Chronicle Books: 30% off & Free Shipping

From Chronicle Books, who have some cool craft books and stationery collections. I have the Confection-ery Mix and Match Stationery and use it to send birthday notes to my cupcake-loving buddies! I'm of the camp that you can never have too many fun, blank cards ready to send of a quick note or thank you.

Smile! It's Summer! For one week only, we're offering our Friends & Family 30% off and FREE shipping on every item on our site. Choose from a huge selection of cookbooks, children's books, art and design titles, gifts, stationery, and more.

But hurry! Like a sunny summer day in San Francisco, this sale won't last. Just enter promo code SUMMERSALE at checkout:

http://www.chroniclebooks.com/summersale

Enjoy the books, and forward this offer to all your work colleagues, friends, & family!

Chronicle Books

Ripped Pants @ Work = Not Cool!

At the main desk, we have thigh-level swinging saloon-like doors on each side (because clearly this creates a strict barrier to anyone who is even considering helping themselves to behind the desk). Being a helpful librarian, I like to leave my perch and help patrons, but this time as I was pushing the little door to go back behind the desk the latch caught on my twill pants and zzzzzzzzzzzipppppp! I now have a L-shaped rip in my pants, just below the left front pocket that is about 8 inches in length 6 in width.

Luckily, the person I was helping did not hear and no one else within earshot except maybe the people who heard me in my office laughing to my friend when I called to tell her what happened (she asked me to send her a photo of my rip so I obliged)! She could even tell I was laughing so hard, I was crying.

Unfortunately, it is after 4pm, which means I am the only one working so I cannot leave. I do not have any safety pins (note to self: bring some in), tape will not hold and even if I had a sewing kit I wouldn't be able to leave the desk unattended long enough to repair my pants. If I try to sit down you can totally see the rip, so I guess I'll be standing behind the desk for the remainder of my shift with my cardigan tied around my waist.

Scratch that last part, I just had to leave the desk to un-jam the printer for a guy who now has toner on the cuff of his dress shirt. He seems way more annoyed than I am and a good portion of my leg is exposed behind my sweater -ha!

Packing a Lunch

The other week, I was sitting at my desk eating my packed lunch and scanning Bloglines when I read Flexo's Struggle: Spending on Food is Really About Motivation and the comments.

Oh how I sometimes wish I had a struggle of choosing whether or not to pack! With only a 30-minute lunch, not having a kitchen/breakroom, a cafeteria that closes for summer, only a 1.5 cu ft. compact fridge to share with four other people and feeling isolated from the rest of the campus departments, I have plenty of motivation for packing a lunch or go without!

We can keep all the food we can stuff in our desk drawers, but it an un-written rule that our fridge food not be kept longer than a few days because the lack of space. We have a water fountain that produces warm water so everyone keeps bottles of water in the fridge, which take up considerable room. For our potluck a couple weeks back, a coworker brought in a cooler and bag of ice so that we could keep our dishes chilled until lunchtime.

As a library, we have to staff a point of service 12 hours a day but our shifts do not always overlap at lunchtime (for whatever reason the scheduling of student workers specifically for covering the desk during lunch has not panned out). On the good side, if I pack my lunch I can take it to an outdoor spot (assuming the dead birds don't skeeve me out too much and the bird poop is minimal), enjoy a little reading and pretend I am not at work. On the bad side, I am snapped back to reality when I see other campus employees rolling back from lunch and am a little jealous that even if I wanted to spend the money eating lunch out, that is not really an option.

Irish Dancing is still expensive

This past weekend, I spent my days at the Dayton and Cincinnati feiseanna. Last year, I wrote about the cost of Irish dancing and it is still expensive!

I could write about the crazed kids and stage parents, but it is just so odd to me to see people in tears because they didn't dance well enough to prove to their friends that they are good dancers. But they are going to go out and spend money on more lessons, dance camps, dresses and supplies to help achieve that status. Keeping up with the O'Jones, I guess!

