Saturday 28 February 2009

Six Simple Ways to Improve Your Home Value



If you are wanting to sale your home or add VALUE TO YOUR HOME and increase the chances of selling quickly, you may enjoy this article from LDS Living! Have a Happy and productive Saturday!

Aloha!


One of my favorite patterns "Just Can't Cut It"! It's a weekend quilt! I actually got a lot of the fabrics in Hawaii! I made this quilt for my husband and he picked the fabrics! He is not into fabrics at all, but he is certainly into Hawaii and Motorcycles! It was a fun quilt to make!

Friday 27 February 2009

Vintage Christmas Ads Pt. 16 - Zenith, 1955

In addition to collecting Christmas music, I have collected nearly 1000 vintage Christmas ads over the years. Many of these include celebrities, radio, television, cigarettes, liquor, modern appliances, and the like.

Almost every Friday from here until I run out, I will feature an ad from my collection.

I invite you to add a fun comment, witticism, clever remark, or observation in the comments section provided. Any comments deemed worthy of repeating will be included into this entry where all the world will see it.

While ruffling through old boxes of cassettes and junk I've carried with me since the Great Toledo Fire, I came across my old Montgomery Ward "Walkman" - a cassette/radio job complete with a three slider equalizer that gave anything I listened to that extra ounce of volume.

The fire effectively destroyed the machine but I can't bear to throw this artifact out. This was the machine I listened to as I travelled back and forth through my college years. This was my iPod.

It seems everyone these days has iPods or MP3 players that slide into your chest pocket and weigh less than a bag of chips. Which is why I chose this particular ad from Zenith.

Back in the early 1950s, portable radios were available but still contained tubes and usually required large batteries or a plug. That all changed in 1954 when the first transistor radio (the Regency TR-1) was introduced to the public - 150,000 were sold in that first year.

By Christmas, 1955, Zenith was ready to introduce their first ever transistor radio:


(Click on image to enlarge)


Never mind the radio is the size of a paperback book, this was revolutionary! Look at the price tag at the bottom - the U.S. Inflation Calendar tells us this was equal to nearly $600 in today's dollars!

There's so much to digest and comment on in this one - What do you think?

Stubbyfears says: That $75 price tag is a bit beyond the pale. Still, it doesn't inspire in me the same kind of giggles those old 80s cell phones (the ones that were bigger than shoe boxes) do.

Any other opinions?


Capt

Vintage Christmas Ads Pt. 16 - Zenith, 1955

In addition to collecting Christmas music, I have collected nearly 1000 vintage Christmas ads over the years. Many of these include celebrities, radio, television, cigarettes, liquor, modern appliances, and the like.

Almost every Friday from here until I run out, I will feature an ad from my collection.

I invite you to add a fun comment, witticism, clever remark, or observation in the comments section provided. Any comments deemed worthy of repeating will be included into this entry where all the world will see it.

While ruffling through old boxes of cassettes and junk I've carried with me since the Great Toledo Fire, I came across my old Montgomery Ward "Walkman" - a cassette/radio job complete with a three slider equalizer that gave anything I listened to that extra ounce of volume.

The fire effectively destroyed the machine but I can't bear to throw this artifact out. This was the machine I listened to as I travelled back and forth through my college years. This was my iPod.

It seems everyone these days has iPods or MP3 players that slide into your chest pocket and weigh less than a bag of chips. Which is why I chose this particular ad from Zenith.

Back in the early 1950s, portable radios were available but still contained tubes and usually required large batteries or a plug. That all changed in 1954 when the first transistor radio (the Regency TR-1) was introduced to the public - 150,000 were sold in that first year.

By Christmas, 1955, Zenith was ready to introduce their first ever transistor radio:


(Click on image to enlarge)


Never mind the radio is the size of a paperback book, this was revolutionary! Look at the price tag at the bottom - the U.S. Inflation Calendar tells us this was equal to nearly $600 in today's dollars!

There's so much to digest and comment on in this one - What do you think?

Stubbyfears says: That $75 price tag is a bit beyond the pale. Still, it doesn't inspire in me the same kind of giggles those old 80s cell phones (the ones that were bigger than shoe boxes) do.

Any other opinions?


Capt

Thursday 26 February 2009

Recipe For Daily Success

The KITCHEN is the HEART of the HOME! I'm sharing this recipe with you to give you some inspiration on some fun ways to share a great recipe of daily success!
I have used this recipe for so many different ideas! My favorite is to tuck it inside a homemade apron pocket for a gift! I have changed the recipe to fit Christmas! (One barrel of Christmas Cheer, 1 cup of JOY, etc) I have also attached this recipe to measuring cups, and tucked them inside a mitten hot pad!

