Downward Facing Dog - yoga baby Tshirt
Browse more baby yoga clothes
Hope your weekend is going well!
Saturday, February 23, 2013
Some of my favorite baby stuff from ZAZZLE!
Since I'm going to be a new NANA to our baby boy #2 soon, I thought I would share some of my favorite baby shower invitations from ZAZZLE. Recently I started a shop on Zazzle and have found some wonderful art and products that I will continue to share in the future.
Downward Facing Dog - yoga baby Tshirt
Browse more baby yoga clothes
Downward Facing Dog - yoga baby Tshirt
Browse more baby yoga clothes
Sunday, December 9, 2012
Microwave Brown Rice Recipe
I'm not a big rice eater but do enjoy the taste of plain brown rice over white rice and the higher glycemic index is better for diabetics and probably most others as well.
There are lots of microwave brown rice recipes online. I found one and to make really fluffy, dry brown rice, I found modifying the recipe I chose worked really well. My 10 year old microwave may be the issue so if you've tried making brown rice in your microwave and experienced issues, try the recipe below with the modifications I've added.
There are lots of microwave brown rice recipes online. I found one and to make really fluffy, dry brown rice, I found modifying the recipe I chose worked really well. My 10 year old microwave may be the issue so if you've tried making brown rice in your microwave and experienced issues, try the recipe below with the modifications I've added.
THE PERFECT BROWN RICE
- Wash the rice to remove the starchiness.
- I use an old microwave rice cooker but any safe bowl with a tight fitting lid will do. Ratios of rice to water for brown rice are 1:4 rice to water. For example 1 cup rice | 4 cups water.
- Cover and microwave until water boils (10 - 15 minutes depending on microwave).
- CAREFULLY remove cover (steam does burn).
- Microwave uncovered 20-30 minutes or until most of water is absorbed.
- Leave rice, uncovered, in the microwave overnight (or at least 8 hours). The rest of the water will be absorbed by the rice.
- Fluff with fork and serve or use in other recipes.
Monday, May 21, 2012
More on Using CSS3 Multiple Background Images with Blogger
Back in March, I wrote about CSS3 multiple background images and using them with Blogger. There were some issues with the background rendering in some browsers when I wrote in March. Now, a mere 2 months later, it seems that with updated browser programming on most of the popular browsers, the issue is resolved. Older browser versions will show only a white background which is not a bad thing since the priority for me is that people read my blog and find something of interest.
First, one needs the individual images for the background. I use 3 -- an image for the left side, an image for the right side, and an image for the center of my blog. When I first wrote and tried using CSS3 multiple image coding, I created and used transparent pngs. The pixelation around the edges showed through and I wasn't pleased with the result.
Since then, I've been playing around with editing images to solve this problem and what I discovered is that using the center background color (or texture if that is what your Blogger background includes) as the background color on the actual images for my left and right hand borders works better than transparency. I do think the background and borders now look just how I envisioned.
This is the coding I ended up using successfully:
With regard to my image sizing, my left image ended up being 216 pixels wide, the right image is 181 pixels wide, and the center background is 1415 pixels. I don't think the width of the background image is important as long as it is wide enough to fill the open space you have. Your images may need to be wider or narrower depending on the format of your blog. I played with sizing a bit before I found what worked for my blog. There may be a mathematical way to figure this and if you are a math whiz who resolves this, I invite you to share the information in the comments below.
W3Schools has an understandable tutorial regarding using CSS3 in this way. I also found this excellent YouTube video which explains the coding in a way even a novice can understand:
I hope this helps you. Enjoy and I would love to hear how you use this along with a link to your blog or website so I can see what you've done.
Have a wonderful week and blessed day,
First, one needs the individual images for the background. I use 3 -- an image for the left side, an image for the right side, and an image for the center of my blog. When I first wrote and tried using CSS3 multiple image coding, I created and used transparent pngs. The pixelation around the edges showed through and I wasn't pleased with the result.
Since then, I've been playing around with editing images to solve this problem and what I discovered is that using the center background color (or texture if that is what your Blogger background includes) as the background color on the actual images for my left and right hand borders works better than transparency. I do think the background and borders now look just how I envisioned.
