AndreaNelsonDesigns

New duck owners!!

2010-03-26T15:46:00.000-07:00

Just had to show you the duckies we brought home from TSC.. First thing my daughter wanted to do was put them in the tub and watch them swim.. LOL

Don't you just hate stupid people?

2010-03-26T14:18:00.000-07:00

Are you reading this Miss tax lady???
Nuff said...

Good Eats: Ice Cream

2010-02-25T16:30:00.000-08:00

I thought this was interesting on how to make the perfect ice cream.. Specially since summer is just around the corner.. YUM.

Valentine Cupcakes!!

2010-02-10T17:27:00.000-08:00

I made some Valentine cupcakes for my daughter's party for tomorrow.. She helped put the sprinkles on :)Double chocolate.. Chocolate cupcakes with chocolate buttercream frosting.. YUM!

New Video Tutorial for cheer bows!

2010-02-09T21:11:00.001-08:00

Hey guys.. Sorry it has been so long since my last tutorial.. My design space is a total wreck!! I started working on finishing up unfinished work I had laying around.. I decided to go ahead and make this video for you.. Hope you enjoy!

Giveaway at YCMT!!

2010-02-04T09:05:00.000-08:00

To celebrate the launch of a new show, YCMT has teamed up Janome to give away 2 machines! Someone is going to win the Janome 350e EMBROIDERY machine and a second person is going to win the Janome DC4030 SEWING machine!

I have entered.. Wanna know how you can? Just go here: http://www.thediydish.com/ to find out how..

Must have KitchenAid attachment!!

2010-02-01T16:11:00.000-08:00

Ok.. I think I am ready to purchase my first attachment for my kitchenaid. My family is a big pasta eater.

YAY!! I got it!!

2010-01-21T18:40:00.000-08:00

YAY!! I got my stand mixer.. I have opted out of getting a bread machine since this particular model will mix the dough up and everything for me!! I can make all kinds of breads and crusts and more!! I am so excited! I made my first batch of wedding cookies with it tonight. THIS is the one I ended up getting.

It is the 575-watts, Bowl-lift, design 6-quart professional model. I wanted to make sure I got the one with the metal gears since I would be using it a lot for doughs.
Anyways, Just thought I would share :)

Restaurant Review: Dicks Wing's & Grill in Waycross, Ga

2010-01-15T21:00:00.000-08:00

A little history first.. This place was just recently bought out by Donna Dixon. She cleaned house. There is an entirely new staff, right down to the cooks!
Here is the location information:
2470 Memorial Dr.
Waycross, GA
912-287-9930

First let me apologize for the crappy photos. A new cell phone is in my very new future!!
Anyways, so me and my daughter went shopping in Waycross on Friday afternoon. I REALLY wanted something different. I wanted to try somewhere I have never been. So I figured I would give this place a try. This is the first thing you see on your left when you walk in the door.

The eating area is like one big open room! They have games to play that are lined along the left side of the room. The bar is in the back.
So we are seated and I notice the condiment holders on the table:

It is a Budweiser 4 pack bottle holder. The Corona beer bottles are actually salt and pepper shakers.. LOL.. Well now that's original.
It didn't take long for our orders to be taken. The guy brings us our drinks, without straws! Mind you, my daughter has a to-go cup with a lid. So after about 5 minutes we get straws. She has been sipping on my drink while the guy went to get her straw. Seriously, this guy has passed by our table at least 3 times by then!!
So we both ordered: 8 oz WELL DONE ribeye steak with a side, & bread. 12.99

On a scale from 1 - 10:
Potato salad 4
Salad 4
Steaks 5.5

Overall food quality, I give this place 2 stars out of 5

Now the service is a totally different ball game. The waiter was nice enough. He just didnt act like he was working with a full deck.. I mean.. My steaks got brought out without a fork.. What?? Was I suppose to hold it with my fingers while I cut it up? Seriously took this guy 5 minutes to bring me a fork!!!!! My steak was cold by that time.. Not to mention the straw thing. He took away plates from another table, added up someone else's bill and took it to them while counting back the change, BEFORE he even went to go get my dang fork!! I was pissed.. What an idiot!!!! He only had 2 other tables to wait on.. Come on!!!