Here is a fun idea! Decoupage an over sized recipe on your tabletop for a heaping helping of style and sentiment! (click to enlarge)

I serve you this recipe with friendship in generous helpings! Enjoy!
( Country Sampler, February 2003--Taken from my "Home Idea Book".)

Tuesday 24 February 2009

Los Lonely Boys - Christmas Spirit


Since the beginning of 2009, I've been attempting to review Christmas CDs (and one other DVD) that I received as gifts on December 25th. The CD you see before you was a present from my son Alex who especially liked the "neat" cover artwork when ordering it from Amazon.com (with help from his mom).

Shortly before Christmas, this CD wasn't on my wish list. I didn't know a thing about the Garza brothers or their music - my musical tastes have pretty much excluded anything non-Christmas since 2004.

That changed during one of my Christmas shopping runs when I turned on a local radio station who was broadcasting Christmas music 24/7 throughout December. I tuned in during the middle of an intriguing version of "Feliz Navidad" that I hadn't heard and my interest was piqued.

I dialed 411 on my cell phone, got ahold of the radio station DJ who played the song, and asked for the artist. "Oh man, that's Los Lonely Boys, ain't it cool?" Roger wilco, good buddy!

It's appropriate that I use CB lingo because the Los Lonely Boys story starts in the 1970s. Enrique Garza and his brothers formed a conjunto band called The Falcones and played their music to whoever would listen throughout southern Texas in the 1970s and 1980s.

Around this time, Enrique and his wife raised a family in the town of San Angelo. Their three sons Henry, Jojo, and Ringo all grew up surrounded by the music of their father, his ancestors, and their ancestors' ancestors.

Even though the Garza boys grew up listening to Santana, Stevie Wonder, fellow Texan Stevie Ray Vaughan, and four guys from Liverpool, they always cited their father as their main inspiration for their music.

Like any musicians with a dream, came the day when they left Texas. They travelled to Nashville for a brief time in the mid-1990s, made some vital contacts, but the pull of family and Texas brought them back. However, they ended up at Willie Nelson's Texas studio (The Pedernales) where they recorded their first album entitled "Los Lonely Boys" in 1997.

The Garzas gave a name to their brand of music: Texican Rock N' Roll. A nice spicy mixture of rock, blues, soul, country, and Tejano, the music has something for everybody. However, music was dominated by hip-hop, boy bands, and Britney Spears at the time and their music was overlooked.

Like their father before them, they played the Texas circuit and released a follow-up album in 1998 ("Teenage Blues"). However, mainstream success eluded them for several more years. Buoyed by a strong fan base and their beloved familia, the Garzas stayed true to their sound and kept playing their music.

In 2003, a single from their album ("Real Emotions") reached #71 on the Billboard charts, catching the eyes and ears of Epic Records. They bought the rights to their first album and re-released on their label the following year

Their music was an instant hit - they released the single "Heaven" (which dominated the airwaves on its release - it even crossed over onto the COUNTRY chart), their album went to #9 on the charts, and went multi-platinum - a rarity in this day and age. For their efforts, they received a Grammy award for Best Pop Performance by a Group or Duo for "Heaven" in 2005.

The Garzas followed up their success by making an appearance on Santana's 2005 album, releasing two "live" albums, and entering the studio for their follow-up album "Sacred" with guest appearances from Willie Nelson and their father Enrique. Their single "Diamonds" was a moderate hit while the album reached #2 on the charts.

In 2008, they released two albums - "Forgiven" and the album you see before you. Recorded at the Pedernales once again, this CD has ten songs total (including two Christmas originals). It clocks in just over 30 minutes in length.

TRACK REVIEWS:

1.) I've Longed For Christmas
One of the two originals by the Garzas, this is a great mix of harmonies, bluesy guitar, and Christmas pop. Pop the clutch and let's go...

2.) She'll Be My Everything For Christmas
The other original has a definite rock/country feel throughout. Nice to hear two original songs back-to-back on a Christmas album!

3.) Run Run Rudolph
I close my eyes and I hear the Stevie Ray Vaughan influence first, Chuck Berry's great Christmas song second. Add some harmonica by the Garzas and it's a great cover from start to finish.

4.) Carol Of The Bells
We are treated to a light rock version of this song for starters but that all changes at 1:30 - the Tejano guitar and spirit infuses this song to amazing new heights. This one's gonna wind up on my annual Christmas CDs for sure some time in the near future!

5.) Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer
A garage style cover of everyone's favorite reindeer with the discolored nose - the Beatle-like harmonies are a plus.