Recipe: Sinfully Silly Snickers Apple Fruit Salad

Yesterday, I clocked in an awesome 8.5-hour day at the pool - that's full-time work! ;) I completed some serious reading, treading (of water), people watching and catching up with my mom when she joined me after she got off work. A Good Day!

On Memorial Day, my aunt brought a candy apple-tasting "salad" that she saw on The View. I decided to make it for Father's Day, but I modified it a little based on available ingredients. It served as a cool treat in lieu of ice cream.

• 3 granny smith apples
• 3 refrigerated Take 5 candy bars (they were on sale, Snickers weren't)
  
• 1 6 oz whipped topping

I did not peel the apples because why waste the skin? I used an apple slicer to slice the apples and chop them into cubes.
Chop and add the candy bars.
Add the whipped topping.
Mix thoroughly.
Chill for 2 hours.
Serve and enjoy!

Songs of Summer 2007!

June 21 marks the first day of summer and since my employer gave me the day off* to celebrate, I will post my picks for Songs of Summer 2007 a day early since I am computer-less when at the pool!

These are songs that I think will remind me of this summer because they will blow up the radio stations and be played once an hour.

Beautiful Girls - Sean Kingston
Big Girls Don't Cry - Fergie
Girlfriend - Avril Lavinge
Makes Me Wonder - Maroon 5
Never Again - Kelly Clarkson
Party Like a Rockstar - Shop Boyz
Shut Up & Drive - Rihanna
Umbrella - Rihanna feat Jay-Z
U & UR Hand - Pink

*I kid, the library staff has been kicked out of the library for the day so they can use it to hold a fundraiser

Free Stuff: baby products & coupons

[June 20, 2007] I am too lazy to go through all these links and check them, but the Huggies from Walmart is active as of this date and I just added the formula.

I know it's just my age or the emphasis on celebrity babies, but they are EVERYWHERE! I've heard you can score some free stuff so I thought I would see what I could find by visiting baby product web sites. Unfortunately, I am not a parent and it is likely I missed those companies that do not have gazillion dollar advertising campaigns. If you're a parent and know of some offers not mentioned below, please leave a comment!

Not all of the following may be free offers, some might be for coupons or notices of promotions.

• Member's Mark Infant Formula
• Huggies from Walmart
  
• Beechnut bib or bowl
• Gerber
• Bright Beginnings
• Enfamil - 1-800-BABY-123
• Similac - 1-800-BABYLINE
  
• Very Best Baby -1-800-242-5200
• Huggies 1-800-544-1847
• Pampers
• Charmin Potty Training Kit
• American Baby magazine
• Fitness Magazine (not just for moms, but it is an offer through a mom-oriented web site)
  

Celebrity Baby Blog offers monthly giveaways of products from the site's sponsors, who also offer discounts.

Don't forgot about UPromise or opening an ING Direct savings account for Junior or Princess!

While we're on the topic, HGTV has some photographic inspiration for baby rooms, including ones that aren't all pastels or cutesy motifs (I caught the end of this episode this morning and was impressed that the room could transition into a little girl's room without the need for a decorating overhaul).

Please note, any emails or comments that hope to inspire a debate of disposable vs cloth diapers or bottle vs breast should be directed elsewhere. Thank you.

Related Posts: Free Stuff: samples & coupons [2007]

Free Stuff: My Coke Rewards

Things Go Better With Coke!
Originally uploaded by udandi.

Wednesday mornings are trash day, some days on my walk I see if anyone is throwing out Coca-cola products with caps, if so, I take them. I've been entering My Coke Rewards for the last couple of months and saving them for something good. I considered the Coca-Cola flip flops, but in the end decided the 12-can soft-sided cooler with a Coke bottle zipper pull and says "Things Go Better With Coke" was a better pick. It is the perfect size for packing water, soda and sandwiches for a day at the pool!

This is the second free cooler I have gotten. Many years ago when I opened a Fifth-Third Checking account I got a nice soft-sided cooler that has gone on many boating trips, pool parties and picnics!