I wouldnt recommend this place until they get their stuff together. Hire more competant staff for Friday afternoon crowds!.

Restaurant Review: TACO BELL

2010-01-13T13:50:00.000-08:00

Ok.. So I very rarely go to Taco Bell, but this is going to be my first post for a restaurant review. I was thinking it was something I would like to add to my Blog.

So Harley and I decided on Taco Bell. She wanted Zaxby's, but I was a little tired of Zaxby's. So she ordered a quesadilla combo with soft taco and I ordered a Meximelt and their new Beefy 5 Layer Burrito. Let me tell ya.
The Burrito tasted like something from the freezer. Very bland. not much taste at all. I give it a 3 on a scale of 1-10
The Meximelt tasted just like a soft taco with sour cream and onions added. I give it a 4 on a scale of 1-10
The quesadilla is consistant most of the time. That is mainly what my family orders when we go there. I give it a 6 on a scale of 1-10

Cute conversation with my daughter

2010-01-13T13:39:00.000-08:00

Ok.. So we were on the way home today after running some errands. My daughter decided to sit in the back seat. The conversation went like this:

Daughter: Mama. You know what I wish?
Me: What?
Daughter: I wish I could fly!
Me: You do?
Daughter: Uh huh. Like Thumbelina. We should all have been born with wings, so we could fly. If I had some wings with handles, I could fly like Thumbelina. Somebody should make me some wings with handles so I can fly.
Me: Your wings would need a motor so you could fly.
Daughter: Nuh uh. They just need some handles..

Ok.. so I totally thought that was to cute not to share!!

Sharing a how to vid of my daughter.. LOL

2010-01-05T17:43:00.000-08:00

I had to capture this moment in time of my daughter.. Too Kewt not to share. Wouldn't you say?

MOVIE REVIEW - AVATAR

2010-01-05T14:41:00.000-08:00

I cant leave this movie review out!! It had my whole family captivated from beginning to end. My 7 year old daughter sat through the whole movie! If you dont know my daughter, well lets just say she gets distracted very easily. Even my husband stayed awake in this one! I must warn you that it is almost 3 hours long!!

The producer is the same one that made titanic several years ago. There was no details left out! you stayed wowed and amazed the entire time!

I can't say enough about this movie. If you havent seen it yet, GO!

On a scale of 1-10, I give this movie a 10!!

MOVIE REVIEW - Paranormal Activity

2010-01-05T14:14:00.000-08:00

This is the overview taken from the site:

After a young, middle class couple moves into what seems like a typical suburban “starter” tract house, they become increasingly disturbed by a presence that may or may not be demonic but is certainly most active in the middle of the night.
Especially when they sleep. Or try to.

Ok, so basically it is suppose to be a horror movie made in a similiar style as the Blair Witch project. It was made using a home video camera.
I was hugely disappointed after watching the movie. But if anyone knows me well, I am a stickler for watching a movie through to the end.. The movie was just too slow paced and the ending was EXTREMELY lame!!

On a scale of 1-10. I would have to give this movie a 4. My husband would have given it a 1. He slept through most of it.. LOL.. This is how I can tell if a movie is good or not, or if its just me.. Meaning, if he falls asleep, its not a good movie.

You can see the preview of it yourself here: Paranormal Activity

My Wishlist for 2010

2010-01-05T11:57:00.001-08:00

Thought I would make this wishlist for the New Year.. Just some of the things I would like to see purchased for myself or the home this year!!

Emerilware 3lb Automatic Bread Maker w/Baguette Trays

KitchenAid Professional 600 575 Watts Stand Mixer in Black

A complete makeup over haul!! I am looking into purchasing the MAC cosmetics brand.