6.) Santa Claus Is Coming To Town
More like Stevie Ray is coming to town... this is flat out great.

7.) Away In A Manger
One lone electric piano and the tight harmonies of the Garzas are featured on this one - very moving.

8.) Feliz Navidad
Jose Feliciano's Christmas standard is given an overdue Texican transplant - I loved it when I heard it on the car radio, I loved it now.

9.) Jingle Bells
This one was done for fun - one of the Garzas does his best Louis Armstrong voice backed by a steady drumbeat and family. A good time was had by all - especially by this listener.

10.) Silent Night
One lead guitar and one acoustic guitar playing this one with all the feel of southern Texas at Christmas. Beautiful.


Thank goodness I turned on the car radio at that exact moment - otherwise I would have missed out on one of the best Christmas releases of 2008.

There's not one bad song on this entire album - the Garzas' Texican style doesn't get old after the 2nd, 3rd, or 484th time you listen to it. I especially enjoyed "Carol Of The Bells", "Silent Night", and I'm gonna lobby long and hard for this version of "Feliz Navidad" to replace the original!

In December of this year, my wife and I will be hosting my entire family for Christmas - the tamales, tequila, and kids will be flowing throughout my home. I suspect the sounds of Los Lonely Boys will be doing the same at that time.


Capt

Los Lonely Boys - Christmas Spirit


Since the beginning of 2009, I've been attempting to review Christmas CDs (and one other DVD) that I received as gifts on December 25th. The CD you see before you was a present from my son Alex who especially liked the "neat" cover artwork when ordering it from Amazon.com (with help from his mom).

Shortly before Christmas, this CD wasn't on my wish list. I didn't know a thing about the Garza brothers or their music - my musical tastes have pretty much excluded anything non-Christmas since 2004.

That changed during one of my Christmas shopping runs when I turned on a local radio station who was broadcasting Christmas music 24/7 throughout December. I tuned in during the middle of an intriguing version of "Feliz Navidad" that I hadn't heard and my interest was piqued.

I dialed 411 on my cell phone, got ahold of the radio station DJ who played the song, and asked for the artist. "Oh man, that's Los Lonely Boys, ain't it cool?" Roger wilco, good buddy!

It's appropriate that I use CB lingo because the Los Lonely Boys story starts in the 1970s. Enrique Garza and his brothers formed a conjunto band called The Falcones and played their music to whoever would listen throughout southern Texas in the 1970s and 1980s.

Around this time, Enrique and his wife raised a family in the town of San Angelo. Their three sons Henry, Jojo, and Ringo all grew up surrounded by the music of their father, his ancestors, and their ancestors' ancestors.

Even though the Garza boys grew up listening to Santana, Stevie Wonder, fellow Texan Stevie Ray Vaughan, and four guys from Liverpool, they always cited their father as their main inspiration for their music.

Like any musicians with a dream, came the day when they left Texas. They travelled to Nashville for a brief time in the mid-1990s, made some vital contacts, but the pull of family and Texas brought them back. However, they ended up at Willie Nelson's Texas studio (The Pedernales) where they recorded their first album entitled "Los Lonely Boys" in 1997.

The Garzas gave a name to their brand of music: Texican Rock N' Roll. A nice spicy mixture of rock, blues, soul, country, and Tejano, the music has something for everybody. However, music was dominated by hip-hop, boy bands, and Britney Spears at the time and their music was overlooked.

Like their father before them, they played the Texas circuit and released a follow-up album in 1998 ("Teenage Blues"). However, mainstream success eluded them for several more years. Buoyed by a strong fan base and their beloved familia, the Garzas stayed true to their sound and kept playing their music.

In 2003, a single from their album ("Real Emotions") reached #71 on the Billboard charts, catching the eyes and ears of Epic Records. They bought the rights to their first album and re-released on their label the following year

Their music was an instant hit - they released the single "Heaven" (which dominated the airwaves on its release - it even crossed over onto the COUNTRY chart), their album went to #9 on the charts, and went multi-platinum - a rarity in this day and age. For their efforts, they received a Grammy award for Best Pop Performance by a Group or Duo for "Heaven" in 2005.

The Garzas followed up their success by making an appearance on Santana's 2005 album, releasing two "live" albums, and entering the studio for their follow-up album "Sacred" with guest appearances from Willie Nelson and their father Enrique. Their single "Diamonds" was a moderate hit while the album reached #2 on the charts.

In 2008, they released two albums - "Forgiven" and the album you see before you. Recorded at the Pedernales once again, this CD has ten songs total (including two Christmas originals). It clocks in just over 30 minutes in length.