All Financial Matters' Giveaway A Day

JLP is giving away four items from Buttoned Up in his A Giveaway a Day for the Rest of the Week! Scramble over to All Financial Matters and get yourself entered and hopefully organized.


A couple months ago, I found the 2006 spiral-bound world maps calendar I used during grad school. I filled out my class times, assignments, work schedule, my workouts, homework/study blocks, group meetings, social events and birthdays in color-coded ink. It accounted for pretty much of all my waking hours so I always knew how my time was being spent. Maybe a little over the top, but it is glimpse into where I was at that point in my life and since I really liked the maps, I kept it for use as a book art project.

Sew What! Skirts: 16 Simple Styles You Can Make with Fabulous Fabrics

I keep saying (out loud, but to myself) I should go to the fabric store and find a nice pattern for skirt-making, but I'm dragging my feet because I doubt the pattern will fit me the way I want.

Lately, I have been reading reviews of ladies who have made skirts using Sew What! Skirts and viewed the photos tagged with sew what skirts at flickr. They say that since you make a pattern based on your own measurements, it is a more accurate fit. Since I recently won $15 in Amazon gift certificates through Blingo*, I decided to buy the book.

I am not going to hold myself to any grand visions of skirt-making by the end of summer, because it is hot and humid and despite having a room air conditioner, it is still unpleasant and sticky at home so I spend my after work hours swimming! Maybe in the fall, I'll make some for next year...


*Blingo is a search engine that gives away prizes. If your referrals win, you win. Like this guy who won a plasma tv, because his referral won.

Win A Free Sewing Pattern from Amy Butler

From Chronicle Books:

Celebrated designer Amy Butler brings her fresh, modern style to the timeless craft of sewing in this lavishly illustrated collection of patterns. Whether it's chic placemats and napkins for the kitchen, a luxurious kimono-style robe for the bath, a sash with beaded fringe, or handy organizer baskets for the home office, Amy Butler's In Stitches makes it easy to create beautiful accessories for every room and every mood.

Email webmaster@chroniclebooks.com with the subject line "stitches" and you'll have the opportunity to win 1 of 25 free Betty Shopper patterns.

Betty Shopper is a large shoulder bag and portfolio--oversized to fit your real life with a modern style that holds it all together. Two sizes to make, with special pockets right where you need them. Instructions and pattern pieces included. Winners will be chosen Wednesday June 20, 2007.

Amy Butler's In Stitches

Wish List: Envirosax

Yesterday, not martha posted that the retro bags from Envirosax were available at Delight (and now sold out).

At Delight the set of 5 bags are $33 + $7.95 shipping (was free for the retro set). If purchased from Envirosax they are $35 + $5 shipping.

Sure $40 for 5 bags is crazy to some, especially to the poster at Delight who pointed out that grocery stores give you bags for free. Of course, he is missing the point of those wish to reduce the consumption of plastic bags.

People who have them say they are durable, waterproof, can be worn over a shoulder and fold up for storage in a medium to large purse (probably the size my mom uses) or for keeping in the car. One lady said she fit a full cart of groceries into 7 bags, which I must say is rather impressive because the teenage baggers at the local Krogers manage stick 9 items in 7 plastics bags if you let them!

I'm eyeing a set since of re-usable bags I have, one is often filled with library items and the other I take to the pool because it is big enough to hide my lunch bag cooler (sshhh, don't tell security I bring in my own water and lunch).

[update June 14] I received an email from Delight that said:

As our way of saying thanks for purchasing the Envirosax we'd like to offer you free shipping on anything on Delight.com for the next three days (through June 15th)

Except I did not purchase the Envirosax (yet). I did not post the coupon code. You could probably get it if you sign up for the newsletter or emailed me.

Make It: Cold Italian Pasta Salad

Today at work we had a potluck lunch. My side dish is so very simple and basic that I was a little embarrassed (although I should not be) that when asked for the recipe because I do not have exact measurements.

