Casting Call for a Travel Channel series

This looks like a neat opportunity for romantically-linked couples between 25 and 45 who can take up to four months leave from their lives and travel the world!

The Travel Channel is producing a new series based on the best-selling book 1,000 Places to See Before You Die. We're looking for one couple, involved in a romantic relationship, willing to drop everything to travel around the world — on us!

DEADLINE: All materials IN ONE PACKAGE BY MAY 10, 2006.

Complete details are listed on the Travel Channel web site.

Make It: Good Vibes Package

Last night after taking in double-dose of guilty pleasure (more like dumminess) of watching Tiara Girls and My Super Sweet 16,* I decided I needed to do some crafting!

A girl I know lost her job and having been there, I wanted to send her some good job hunting vibes and give her a reason to get excited at her mailbox! The finished stuff, which is nothing fancy, is in the bottom of the photo. I made her a mixed CD, which I put in a folded brown lunch-bag type envelope, a tiny card and pocket art. I threw in some Skittles because they wouldn't melt during transit and who doesn't love candy from Andi?!

Also, I finished up a birthday package to my friend and used the self-checkout postage machine to mail both packages. Pretty easy, but I like self-checkout machines, unlike some of the posters to Cap's entry about them!

*I could make an entire post about how disillusioned Empress Chelsi was for thinking she was the only one to enter her party being carried by buff boys, did she not see that one episode last season?! I know, I shouldn't watch a show that highlights parents who enable spoiled brats, but this particular episode was humorous because a) when she was walking around whining about something, her double-stick tape for her ultra-espensive dress was exposed and looking tacky and b) a boy stuck his head on her cake and it collapsed and when she found out she did that high-pitched squealing talk while crying that it was all ruined.

Free Concert: Gnarls Barkley

Gnarls Barkley is the next MySpace Secret Show. Maybe I'm Crazy, but I wish I could go because I love Smiley Faces (I would reference more songs, but I doubt those reading have a clue who I am talking about - speak up if you do!).

Gnarls Barkley
Myspace.com Secret Show
Friday, April 28 @ The Roxy, Los Angeles
Doors 7:00 PM. Showtime 7:30 PM.
- Band will perform a 35 minute set
- This will be a free show: first come, first served

Gnarls Barkley web site
Gnarls Barkley on MySpace
Gnarls Barkley Performing “Crazy” Live On Top Of The Pops

Even if you have no interest in their music, check out their promo pics - hilarious!

Free Preview: Blueprint magazine

Head over to Martha Stewart's web site to sign up for a preview issue of Blueprint.

I was poking around the web site and saw a tip from an editor.

"Sunscreens lose their potency after 6 months, but I always feel bad throwing out last year's tube. I transfer it to my shower and use it as a shaving cream. The emollient base helps you get a close shave."

I see her point but I would say not the waterproof kind because that stuff will stick to your skin pretty well and requires a little more scrubbing to get off at the end of a summer's day. But maybe as a shaving cream that isn't on your skin long it will work better?

Also, coming this fall Craft: Make Cool Stuff!

Blog Carnivals & Festivals

I have not submitted an entry, but catching the blog Carnivals and Festivals it is a great way to keep up with what's going on in the blogosphere of my interests.

Bloggers submit articles to BlogCarnival, which lists all the carnivals that are being hosted and then the carnival creates a digest post of all the entries and links you to the blogger that submitted it.

I like to check out the Festival of Frugality, Carnival of Creators for a crafting fix and Carnival of Infoscience to check out what's happening in the biblioblogosphere, but there is nearly something for everyone except rubber stamping! Maybe a stamping blogger will see this post and be inspired to get it started?!

Keeneland!

Saturday, my parents, friends and I went to Keeneland for some horseracing fun! We loaded up with the car with tailgating goodies, enjoyed the sunny weather and the races. We did not bring Cornhole to play, but I did spy some UD game boards (Go Flyers!).