Obviously, I am adding to my wardrobe slowly. No!! I am not on a diet. I dont plan on going one in the near future either. I enjoy eating. I have the man I want. Granted, I am not the 90 pound woman I was 10 years ago. Nevertheless, I am still, in my own opinion (because I dont care what everybody else thinks about me), I am a beautiful woman!
I also want a nice home cleaning system like the Kirby Or a Rainbow. Need to do a bit more research on both to find out which I like better. Do any of you have suggestions?

It's her Birthday

2009-12-29T17:51:00.000-08:00

Tomorrow is my daughter's birthday.. YAY.. She will be 7.. We are going to take her out to dinner of her choice and then to see a movie. Here is a photo of us today:

Buckeyes

2009-12-28T11:58:00.000-08:00

Made these for Christmas gifts this year.. They taste like reese cups!
Everyone liked them

Ingredients
1 1/2 cups creamy peanut butter
1/2 cup butter, softened
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
4 cups sifted confectioners' sugar
6 ounces semi-sweet chocolate chips
2 tablespoons shortening
Directions
1.Line a baking sheet with waxed paper; set aside.
2.In a medium bowl, mix peanut butter, butter, vanilla, and confectioners' sugar with hands to form a smooth stiff dough. Shape into balls using 2 teaspoons of dough for each ball. Place on prepared pan, and refrigerate.
3.Melt shortening and chocolate together in a metal bowl over a pan of lightly simmering water. Stir occasionally until smooth, and remove from heat.
4.Remove balls from refrigerator. Insert a wooden toothpick into a ball, and dip into melted chocolate. Return to wax paper, chocolate side down, and remove toothpick. Repeat with remaining balls. Refrigerate for 30 minutes to set.

Olive Garden Pasta E Fagioli Recipe

2009-12-28T11:09:00.000-08:00

3 teaspoons Oil
2 pounds Ground beef
12 ounces Onion; chopped
14 ounces Carrots; slivered
14 ounces Celery; diced
48 ounces Tomatoes; canned, diced
2 cups cooked Red Kidney beans
2 cups cooked White kidney beans
88 ounces Beef stock
3 teaspoons Oregano
2 1/2 teaspoons Pepper
5 teaspoons Parsley; (fresh chopped)
1 1/2 teaspoon Tabasco sauce
48 ounces Spaghetti sauce
8 ounces dry pasta Shell macaroni; or other pasta

Directions:

Preparation: Sauté beef in oil in large 10-qt. pot until beef starts to brown. Add onions, carrots, celery and tomatoes and simmer for about 10 minutes. Drain and rinse beans and add to the pot. Also add beef stock, oregano, pepper, Tabasco, spaghetti sauce, and noodles. Add chopped parsley. Simmer until celery and carrots are tender, about 45 minutes. Makes 9 qts. of soup! **Just cut the recipe in 1/2 for smaller family needs!

Olive Garden Alfredo Sauce Recipe

2009-12-28T10:49:00.000-08:00

Ingredients:
1 pint heavy cream
1 stick butter
2 tablespoons cream cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese - (to 3/4)
1 teaspoon garlic powder

Cooking Directions:
In a saucepan combine butter, heavy cream, and cream cheese. Simmer this
until all is melted, and mixed well. Add the Parmesan cheese and Garlic
powder. Simmer this for 15 to 20 minutes on low. You may wish to season
with a little salt and pepper.
**Let the sauce simmer as long as you can!

Olive Garden salad dressing

2009-12-28T10:19:00.000-08:00

This tastes identical to Olive Garden's Salad dressing. We visit one as frequently as we can, and I can tell you this is identical! I had some family request this recipe from me, so I thought I would post it here for all to enjoy!

OLIVE GARDEN ITALIAN DRESSING

1/2 cup mayonnaise (I use Kraft)
1/3 cup white vinegar
1 tsp vegetable oil
2 tbsp corn syrup
2 tbsp parmesan cheese
2 tbsp romano cheese
1/4 tsp garlic salt
1/2 tsp italian seasoning
1/2 tsp parsley flakes
1 tbsp lemon juice

Mix all ingrediants well in a blender. Toss in to your lettuce and salad vegetables!