• Rotini (that's spiral kind for the pasta confused!)
• 1 Roma tomato
• Your favorite Italian dressing
  
• 1 tbsp Parmesan cheese

Directions:
Cook the pasta, drain and cool.
Pour in dressing (eyeball it).
Mix in the Parmesan cheese.
Chop and add Roma tomato.
Chill overnight so the pasta and tomato have time to marinate in the dressing.
Stir before serving.

Here's a fancier pasta salad recipe and by fancier I mean, more ingredients and time required!

NCN: Your Very Best Money Saving Tip

I received an email from No Credit Needed asking me to update my very best money saving tip to link to his new web site because he is bringing it back in the hopes of collecting 100 tips.

If you have a money saving tip, consider submitting it to No Credit Needed!

Don't Try It: Bread + Potato Chips

You know how a piece of bread in a container of cookies keeps them soft and chewing? It does the same when you inadvertently leave your hot dog bun in a bag with potato chips.

dried-out bun + soggy chips = disappointing lunch

Hope your lunch is tastier!

Oh It's Crop-A-Dile, not dial

I love this blog and how it has given my sister and I another way to communicate. The other day she called to make her guess on which friends I had this conversation with and today I opened my email and saw this:

Andi, I have coasters and a crop a dile if you wanted to do the board book.

Totally Awesome I Must Say! And I need to take a moment to thank all my readers who may not leave a comment, but will email with ideas and offers - you rock!

So it is Crop a Dile or Crop-a-Dile, which explains why I could not find much when I searched for crop a dial as it was written on the blog I referred to for the board book project.

Now that I have seen a photo and read a description I wonder if I might improvise with my Dritz Eyelet/Snap Setter? If I had the Rollabind Punch, I could use the Rollabinds I bought for an entirely different use.

But in the time it has taken me to compose this post, my sister has replied again with:

SU makes a punch now that would fit those clips but I don't know if they would go through the chip board. But maybe punch with the crop a dile and then make the tab to slide the rollabind into it?!?!

I am going to have to check out this Stampin' Up! tool and plan a trip to raid her craft supplies! I'll have to remember to put the media card in my digi-cam so I can get some photos of all her projects and that baby!

Craft Link Dump: Projects and Recipes

Helvetica Rice Krispie Treats - I think for my next birthday I will strive to spell my name in Rice Krispie treats

R2D2 Groom's Cake

Crafty Vegan Cupcakes

Ricotta Calzones with Sausage and Broccoli Rabe - I love calzones but have never made them because a roommate in college attempted it and made a mess. The photos make me want to give it go (in the fall when I won't mind turning on the oven).

Duct Tape Prom

HOW TO - Refashion a Girl's Dress into a Tote Bag

Trash the Dress - rather than keep your wedding dress in a box, you have a photographer take photos of you trashing your dress and send them to this web site. It looks like water and rolling around on sand are the preferred methods for trashing a dress...

Inspiration: Craft Rooms

DIY Wedding Guestbook

Little Board Book - this is a little 4x4 album made from digital scrapbook pages adhered to coasters. I might try it except I do not have coasters or a bind it all or crop a dial for binding so I'll have to improvise. She also uses the The Shabby Shoppe for digital scrapbooking kits and until June 10th every thing is 25% off and a gift if you spend $10 or more.

Felt Inanimate Object - I love the blender with bananas and strawberries for a fruit smoothie

Try it: Cloth Napkins

cloth napkins
Originally uploaded by udandi.

I purchased these bandannas to use as cloth napkins instead of buying paper napkins. At work, I use whatever I can find in our office or bring in my extra Qdoba napkins.

The bonus of using cloth napkins is that until I get to the last one, they do not slump down in the napkin holder, like paper ones tend to do. I should take a photo because now I have a white and blue table runner and one matching blue and white napkin and these orange, pink and red napkins so it is a fiesta of color and pattern at my table!

I had thought about using them to make pillows for my futon but I figured napkins were a better use.

Just Buy Another!

Last night after trivia*, my teammates and I were chewing the fat about oil changes. I mentioned that I liked my mechanic, because he was quick, honest and that when he replaced the engine in my 1991 Toyota Tercel, he put in a new clutch at no charge. To which inspired an exchange something like...