TRACK REVIEWS:

1.) I've Longed For Christmas
One of the two originals by the Garzas, this is a great mix of harmonies, bluesy guitar, and Christmas pop. Pop the clutch and let's go...

2.) She'll Be My Everything For Christmas
The other original has a definite rock/country feel throughout. Nice to hear two original songs back-to-back on a Christmas album!

3.) Run Run Rudolph
I close my eyes and I hear the Stevie Ray Vaughan influence first, Chuck Berry's great Christmas song second. Add some harmonica by the Garzas and it's a great cover from start to finish.

4.) Carol Of The Bells
We are treated to a light rock version of this song for starters but that all changes at 1:30 - the Tejano guitar and spirit infuses this song to amazing new heights. This one's gonna wind up on my annual Christmas CDs for sure some time in the near future!

5.) Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer
A garage style cover of everyone's favorite reindeer with the discolored nose - the Beatle-like harmonies are a plus.

6.) Santa Claus Is Coming To Town
More like Stevie Ray is coming to town... this is flat out great.

7.) Away In A Manger
One lone electric piano and the tight harmonies of the Garzas are featured on this one - very moving.

8.) Feliz Navidad
Jose Feliciano's Christmas standard is given an overdue Texican transplant - I loved it when I heard it on the car radio, I loved it now.

9.) Jingle Bells
This one was done for fun - one of the Garzas does his best Louis Armstrong voice backed by a steady drumbeat and family. A good time was had by all - especially by this listener.

10.) Silent Night
One lead guitar and one acoustic guitar playing this one with all the feel of southern Texas at Christmas. Beautiful.


Thank goodness I turned on the car radio at that exact moment - otherwise I would have missed out on one of the best Christmas releases of 2008.

There's not one bad song on this entire album - the Garzas' Texican style doesn't get old after the 2nd, 3rd, or 484th time you listen to it. I especially enjoyed "Carol Of The Bells", "Silent Night", and I'm gonna lobby long and hard for this version of "Feliz Navidad" to replace the original!

In December of this year, my wife and I will be hosting my entire family for Christmas - the tamales, tequila, and kids will be flowing throughout my home. I suspect the sounds of Los Lonely Boys will be doing the same at that time.


Capt

Monday 23 February 2009

Some "Bunny" Loves You!

I love the colors of spring! I always look forward to the new seasonal ideas for the up and coming holidays from Martha Stewart! Here are a few ideas to celebrate a cheerful Easter dinner with the ones you love!

Easter Bunny garland, easy to do from a die cut, with cupcakes and party favors to match!

Here are the directions: Easter Party Favors!
From paper cups to baskets filled with chocolate bunnies and jelly beans! These little favors are so cute and so easy to do! I think they are also great for Spring Birthday parties!

I've saved my favorite for last!
Easter rabbit shaped napkins are a festive detail for the holiday table and they only require a few simple folds! Here are the directions: Bunny fold for napkins! Have fun!

Friday 20 February 2009

It's about FAMILY!


My friend Malia made this creative wall hanging at a fun "handmade" gift exchange last year! It was a big hit! We've all seen these signs at popular craft stores! Malia screwed hooks into the wood to hang the frames with ribbon! I think it turned out so cute! Cheers to Malia!

Wednesday 18 February 2009

Headboards and Fabric Wall Treatments


Here are a few ideas with fabric being used as dramatic wall treatments for a bedroom!


I love this idea! A solid oak door refinished and hung sideways becomes a perfect headboard!
Enjoy! You can check out more ideas on Dutch doors and a lot of creative inspiration at

Tuesday 17 February 2009

Those who sleep under a handmade quilt---sleep under a blanket of love!


Dear Friends, regarding quilts and where to start: This is a great beginner quilt! I made this quilt with my sister a few years ago when I was learning how to make quilts! The fabrics are from Moda! I used 3 Charm packs-(5 1/2 " squares). I used 108 squares, with a 2" border and a 4 1/2" border! It is a lap size quilt. I love the fabrics, so I wasn't to concerned about the pattern or design. I now hang it over a antique dresser that I love! Eventhough, it is a Christmas quilt, I keep it up all year long! If you make this quilt, let me know! I would love to see it! Good luck! Caution, buying fabric can become addicting!

This was a fun quilt made with charm packs and jelly roll fabrics that I had left over from another quilt. I had enough to do a lap size/baby quilt! I created my own pattern using a rail fence design with 4 squares across and four squares down using 2 1/2" jelly roll strips! There are two 2 1/2 inch borders around the rail fence squares. The next border is charm pack squares (5 1/2" squares) around the entire quilt with the outer border 4 1/2". The fabrics are by Moda-SIMPLICITY. The backing is pink chenille! It is quilted with hearts and leaves by The Quilting Bee. It was fast and easy! The fabrics are hard to see, click on the picture for a better view. Enjoy!