How to make a gift bow

2009-12-12T14:28:00.000-08:00

Hey guys.. This is just in time for Christmas! Enjoy!

Video Tutorial for Boutique Style Hairbow

2009-12-09T17:11:00.000-08:00

How to make a Center Knot

2009-12-08T20:03:00.001-08:00

This is a video that I did today to show you how to make that center knot for your bows.

Just a thought...

2009-12-04T16:38:00.000-08:00

ok.. I just got back from eating dinner in town with hubby and daughter. I was stopped at a red light and noticed that the car in front of me just kep easing to the next car.. Its like they would brake, then ease up, brake, then ease up.. You get it, right? anyways, so I was thinking.. Why bother? It isnt going to make you get to go any faster? It doesnt get you much further, than where you first stoppped? I dont understand? Oh well.. It was just a thought to ponder.. LOL

Harley and her Dad playing

2009-12-04T12:44:00.000-08:00

I am loving this video blogging!! This is Harley and her dad doing what they do all the time!! He is such a great daddy :)

New Fuzzy Butts!!

2009-12-03T20:44:00.000-08:00

They are hatching!! What you see in the video are only 2 of them.. several more have hatched!.. I still have an incubator full.. These are French Standard Black Copper Marans eggs I purchased from BYC member "Ruth".

Christmas Outfit

2009-12-01T19:20:00.001-08:00

I recieved this outfit in exchange for some work that I am doing for someone.. I cant believe how much my little girl has grown. She loved this outfit so much she wore it 2 days in a row.. LOL

For now these will be my last photos. I am sending my camera off for repair. Hopefully it will be back before Christmas, but I am not holding my breath.. At least I will have my new camcorder. I sent the other one back that I got and am getting the new one tomorrow!! I missed the ups guy today. I had to go into town..

Free Custom Printable Christmas Card

2009-11-14T10:57:00.000-08:00

Would you like to send customized Christmas Cards this year? Well now is your chance to do just that for FREE!!
I have created 2 printable Cards that you can customize with your choice of photo.

All you have to do is become a follower by clicking on the "follow" tab to the right of this post..
Pick from one of the following cards.

Then email me at andreanelsondesigns[at]gmail.com with your "follower/username".
I will email you the card.. Thats it!!

I will be giving these files away until December 15th 2009..

Super Easy Dessert

2009-11-14T08:59:00.000-08:00

Ok. I must admit.. I am a chocoholic!! I am always on the lookout for simple recipes I can make incase I need to make up a quick gift. This particluar recipe gives you something sweet as well as something salty. But dont take my word for it. See for yourself.

Ingrediants:
1 1/2 pkg. (8 squares each) Baker's Semi-sweet Chocolate
1 cup chopped pretzels (dont crush them)
1/3 chopped toasted PLANTERS Pecans(dont crush them)

Melt chocolate in microwave safe bowl and stir 20-30 second intervals until completely melted.

Stir pretzels and nuts into the melted chocolate. Cover a baking sheet with wax paper. Pour mixture onto baking sheet.

Refrigerate 1 hour or until firm. Break into pieces

Substituions for nuts can be made with almonds, cashews, pistachios, macadamia nuts, etc. You could mix in a little bit of all of them if you wish!
You could also substitue the dark or white chocolate, or use both swirled together!

Time to re-group...

2009-10-28T14:50:00.000-07:00

ok, so I havent posted in a while. Life got in the way a bit here lately! Last weekend we added a very special addition to our goat herd. I would like to introduce everyone to Maverick:

And trust me, he is not as big as he appears in the photo.. I was quite surprised at how small he really was.. Just a handsome guy!!

This is him as a baby.. Wasnt he cute (turn head slightly and say awww.. you know you want to :) )

This is a photo of his mother

This is a photo of his first kids

Here is his bloodline details: (it's getting cut off.. You will need to click on the image to bring it to actual size)

**Photos courtesy of Oldesouth AL, Critterhaven TN, Helmstead GA

We have a WINNER!!