Teammate: WHY! did you replace the engine in your car, why didn't you just buy a new car?

Me: That car was paid for shortly after I got it in college. At the time of the engine blow, I was making less than you were in your first year of teaching and buying a different car (used or new) was certainly going to cost more than $1000 for a new engine.

Teammate: uh, get a loan!

Me: I'm adverse to debt. Besides my student loans, I didn't have any until I bought my current car.

Teammate: *eye roll*

Me: Actually, I did not pay for that engine because M's neighbor backed into the side of my car and wrote a check for $1500 to get the front quarter panel replaced and a new paint job (the car was faded red). I ended up getting the repair and paint job cost $500, so I banked the rest for future repairs. I put minimal repairs into the car for the following 5 years and then sold it for slightly less than I bought it. Besides, as a young teen my Depression-era grandparents said "if you cannot buy it today in cash, you wait until you can." That stuck with me.

Teammate 2: but who buys cars in cash?!

Me: Obviously, my grandparents and all those people who make planned purchases.

Teammate1 & 2 : oh

I love these conversations because I like to think it makes others realize it is possible to keep your head above water regardless of how low the income (I've always earned less than my friends, including those of whom are teachers).

*we came in 3rd so that's 2 free appetizers to split among the 5 of us

Make It: Wild Birthday Card

cheetah
Originally uploaded by udandi.

I've been making cards, but forgetting to take photos of them.

Recently, I accidentally switched two birthday cards and envelopes so when one friend was opening her card I panicked and asked for it back explaining what a ding-dong I am!

This card is made with Stampin' Up In the Wild and Safari (background) stamps and papers. The red twill ribbon was a Michaels dollar ribbon bin find some time in the last 3 years.

Related Posts:
Make It: Faux Leather Cards
The Project Vault

Video: Copyright Law and Fair Use

Check out this is a creative 10-minute video explaining Copyright Law and Fair Use created by Eric Faden of Bucknell University.

The synopsis from the web site:

Professor Eric Faden of Bucknell University created this humorous, yet informative, review of copyright principles delivered through the words of the very folks we can thank for nearly endless copyright terms.

The Center for Internet and Society blog has links to some interesting articles.

"Washingtonienne" blogger files for bankruptcy

Obviously, a book deal and posing in Playboy does not earn enough money to fend off a 20 million dollar lawsuit from a former lover who was exposed on Jessica Cutler's personal blog.

It will be interesting to see how the lawsuit will impact online activity, especially given how many people are so openly flashing their (and their friends') trash on myspace, facebook, et al.

Cutler has spent much of her time fending off a lawsuit by ex-boyfriend and fellow DeWine staffer Robert Steinbuch, who claims Cutler's blog publicly humiliated him. He is seeking more than $20 million in damages.

In court documents filed in the case Thursday, however, Cutler says she can't even pay her American Express bill, legal fees and student loans. She submitted to the judge a copy of a Chapter 7 bankruptcy petition filed in New York dated Wednesday.

The lawsuit is being closely watched by online privacy groups and bloggers because the case could help establish whether people who keep online diaries are obligated to protect the privacy of the people they interact with offline.

Real-World Salaries of Your Favorite TV Characters

Real-World Salaries of Your Favorite TV Characters is a fun article from MSN and career builder that uses median salaries to give an estimate TV characters' salaries.

One of my favorite TV characters is the Barney Stintson (Swarley) on How I Met Your Mother but since we do not know his job, he could not be included, but presumably it is legendary! On The Office, Michael had not received a raise in 14 years(!) and was only making slightly more than the manager of the shipping unit, so prior to his raise he probably not making too much more than Pam.

Pam Beesly, "The Office" -- Receptionist
Real-life median salary: $23,120, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS)

Although Pam is the object of her co-workers' affections, she can rest assured that the men who love her aren't gold diggers. Luckily, she lives in a small Pennsylvania town where her petite paycheck stretches a bit further than it would if she lived in, say, Manhattan.