Friday 13 February 2009

Thursday 12 February 2009

Just "Bag" It!


Here's a fun bag to make using ribbon and can be made within two hours! Here are the directions!

Monday 9 February 2009

Back in "Bags"!


I love to make bags! There is just something fun about Hand Bags! My favorite fabrics are pink and black and of course polka dots! I like to make these bags from charm packs!
I line them with a inside lining along with warm and natural between the layers, they can also be quilted!

We all need a little fun, a little bling bling and a little bit of flowers in our life!

Kid approved! I don't have a pattern that I use, it's all in my head! A pattern is for inspiration! I usually do 4-6 pockets on the inside! I'm a Mom, like many of you, who needs a lot of pockets, and we like one for our cell phones! Someday, I may make a pattern!
For now, they are just fun to make!

All you need is LOVE, but a little chocolate doesn't hurt!


A fun Valentines project for Ghirardelli CHOCOLATE squares!
If you want to make one here's the tutorial: http://splitcoaststampers.com/resources/tutorials/ghirardellibox/



Here is the Tuitorial on how to make these cute Valentines! They are great for holiding cookies, candy or CHOCOLATE! Happy cheers to my talented friend laurie! She makes beautiful paper crafts! I am a big fan of everything she creates!

Pillow Box's


Happy Valentines! I love these pillow box's, they are so cute for so many different occasions! For directions you can visit http://www.ggdigitaldesigns.com/. They have a lot of darling Valentine ideas. Just print them, cut out the template, and folded and taped together. Voila. You can fill these with little love treats.

Sunday 8 February 2009

A Little Book Of Blessings!


Have a Great Week! (click) to enlarge!

A Floral Silk Topiary!


I want to make this Topiary! I've had it filed in my "Home Resource Binder" for a couple of years now. I am passing it a long! I love Topiarys! It would also be great for a wedding !
Enjoy!

Girls Rule!


Girls Rule in this Room!
A Carlsbad, Claifornia, outdoor structure company called Tumbleweed built the playhouse, the fencing, and the arbor. The room is 10X12! I found this picture from Better Homes & Gardens in 2003! Adorable and cute! I love the sofa and chair!


"A bedroom is your little escape place. It should make you feel really wonderful, and it should be a place that you love to spend time in"

I don't know why I have a weakness for little table and chairs? There's just something fantastic about them!


I love the fancy curtains, so cute for a little girl! I hope I have shared some photos that give you inspiration and excitement to create something beautiful for your little girl's room! I always need a picture or something to help me get started! Enjoy!

Happy Valentines Gable Box



Here is the Tuitorial on how to make these cute Valentines! They are great for holiding cookies , candy or whatever makes you happy!These are made from my talented friend laurie! She makes beautiful paper crafts!

Friday 6 February 2009

A Nursery Room filled with JOY!


This room was my inspiration behind my little girls room "Once Upon A Time". I love the colors and the coordination of fabrics! It's amazing what paint, glaze, staple gun, glue gun and fabric can do for a room! I think we are more creative when we have less! I'm a believer that, we don't have to spend a lot to make a room look great!


This window seat is so cute with whimsical pillows decorated with ribbon, pompom fringe and rickrack! I love the patterns in the fabrics!



I love the sage green and pink with the decorative trim!

The green gingham floor looks so creative and brings a lot of originality to the room! I will post a few more pictures of kids room! Stay tuned!

Thursday 5 February 2009

Deck The Windows!


Let The Sunshine In! In this kids bathroom, the colors are so bright and cheery! I love the window treatment, this room would make anyone SMILE! Stay tuned for a nursery that goes with this room-- soon to come!

Small touches of antique linen in a bedroom create a femine atmosphere.Turn A Table Runner into a valance! Sew ribbon loops to the top of the runner to create curtain tabs!

Window Traetments with a lot of dimension, texture and color add a lot of personality and charm to a room!

I love window treatments with clips, they are so easy! I made some in my Laundry room/craft room. I will post them soon!


I like the clean straight lines and simplicity of these windows. I'm going to do something similar in my Living Room! I'm posting these picutures as inspiration! I will post more pictures when I get mine done! I am also in the process of finishing my Dining Room windows!

What I love about a great window treatment is the fabric! My "Home Idea Boook" has been a great resource for me. I have several files in a very large binder. When I find something I like, I put it in a sheet protecter and save it for future projects! "Deck the Halls of Home with Joy!"