous owner really loved the dog but was getting screwed by her vet and she couldn't afford all the treatments that he needed with his mange.

I also got to meet Sally that actually got Cisco through the mange. She was very sweet. They both said that he looked great and cant believe that it is the same dog. Sally actually has 6 or 7 fosters now, so I had some Flint River Ranch food that Cisco did not do great on, so I gave it to her! I don't think there is enough dog food in the world that I would like to give to her for all she did for my Cis.

There are games at the reunion - This year we signed up for all four - after some pressure from my family. I just didn't think he would do good in all the events.

Well the first even was the tennis ball retrieval - well we got ZERO - He was more interested in all the people around the ring.

Second even was the biscuit dive. They put biscuits in a kiddy pool of water and you dog has 30 second to east as many as he or she can. Well my Cis was awesome at this - he actually ate 6.5 biscuits. We ended up with a medal for third - the dog who won first ate 12 YIKES!

Third game was the popcorn toss - he had to catch it in his mouth. we got 21 in one minute - but is was not good enough for a medal - but Cisco thought it was a great snack.

The last game was a down stay - Cisco did great again. He made it all the way to the end and only got up because the tennis ball that was being tossed as a distraction landed on him. So he thought it was time to play! We did get an honorable mention medal!

My mom said that she had never seen so many goldens in one area - I figure 80 or so!

Can't wait for next year!

Old things new again

2007-03-06T15:46:00.000-05:00

I was first introduced to Craigslist when I had a friend move to California. He used it to find houses to rent and stuf to buy. It is like a online classified ad section.

My mom needed a carpenter for some detailed work that she needed for her house - she posted a small ad on Craigslist for her area, and she got over 20 replies!

I have also been using this new service called listpic that compiles all the pictures for each catagory to make it easier to see what is for sale and such. Just be careful when you are looking at the 'Personals' sections - YIKES!

Find something new in your area today!

Vista – at least one that I can begin to LOVE!

2007-02-28T11:28:00.000-05:00

Tumi just came out with a new product line called Vista. Kind of weird since the new Microsoft operating system is also called Vista. I guess Tumi can reduce their advertising budget because Vista is already all over the place.

The bags / purses are the great Tumi nylon with leather accents. The best part of the new line is the COLOR!!! They have this color called Ginger – which looks more orange/red to me – but it is a great summer color. The other color is teracotta - which I think looks great with the Ginger!

No deals on the new Vistas yet – but don’t worry I will keep checking!

Tumi Vista

No title needed!

2007-02-27T14:11:00.000-05:00

A few months ago there was alot of buzz going around about celebrities showing off the nether regions while getting out of the car . . . And even worse they were not wearing underwear!

So the title of the page can be 'How to get out of the car without showing your underwear'

or for the non-panties wearing folks 'How not to show your lily to a crowd'!

People make web pages for everything!

Changing it up!

2007-02-27T10:50:00.000-05:00

Well it is about time to change up the look of my BLOG!

I have a lot of things that are coming up in my life and I want to be ready to post everything - No, I am not having a baby!

More changes soon!

Also - my hubby has changed his blog to a new site - check it out with the link on the right!

Talk to you soon!

Donde esta?

2007-02-23T15:42:00.000-05:00

Oh wedding photos - where are you??????????????

Cisco and the new wood Floors

2007-02-23T15:40:00.001-05:00

CIMG0908.JPG, originally uploaded by Moottoast.

Bamboo floors are in and Cisco doesn't like them much - Not soft and fluffy like the carpet was!

Well he will have to due with rugs!

View photos here

My new favorite Website

2007-01-10T16:52:00.000-05:00

So I have found my new webpage that I check every day. It is The Daily Plate. I used to have another program that worked the same way, I had to pay for it, but if you haven't heard, my PC died, so for now I cant get to it. Jeff and I don't know if we can fix it, and if you can believe it is only 2 month out of warranty - Go Figure.

Well you can track all you calorie intake per food, and the great thing about it is that new items are being added all the time by other users, so you don't have to add everything yourself.

You can set a goal and then it tells you how many calories you should eat based on your activity level. It even tracks your exercise.

Now I am in front of a computer MOST of the day so it just makes sense to do this online.

Give it a try you might like it!

My bouquet before the garbage!

2006-11-14T10:59:00.001-05:00

bouquet, originally uploaded by Anne Ruthmann.

Guess whos butt that is?!?!?! Well it is the cutest Jeff Butt that I have ever seen! And my boquet never looked better.

I cant wait to see all of Anne's Photos!

My Wedding Bouquet

2006-11-02T21:24:00.000-05:00

This feels like the end. I can believe that I have thrown away my bouquet. It was drying so nice and then I took it out of the vase that it was drying in and it was covered in MOLD! So that was the end to that. It was a beautiful bouquet, even though it was NOTHING like I had requested. But you just have to go with the flow on your wedding day. After the fact my mom said that she was worried that I would go crazy because she noticed that the flowers were wrong, but I didn't! I mean come on, My hair and my nails are done and I am about to get in my dress and I am going to go Bridezilla. . . Well I didn't. If you want to hear about my small bridezilla moment ask my sister when I kicked her out of the wedding crafts one night, We all can't be perfect!

On October 30 it was Jeff and mine one year anniversary of the day we got engaged, and also the one month anniversary of the day we got married. I can believe that time has flown by so quickly. Jeff has planned a trip back to the place he proposed to me this weekend, and just surprised me today when he told me. . . So thank goodness I have been working over 10 hour days so my boss is letting me leave a little early tomorrow.

Also just want to wish my Dad an early happy birthday.
Thank for all you do for me, I Love you!