This is the coding I ended up using successfully:
I've copied the entire section from my Blogger html coding because this is where the changes need to be made.body {background:url("left-image.png") top left no-repeat,url("right-image.png") top right no-repeat,url("center-background-image.png") center top no-repeat;background-attachment: fixed;margin:0;color:$textcolor;font: x-small Georgia Serif;font-size/* */:/**/small;font-size: /**/small;text-align: center;}
With regard to my image sizing, my left image ended up being 216 pixels wide, the right image is 181 pixels wide, and the center background is 1415 pixels. I don't think the width of the background image is important as long as it is wide enough to fill the open space you have. Your images may need to be wider or narrower depending on the format of your blog. I played with sizing a bit before I found what worked for my blog. There may be a mathematical way to figure this and if you are a math whiz who resolves this, I invite you to share the information in the comments below.
W3Schools has an understandable tutorial regarding using CSS3 in this way. I also found this excellent YouTube video which explains the coding in a way even a novice can understand:
I hope this helps you. Enjoy and I would love to hear how you use this along with a link to your blog or website so I can see what you've done.
Have a wonderful week and blessed day,
Sunday, May 20, 2012
Spring Cleaning -- Naturally
I've been sick for what seems like months with 3 different bacterial infections and viruses -- none of them the flu or whooping cough -- thank goodness! So because I've barely been able to just do the basics to take care of myself, my home is in need of cleaning -- the dust bunnies are proliferating like the real thing!!
With the economy the way it is, most of us are trying to save and living more "green" is encouraged almost everywhere. What I've found though is like buying organic food, organic cleaners cost more than the old brands we've always used.
I'm continually trying to simplify life as well as costs as I near retirement and thought I would do a Google search for homemade cleaners. I found lots and lots of websites dedicated to organic, homemade and natural.
I'd like to use one cleaner for everything if possible and out of the several possibilities I found, this one recipe is terrific. I'm using this morning in between writing and sharing this and where I've used it, my glass sparkles and the plastics and wanna be wood of stereo and televisions is now dust free.
This multipurpose cleaner is from the Newlyweds Blog. The tutorial for the cleaner is here. It is complete with photos and instructions and very simple. Here is the recipe:
. The vinegar and dish soap were in my kitchen. The cost without the bottle was far less than a dollar. I wouldn't recommend using a spray bottle that previously contained some other type of cleaner or chemical. Once the plastic absorbs the smell, etc., I am not sure how it might affect the homemade cleaner.
Have a wonderful and blessed Sunday,
With the economy the way it is, most of us are trying to save and living more "green" is encouraged almost everywhere. What I've found though is like buying organic food, organic cleaners cost more than the old brands we've always used.
I'm continually trying to simplify life as well as costs as I near retirement and thought I would do a Google search for homemade cleaners. I found lots and lots of websites dedicated to organic, homemade and natural.
I'd like to use one cleaner for everything if possible and out of the several possibilities I found, this one recipe is terrific. I'm using this morning in between writing and sharing this and where I've used it, my glass sparkles and the plastics and wanna be wood of stereo and televisions is now dust free.
This multipurpose cleaner is from the Newlyweds Blog. The tutorial for the cleaner is here. It is complete with photos and instructions and very simple. Here is the recipe:
Homemade All-purpose SprayI didn't have any essential oils available so I have a brief vinegar smell and then it's gone. The cost was minimal. I didn't have a spray bottle so I bought one at Dollar Tree
1 Empty Spray Bottle
10 drops dish soap
10 drops essential Oil (Lavender, Lemon, Orange)
1/2 cup white vinegar
Water
In an empty clean spray bottle, add 10 drops dish soap, 10 drops essential oil (optional), 1/2 cup white vinegar, and fill with water. Screw top on bottle, shake and use to clean on any surface.
Have a wonderful and blessed Sunday,
Saturday, May 19, 2012
Sunday, April 22, 2012
CRAFT PROJECT: Bath Salt Bags
To Make the Bag:
- Cut 7" by 11" strips of muslin cloth. Fold the 7" side and sew a 1/2" seam. This should leave you with a 3" wide, 11" long tube.
- Fill tube with between 1/4 cup and 1/3 cup of bath salts or other filler. Fold in half and shake the salts down.