When it comes to the races I have zero betting strategy. One time I got up to the betting window and forgot the horse number I wanted to bet on, flustered I just picked a random number. As it turned out, it was not favored to win and did. My betting money was "mad money" I put aside from selling my loot on eBay.

Even if gambling and tailgating aren't your bag, you have to take in Keeneland just for the people watching and seeing them in their flashiest duds - good times!

Free Stuff: product samples

My semester is winding down I'm going to be hit or miss on the blog posts, but here are some free items posted on other blogs I really enjoy reading!

Head & Shoulders and Calgon Perfect Bliss from Boston Gal's Open Wallet [BGOW when I'm lazy]

A coupon for 7Up from 1 piece at a time

Be on HGTV

If you're looking for some decorating help for free (depending on the show) and you live in the markets they seek, you might try to be on HGTV.

I know many of the indie biz gals have appeared on That's Clever (formerly Coast to Coast), but I don't think I know of anyone who has appeared on a home show.

If location we not an issue what show would you most like to have visit your house and what area or room would you pick for fixing (that is if it isn't obvious, like Curb Appeal)?

As much as I like interior design shows, I would probably pick Landscape Smart because I don't know the first thing about that stuff and I know whatever I envision will not be what I accomplish. Also, they salvage items from the homeowners for re-use in the design and I like that!

Free Stuff: Ben & Jerry's cone

Tuesday, April 25 is Ben & Jerry's free cone day! Get a free scoop noon to 8 pm at any Ben & Jerry's store.

Click on the web site and send a free cone email reminder to your ice cream buddies.

Mailbox Motherload!

When I opened my mailbox it was packed with all free goodies pictured! The freebie and coupon post is tacked up in the right side menu so you can check in for new offers.

ETA: I just read Boston Gal's post, act now freebies are standing by at Wal-mart!

Happy Easter!

Saturday afternoon, I got to dye eggs with my 3 favorite ladies! Pictured are my personalized eggs, thanks to wax resist (aka writing with a crayon). That striped one didn't turn out as I envisioned and neither did my pink and green striped and polka dot eggs.

Today, the eggs were turned into deviled eggs for our Easter fare. Why are they called deviled eggs?!

Easter Eggs!

Even though I'm not blogging over the weekend, look at LJC's Easter eggs - blown, dyed and stamped!

Why udandi & the craft of money?

Mapgirl has an interesting post that ended with a few questions including 1) Do you PF blog? 2) Why do you do it?

I do not consider this a personal finance blog. This is a forum for me to share my projects and for crafters and DIYers who want to stretch their crafting dollars. I will admit to being surprised, yet appreciative, to be blogrolled on pfblogs.org without asking. I like that they are willing to include a blog that doesn't display a savings meter, monthly updates of net worth, any mention of my IRA (yes, I have one), but has DIY posts!

I hope that my blog introduces readers who consider themselves crafters to personal finance blogs where they can learn something new about their finances. In fact, it was a post on a craft board asking for information on getting out of debt, contributing to an emergency savings account and grocery shopping that led me into the world of personal finance blogs.

Visit the About Andi post for more information on me.

Free Stuff: $5 Amazon gift card!

A few weeks back, Jane Dough of BGOWposted a survey that paid in the form of a $5 Amazon gift certificate. I took the survey, waited and then figured it wasn't paying out. No big deal, just the chance of more spam. But then she mentioned that people used duplicate email addresses and that the guy was trying to sort them out (this all very vague because I can't find the comment where she mentioned it).

I'm excited I actually got this one! Normally I don't qualify for some other surveys because I use Firefox, not IE, and by the time I log back in with IE, they have filled their quota of my type.

In other free news, thank you to all my ING Direct referral requesters - I very much appreciate it! I still have referrals to share, get the free money details here.

Mailbox: Nestle Stixx

Today, I received a free sample of Nestle Dark Stixx! They are tasty, but I have to ration them out since there are only 6 in a pack and I already shared one with a classmate who I might note does not share his candy with me :(

In the package were magnets and magnetic poetry with words like arrested and hobo - interesting. There was a note to "pass the stixx" which I could only pass to 3 people so I hope those three were able to sign up because these are good!