2009-10-02T14:36:00.000-07:00

ok everyone.. Today is the day to draw a winner for the Crochet Book!!
We placed all the names in a bowl and drew from there..

CONGRADULATIONS!!

Please contact me with your name and address so that I can get this out in the mail ASAP!!
And to everyone else.. Dont fret.. There are tons more give-aways ahead, so stay tuned..

My very first Give-Away!!

2009-09-24T14:41:00.000-07:00

ok.. Here's how you can have a chance to win.. Click on the left hand side of the screen where it says followers. Then just follow my blog! I will choose a name from the list of followers on October 2nd, which is a little over a week from now!
Here is what I will be giving away:

It is Old Time Crochet Made Easy from House of White Birches! A 20.00 Value!!

My famous potato skin recipe!

2009-09-24T12:54:00.000-07:00

Ok.. So I HAD to learn how to make these since the only place in town that sold them, stopped selling them.. Let's get started..

Ingrediants:
Medium Idaho Potatoes
Cheese - I prefer to use colby/jack block cheese
Oscar Meyer Real Bacon Bits - or fry your own and chop up
Chives - Optional
Melon Baller or other scooping tool

Ok, First we need to cut the potatoes in half, lengthwise and scoop out the centers as so: (this is where the melon baller is used)
You could also bake them for 30 minutes at 350* to make scooping them out, alot easier!

The next step is to deep fry the potato until done and salt lightly, as so:

Next, cut your cheese to size. I love to use lots of cheese, but I used it sparingly for the purpose of this recipe. Add your bacon pieces and chives at this point:

Next pop them on a cookie sheet in the oven until the cheese is completely melted. Place them on a platter and serve with your favorite dressing. We like to eat ours with homemade honey mustard and homemade ranch dip. I am the only one that eats sour cream in the house, so most of the time that gets left out. But I LOVE it with these!!

EAT UP!:

These freeze well! Put them in freezer safe bags. They store for several months.. I just prefer to have them fresh out of the oven.. Most of the time I dont have any left over to freeze :D

How to video's coming soon!!

2009-09-22T18:20:00.000-07:00

Ok guys. I finally settled on a camcorder to do my how to video's and interviews with!! Can't wait. Keep your eyes peeled for them!!

OOOOOOOOOOWCH!!

2009-09-21T12:58:00.001-07:00

Ok.. It all started a typical day.. I decided I wanted to start on making this chicken feeder that was shown on a website that I frequently visit. I purchase the materials needed. DH brought home his die grinder tool that he uses alot at work. Anyways, I proceed to cut the pvc with it.. Next think I know, something comes up and hits me in the head.. I knew I was hurt.. I just didnt know how bad.. I grabbed my forhead and saw blood pouring out of my hands!! Literally!! Pouring!! So I fall to the ground and scream, I NEED TO GO TO THE HOSPITAL.. I couldnt see out my right eye!.. I thought it had got my eye as well.. Come to find out, it was only filled with blood..
Hubby panicked! He left me on the ground outside to get keys and to tell the kids where we were going. The blood was still pouring out of my hand. I made it in the house to grab a towel from the bathroom to press against my head. Hubby is so shaken he has to get my middle child to unlock the truck doors. He tells me to get in, but I couldnt get my legs to work.. They were so wobbly. So he runs around to the side of the truck and puts me in the truck. We race to the hospital.. I guess its a good thing that I grabbed a BIG towel, otherwise I might have had a heart attack before we got to the hospital.. He almost slung me in the floor board from slamming on brakes.. LOL
SO we get to the hospital and they take us right back. They did a scan of my head and told me that they had to call a surgeon on to take a look at it.. They told me it cut down to the bone and that a piece of the blade was lodged in my head!! I started to freak again!! Meanwhile they gave me some morphine for pain and a tetanus shot. ( I haven't had one in probably 20 years). Anyways.. So we wait on the surgeon to get there. When he arrives he's thinking we need to go to the OR.. OMG!! SURGERY!! He says if I think I could stand the pain, he could just give me locals.. Ok, so locals it is.. Oh my ever loving GOD!! Let me tell ya.. Even though we saved 3000. for the OR, it would have probably been worth every penny! It hurt like HELL!!
Well he stitched me up, with the stitching being on the inside. I am so worried about scarring!.. He says it will be very minimal scarring since he stitched it this way.. Althought this doesnt make me feel better.. So do you wanna see??