- Fold the open ended side into envelope corners (forming a point) and then fold that section down to seal the open ends of your bag. A portion of the raw edge may show through and I've used my serger to finish these off after folding and filling the bag which also helps to seal the salts in. There are several ways to secure the top. I take a piece of jute string or twine about 2 feet long if I'm making a bath bag, shorter for hanging potpourri, and tie a knot in each end. I then use my sewing machine on the setting for attaching buttons and secure the twine to the bag and seal it up at the same time. I've been told you can use fabric glue as well, but I haven't tried it. I have stapled the bag to close it but wasn't happy with the results.
- If the bag is not going into water, glue small silk rosettes and/or bits of lace and/or trim. I don't add other embellishments if the bag is going to be used in water since I want to keep everything as pure as possible and I haven't investigated what types of glues and embellishments might work without adding impurities to the water.
Bath Salts Recipe
In a large bowl, mix well: 3 cups of Epsom Salts, 1 cup of Borax and 1 cup of oatmeal. This is the basic recipe. To this, add the scent or essential oil of your choice and mix well again. If the salts are going to be given and used from a jar, instead of using regular oatmeal which will not dissolve in water, use colloidal oatmeal. Food coloring can also be used for salts to be presented in a bottle or jar. Glass should be used to store salts made with scent as the aroma will dissipate over time in plastic.
Sunday, March 25, 2012
My Newest Design -- Abstract Circles
Fun abstract circles made of dots in purple, green and white on a chocolate background created in faux cross-stitch, all on quality products provided by CafePress.
As pictured left -- Scribble important stuff - lyrics, recipes, addresses, and more. Our Wire-O bound, 160 page journal has your choice of papers and measures 5" x 8", a handy on-the-go size to fit in your backpack. Get creative and let the muse flow.
- Back cover made of thin black flexible textured plastic, measures 16/1000" thick
- Front cover made of 12pt glossy paper, laminated for durability
- Filled with your choice of 60lb bookweight (24 lb bond) paper -- blank, dot grid, lined college-ruled, or a task journal.
Your feedback would be lovely and thank you for taking the time. By the way, if you like to cross-stitch and want the pattern to make a pillow cover for yourself, a pdf pattern is available for you in both my Etsy and eCrater shops.
Saturday, March 24, 2012
Update Your Blogger Background Using Multiple Background Images & CSS
There are so many really well designed and cute Blogger templates available. Most are one graphic with a decorative border or borders and solid center where blog content and the sidebar are visible and are uploaded to a service like PhotoBucket or Picasa. These work well in some instances but I recently had to buy a newer computer which has a slightly different sized screen than my previous one.
When I looked at my blog, the only way the background worked was to reduce the size of the text so small that with my eyesight it became impossible to read comfortably.
Researching how to solve this problem and keep an attractive background led me to CSS (cascading style sheets) styling which allows placement of multiple background images. There are quite a few articles written about this on the web searchable through Google.
For the lay person (like me), I thought I would share how I broke down my blog background into three images and placed them within the xml coding. I use the minima 2-column template.
This was how my previous one-piece background coding looked:
body {
background:$bgcolor;
url(http://i604.photobucket.com/albums/tt127/dpeagreendesigns/BlogBackground.jpg);
margin:0;
color:$textcolor;
font: x-small Georgia Serif;
font-size/* */:/**/small;
font-size: /**/small;
text-align: center;
}I broke my column graphics off into two separate images keeping them approximately 200 pixels or less wide and 685 pixels long. I created the center background from what was left though one could probably use a small seamless tile and add those directions to the CSS. I uploaded these three graphics to my free Comcast personal web page and then coded as follows:
body {
background: url("http://home.comcast.net/~dpeagreendesigns/LHBorder.png") top left no-repeat, url("http://home.comcast.net/~dpeagreendesigns/RHBorder.png") top right no-repeat, url("http://home.comcast.net/~dpeagreendesigns/CenterBkgrd.png") center top no-repeat;
background-attachment: fixed;
margin:0;
color:$textcolor;
font: x-small Georgia Serif;
font-size/* */:/**/small;
font-size: /**/small;
text-align: center;
}
The highlighted coding provides the border and background graphics on this page. It is important to remember the last image (url) is the one which will be at the bottom of the layers. If you look at my background here and compare it to the coding above, I think it will help to make sense of how this multiple background layering can work for a blog.
If you decide to play around with this, I encourage you to use a "test blog". In any event, please make sure you save the existing html template you are using so that if frustration sets in, you can copy and paste the original html coding back into your template.
There is more information available at the w3Schools website as well as at W3C.org.