I'll have to price check these on my next trip to the grocery or Target. I hope all the Targets have them because I've noticed not all have snack size Take 5. Not that I should be eating this candy....

Artistic Rain Barrels

Boston Gal's rain barrel post reminded me to check the Kentucky PRIDE web site for their artistic rain barrel contest. The rain barrels are auctioned off to benefit PRIDE, which stands for Personal Responsibility in a Desirable Environment. So far, there have only been 33 votes :( Please vote!

I hope Jane Dough does a photo tutorial of her rain barrel making adventure!

Taxes = dunzo

My tax returns have been filed. I will be getting a small return, which will be put toward the one summer course that is not covered by my assistantship. Is that dissapointing for those who thought I would blow it at Target?!

Megabus.com

I saw this posted on a message and while it isn't my cup of tea, other Midwesterns* might like taking a bus to Chicago or Indianapolis for prices as low at $1 each way. Read the details on the web site for pricing information.

*Cincinnati, Cleveland, Columbus, Detroit, Indianapolis, Milwaukee, Minneapolis/St. Paul and St. Louis.

Happy Opening Day!

No, not baseball, Keeneland! I am not advocating gambling, but if I were those betting dollars would come out of that "other" fund they talked about on Oprah's Debt Diet. Luckily, Boston Gal's Open Wallet has a nice recap because I lolly-gagged out of class enjoying the warm weather before the rain rolled in!

The Project Vault

In response to who I do my crafting for...me! I like the challenge of making something otherwise regarded for the trash, of styling a piece of jewelry that no one else will have and sending a birthday card that's unique to the recipient. It is thrilling to me the way some might enjoy sporting events or gadgets or tinkering on engines. I come from a family of do-it-yourselvers. Both of my parents and siblings are creative and handy and speaking of their talents are posts in themselves.

There are only a certain few people I can give handcrafted gifts to and that's because almost any crafter will tell you of the heartbreaking experience when someone does not appreciate the time and effort.

I encourage readers to browse this blog since I make short posts with colorful photos, but here's a link list of projects I've posted.

Gifts:
Make It: Rock Star birthday card
Make It: Birthday tags
Make It: Advent Calendars
Make It: Martini birthday cards
Make It: Lunchbag Album
Make it: Rockabilly Onesie & blankie
Make It: McCutie onesie & blankie
Make It: Baby Rock Tee
Make It: Stamped Coasters
Make It: Wine Charm Markers
Make It: Faux Leather Cards
Make It: Valentine's Day Cards [more]
Make It: CD booklets [more] [more] [more]
Make It: Ticket Bowl Gift Basket
Altered: Pull Tab Can
Altered: Lunchbag Album
Altered: AOL case accordion scrapbook

For me:
Make It: Dry Erase Board
Make It: Wrapping Paper Art
Make It: Fortune Cookie
Make It: Cupcake Table runner
Make it: Circle Journal Scrapbook
Make it: Easy Mat Photos
Make It: Pillows from Napkins
Make It: Remake a necklace
Make It: Your Own Art
Make It: A drawstring waist skirt
Make It: Two-Paper Frame
Before & After: Kitchen Clock
Make It: altered clipboard
Make It: Pencil Tin from a band-aid tin
Before & After: Shelves
Before & After: Gumball Machine
Make It: Chalkboard Sign
Make It: Business & Logo Tees
Make It: Food Magnets
Altered: Band-Aid Tin Pen Holder
Make It: from Capital One Swag
Altered: Listrine Pocket Pack Frames
Make It: Painted Dr. Scholls Sandals
Make It: Ribbon Memo Board
Make It: Necklace
Altered: Typewriter Stand
Make It: Scrabble Bracelet
Make It: Luggage End Table
Organize: Your Albums & Scrapbooks
Storage: Craft Supply Center
Organize: Crafting Space
Make It: Credit Card Art
Altered: Game Board Tray
Make It: Stamped Domino
Altered: Lunchbox Album
Make It: Magnetic Memo Boards
Make It: Snow Globes
Storage: Coffee Can Cubbie