This is the before with it all split open: (this is from DH's cell phone)

This is todays visit after the bandages:

I didnt realise until today, that it cut me twice! I can also see that it came with 1/4" of cutting my eye!! Oh how lucky I was!!!

Wanna see what I was trying to make?.. LOL

Banana Bread in the jar? HUH???

2009-09-18T19:09:00.000-07:00

That is what I said when I first heard about canning Banana Bread!! But it can be done! I have tested it and it is divine.. Plus if I am in a pinch for a housewarming gift, well, I will have something on hand!! Thanks to my friends at BYC for the delicious recipe!!

Here it is all pretty in the jar (this is before the pretty packaging)

Doesn't it look divine?? Here is a photo of it all "dolled" up:

So, how to make it, you ask? Well here you go:

2/3 c. shortening
2 2/3 c. sugar
4 eggs
2 c. mashed bananas
2 c. canned pumpkin
2/3 c. water
3 1/3 c. flour
1/2 tsp. baking powder
2 tsp. baking soda
1 tsp. cinnamon
1 tsp. ground cloves
1 1/2 tsp. salt
2/3 c. nuts

Cream shortening and sugar. Beat eggs, pumpkin and water. Sift together flour, baking powder, soda, salt and spices. Add to pumpkin mixture. Stir in nuts. Pour mixture into greased wide mouth jars filling 1/2 full. Bake at 325 degrees for 45 minutes. When done remove 1 jar at a time and wipe sealing edge with paper towel or cloth and screw cap on tightly. The heat will vacuum seal the jar and the bread will keep for up to 1 year. (Alot of people say they only stay good as the conventional way. So this is my disclaimer)
Makes 8 pints.

VARIATIONS TO SUBSITIUTE IN PLACE OF BANANAS
2 c. canned pumpkin
2 c. shredded apples or carrots
1 can whole cranberry sauce
1 bag whole ground fresh cranberries
2 c. fresh peaches
1 3/4 c. applesauce plus 1/4 c. pineapple
2 c. shredded zucchini
1 3/4 c. applesauce plus 1/4 c. raisins

HAPPY CANNNING

Biscotti Anyone?

2009-09-17T22:43:00.000-07:00

Oh YUM!! Delectable chocolate biscotti! I got this in the mail a few days ago and its almost gone..

I have eaten it all by myself. If you haven't tried it yet, you dont know what you are missing. Head on over to see the BiscottiQueen She also sells the recipe for those so inclined to make it themselves!

Goodbye Blue!!

2009-09-17T16:11:00.000-07:00

Ok.. So I sold off my Polish flock yesterday, to an extremely nice, older couple. They drove a little over 3 hours to come get them.. They had an SUV full of chickens.. If I had to take a guess, I would say there were close to 30 chickens in the back (including mine). They gave me 5.00 for each one.. I had a total of 8.. I know they will be well taken care of, so that makes me feel better!! I still want to get rid of my welsummers though. I am thinking I only want to keep marans and EE's.. I am looking for a rainbow of colors!

Update on Polish chicks

2009-08-11T15:37:00.000-07:00

Well they are 3 1/2 weeks old today.. I already have my 2 favs.. I never realised how nasty 20 chickens can be. But they have truely been an experience for the whole family and If I had to do it all over again, I would!! Check out these guys:

Their little crest are getting so big!! To cute.. The first one we call “blue”. He was the first born

First Day of School!!