I am still working on the cross-browser issues this coding has with Internet Explorer but it works beautifully with Firefox. I did use BrowserShots which allows you to view screenshots of a page in many different browsers and those that won't translate the CSS merely have a white background so content can be read.
More on this as I learn . . .
Friday, March 23, 2012
Newest CafePress Design -- Hot Pink & Black Damask
Newest CafePress Design! Hot Pink and Black Damask. Wild yet elegant.
If you prefer to create your own needlework, the pattern for this design is available at both Etsy and eCrater.
If you prefer to create your own needlework, the pattern for this design is available at both Etsy and eCrater.
Friday, August 5, 2011
My Newest Toy -- The Amazon Kindle
I purchased the Kindle 3G/Wireless Special Offers e-reader a week ago. I love it!! I rarely spend money on toys. Why, I don't know, but this toy is on its way to being a necessity!
The weight is indeed lighter than most paperback books. The print is crisp, clear and easy to read even in bright light. I will eventually purchase a book light for reading in the evening when I don't feel like turning on all the lamps in the room. Font size is so easy to change and I believe it can be made large enough for even those who close to legally blind.
I've purchase two books from Amazon written by one of my favorite contemporary authors, John Gresham, and enjoying reading every word of the first. There are also free books available if one is looking to download a classic or the Bible.
Recent news releases from both Amazon and local libraries and their associations bring additional great news for those on a budget or who prefer to borrow from a library. Later this year, the Kindle will roll out access through Overdrive.
When I was deciding which e-book reader to purchase, I did look at the Nook. It is in color, has a touch screen and is library borrowing ready. I found the black and white screen Kindle with no touch screen to be lighter and to have enough features that I needed more to my liking.
In addition to the readability of the screen, ease of use, and light weight, I just love that the Kindle 3G/Wireless has free internet access. There is a browser which can be accessed from the main/experimental menus and as long as there is 3G, I can surf the web, check my various email accounts, as well as order and download books.
I'm one of those people who love to read and listen to music at the same time. The Kindle 3G/Wireless provides plenty of space for my favorite mp3s under the same main/experimental menu as the browser. The Kindle comes with a plug that separates and gives me USB access to my computer to download my music. It also charges the battery while connected to a computer. It has speakers but my earphones work even better. I didn't purchase earphones. I used the ones from my mp3 player.
In order to find these gems, I had to read up on the Kindle before purchasing. When I visited stores to compare e-book readers, it seems none of the personnel were aware that internet browsing and music were available on the Kindle.
When I purchased my Kindle, I charged it up. I haven't had to charge it again since and I've been reading and listening to music every day. In fact, the battery indicator is still showing over half charged even with the wireless access on. I do, however, power it down when I am not using it rather than allow the screensaver to run.
The cost of the Kindle will end up minimal over a very short time. The money I save on purchasing e-books rather than paperback or hard cover will add up quickly. In addition, I won't have to purge my book storage. I love keeping my books but live in a space less than 800 square feet so do not have the room to keep too many at a time.
The value of being able to order any book I want to read and then adjust the text to be comfortable for my aging eyes outweighs the cost already. While large print books are available, not everything I want to read is available in large print on paper.
If you love to read and are finding yourself doing so less and less because of the strain on your eyes trying to read what seems to be finer and finer print, don't be afraid to try the Kindle.
I love the smell of a paper bound book. I love the feel. I love turning pages. All this is lost with an e-book reader but the enjoyment of being able to comfortably read text in a font large enough I don't have to squint or stop reading every few minutes to give my eyes a rest outweighs the loss.
After all, I can still walk through a book store or a library and pick up a book, smell it and turn the pages. Then I can sit down or take a walk, sit in the sun and read from my Kindle while listening to my favorite tunes.
The weight is indeed lighter than most paperback books. The print is crisp, clear and easy to read even in bright light. I will eventually purchase a book light for reading in the evening when I don't feel like turning on all the lamps in the room. Font size is so easy to change and I believe it can be made large enough for even those who close to legally blind.
I've purchase two books from Amazon written by one of my favorite contemporary authors, John Gresham, and enjoying reading every word of the first. There are also free books available if one is looking to download a classic or the Bible.
Recent news releases from both Amazon and local libraries and their associations bring additional great news for those on a budget or who prefer to borrow from a library. Later this year, the Kindle will roll out access through Overdrive.