Recipes:
Make It: Guacamole
Make It: Sangria
Make It: Bruchetta Chicken Bake
Recipe: Peanut Butter-Chocolate Brownies
Recipe: Sinfully Silly Snickers Apple Fruit Salad
Make It: Cold Italian Pasta Salad
Make It: Chocolatetown Pie
Make It: 4-H Cookies (Chocolate-Peanut Butter-Oatmeal)
Make It: Layer Cookie Bars
Make It: Mint Chocolate Chip Cookies
Make It: Cheesey Spinach & Artichoke Dip
Make It: Bagel Cheese Dip
Make It: Easy Apple Crisp
Recipe: Sour Cream Pumpkin Bundt Cake
Make It: Cool Cookie Dessert
Make It: Chocolate Peanut Pretzels
Make It: Grand Old Flag Cake
Make It: Quick Sundaes
Make It: Decadent Peanut Butter Brownies
Make It: Grilled Italian Pizza
Make It: Chicken Enchiladas
Make It: Cookie Pizza
Make It: Spicey Chicken Dip
Make It: Fruit Smoothie

Others' Projects I've linked to:
Make It: innerTee
Make It: Bagel To Go
Make It: Floppy Disk Bag
Make It: Chess Table
Make It: Aprons
Make It: Pop Art Shoes
Make It: Rockin' Sock Monkeys
Make It: CD covers from lunchbags
Make It: Teeny, Tiny Fast Food
Make It: Meat Cake
Make It: Ladybug Cake
Make It: Silly Cakes
Make It: Crazy Cakes
Make It: Garden Markers
Make It: Solar System of Cupcakes

Make It: Pendant Necklace

Every time I wear this necklace, I get compliments, which cause me to turn into a super craft nerd and exclaim I made it myself!

I was invited to a bead trunk show and told the attendant I'd like to make a pendant necklace and to steer me toward all the supplies I would need. It was my first attempt at necklace making and two years later it hasn't fallen apart. That's a good thing.

I needed wire, crimp beads, clasp, pendant, beads and the ability to evenly string on the beads to a length that wouldn't choke me or feel too heavy when wearing. I'm not a jeweler, but I think necklaces are easier to make than bracelets, because the piece can be a little longer or shorter without having a negative effect. A too short or too long bracelet can be troublesome for thin or larger wrists.

If you have never made any jewelry, but would like to, I would say start with a necklace (and then share a photo of it with me)!

Make It: Wine Charm Markers

A couple of years ago, making wine charm markers was all the rage. I jumped aboard even though I don't drink wine or host wine tasting parties, but they have been good gifts to pass along.

For the set pictured, I made my own personality charms from shrink paper for inkjet printers. I created a design, printed, cut out, hole punched and baked according to the directions.

After they cooled, I added a jump loop. On an earring hoop, I strung on one crimp bead, a couple glass and silver beads, the charm, more glass and silver beads and a crimp bead. Crimp the beads with a crimping pliers.

[#6 plastic for shrink projects]

Make It: Ribbon Memo Board

I had an ugly cork board, leftover fabric, lots of ribbon and a stapler.

I covered the board with the fabric and pulling it tight I stapled the fabric to the back of the board. One problem is that the corners are rounded and I didn't do the best job making them look pretty, but I'm okay with it. Then, I cut lengths of ribbon and again pulling it taut, stapled them to the back side. I finished it with another piece of ribbon as a hanger on top.

On the Lookout

Slave to Target wants the Madison Trestle Desk that I noticed many scrapbookers have it (posted about it here).

A commenter said that desk was clearanced to $99 at the Target s/he shops, but the black model is $139.99 at the ones I shop while the white is marked down online for $179.99.

Craft Contest Winner

No need for a drum roll because no one entered the contest. But that's okay since I'll use the prize as a gift for someone!

I thought it might be true that you can't give anything away for free back when I emailed some people on Freecycle to offer them the items they were seeking, but they never picked them up.