When I was deciding which e-book reader to purchase, I did look at the Nook. It is in color, has a touch screen and is library borrowing ready. I found the black and white screen Kindle with no touch screen to be lighter and to have enough features that I needed more to my liking.
In addition to the readability of the screen, ease of use, and light weight, I just love that the Kindle 3G/Wireless has free internet access. There is a browser which can be accessed from the main/experimental menus and as long as there is 3G, I can surf the web, check my various email accounts, as well as order and download books.
I'm one of those people who love to read and listen to music at the same time. The Kindle 3G/Wireless provides plenty of space for my favorite mp3s under the same main/experimental menu as the browser. The Kindle comes with a plug that separates and gives me USB access to my computer to download my music. It also charges the battery while connected to a computer. It has speakers but my earphones work even better. I didn't purchase earphones. I used the ones from my mp3 player.
In order to find these gems, I had to read up on the Kindle before purchasing. When I visited stores to compare e-book readers, it seems none of the personnel were aware that internet browsing and music were available on the Kindle.
When I purchased my Kindle, I charged it up. I haven't had to charge it again since and I've been reading and listening to music every day. In fact, the battery indicator is still showing over half charged even with the wireless access on. I do, however, power it down when I am not using it rather than allow the screensaver to run.
The cost of the Kindle will end up minimal over a very short time. The money I save on purchasing e-books rather than paperback or hard cover will add up quickly. In addition, I won't have to purge my book storage. I love keeping my books but live in a space less than 800 square feet so do not have the room to keep too many at a time.
The value of being able to order any book I want to read and then adjust the text to be comfortable for my aging eyes outweighs the cost already. While large print books are available, not everything I want to read is available in large print on paper.
If you love to read and are finding yourself doing so less and less because of the strain on your eyes trying to read what seems to be finer and finer print, don't be afraid to try the Kindle.
I love the smell of a paper bound book. I love the feel. I love turning pages. All this is lost with an e-book reader but the enjoyment of being able to comfortably read text in a font large enough I don't have to squint or stop reading every few minutes to give my eyes a rest outweighs the loss.
After all, I can still walk through a book store or a library and pick up a book, smell it and turn the pages. Then I can sit down or take a walk, sit in the sun and read from my Kindle while listening to my favorite tunes.
Friday, February 25, 2011
Recent Treasury Featured My Dream Chinese Symbol Cross-Stitch Pattern
'"D" as in ........' by TheKnottyWoodsman
Begins with the letter "D"
 Dandelions- Interio... $30.00 |  Drawstring Project ... $20.00 |  DESERT WANDERINGS 3... $ |
 Double-comb Windsor... $3400.00 |  DOLPHIN TRIO 1 inch... $7.95 |  The Dude (from The ... $14.00 |
 Day of the Dead Bun... $25.00 |  Large Personalized ... $22.00 |  Dear Diary, by joli... $3.00 |
 DINOSAUR 4 Applique... $2.25 |  Dragonflies - lot o... $1.00 |  Dream Chinese Symbo... $5.00 |
 Dragadome Pet ID Ta... $12.00 |  Dog-Tooth Violet Er... $3.00 |  DELFT Blue Bird In ... $22.50 |
 DAISY DAZE Size 8... $7.50 |
Treasury tool is sponsored by Lazzia.com A/B image testing.
Thursday, February 24, 2011
One of my pillow cover patterns featured in this treasury :)
'I'll take any color as long as it's red' by my4sisters
Puget Sound Etsy Team
 Fresh (4x6 photogra... $6.00 |  Australian Red Agat... $ |  journal mixed media $18.00 |
 Primitive Crazy Hai... $9.95 |  1880s Red Paisley 1... $8.00 |  BOLIVIAN VINTAGE WE... $500.00 |
 vampire heart love ... $10.00 |  Ruby Red Rose- Orig... $40.00 |  Strawberry-licious ... $20.00 |
 Crochet Dish Cloths... $20.00 |  Thai Iced Tea pair ... $26.00 |  Lava Flower Earring... $ |
 Red Poppy Scrabble ... $6.00 |  All Purpose Huge Li... $54.00 |  Keep Calm and Eat A... $5.00 |
 Vintage Red Napoli ... $36.00 |
Treasury tool is sponsored by Lazzia.com A/B image testing.
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