2009-08-04T15:39:00.000-07:00

Finally!!.. Harley has been wanting to go back to school for a few weeks now.. She said she missed all her friends. We didnt get to meet the teacher prior to the first day of school because they didnt have an open house this year. Budget cuts.. hmpf! Bull I say!!! But dont get me started there. Back to harley. So we met Harley’s teacher. She has Mrs. Sweat this year. She seems like a quite and very nice lady. Harley hasnt formed an opinion of her yet. She has quite a few in her class from last year. Hopefully this year is as fun as it was for her last year. Lets hope she loves school as much as she does now, when she gets older
Here is what she wore on the first day of school:

New Brooder!! Thank you babe!!

2009-07-30T14:31:00.000-07:00

I got to hand it to my hubby. He is the best man in the whole wide world! I showed him a photo of what I wanted him to build and he was like, no problem. I made a few suggestions on the differences I wanted, which he said wasn’t going to be a problem. It has 2 doors that open from the top. He literally finished it in one night!! We still need to add some handles for easier opening and closing. We will also be constructin a way to block off half of it for newly hatched chicks. This way there arent any problems with the older ones. Total cost you ask? 86.71

Check out his handywork:

And here are the happy little chicks.. They are thanking him as well..

Ok.. I officially have chickens

2009-07-24T14:35:00.000-07:00

I woke up to an incubator full of chicks this morning!! What a grand thing to see after only 21 days! Here they are:

My first hatch.. I have a chick!!!

2009-07-23T14:41:00.000-07:00

I am so excited.. my family has been watching these eggs so impatiently and excitedly!! We finally have a chick.. Oh my I never thought I would get this excited over a chick.. LOL.
Check the little guy out:

New Towel Set

2009-06-30T15:47:00.000-07:00

I made this set for a customer on trade. I hate paying for something if someone is willing to trade for something I can do or have. She is trading me some of her welsummer chicken hatching eggs. I will keep you all updated on this progress as well. Here is the towel set.

We went seineing!!

2009-06-28T15:48:00.000-07:00

I got this crazy idea to purchase a seine and spend some family time with my sister and her kids along with my family. We loaded the coolers and the families and headed to Jeykll Island. We rented a condo on the beach. It was 2 bedrooms with a full kitchen, full bath and 1/2 bath. It still wasnt enough room for the 10 of us!! The adults slept upstairs in the bedrooms and the kids slept on the couch, floor, and cot. Well, needless to say, some of us got on each other’s nerves as the day went on. But all in all we had an AMAZING time. We caught quite a bit of shrimp for out first time.. It was exciting. We now know the do’s and dont’s for next time. What was the one thing we could have done differently, you ask? DELEGATION!!! We were all sratching our heads pretty much!! . We finally got the hang of it though. Here are some photos from the day:

This is all of the kids taking a walk on the beach

Now, out of all these, who do you think was the most unco-operative?

Now these two are inseperable! This is my middle son and oldest neice.

This is my oldest son and daughter. She loves her “bubby”

This is me and my sis (I'm on the left)

My 2 eldest waiting for the football..

Now what do you think this conversation is about. hmm

This was the seine we got

This was my half of the “catch.” This is the top of the cooler.. They are a bit deeper in the cooler as well!!

So, you want to learn how to make cheer ribbon?

2009-05-23T14:22:00.000-07:00

Here is the way that I do it. Mind you, its not the easiest ribbon to make.. You have to make sure everything is perfectly aligned and cut. Ready to get started?

Materials you will need:

Grosgrain Ribbon: width and length of your choice
Heat N Bond Ultra Hold
Sequin Fabric
Iron
Scissors or Rotary Cutter

First you will need to cut your ribbon to size. I used 1 1/2″ grosgrain ribbon in my sample.
Cut your sequin Ribbon about 1 1/4″. This leaves about an 1/8″ less sequin fabric on each side of the grosgrain ribbon.
Cut your Heat N Bond the same length and width of your sequin fabric.
Use your iron to press the Heat N Bond to the Grosgrain ribbon. Then place your sequin fabric on top of the grosgrain ribbon and press and lift. DO NOT SLIDE THE IRON!!.. Dont leave the iron on the sequin fabric to long.. I left it for a couple of seconds.
Cut your v-cuts at this point and seal with a lighter.

Then just fold your bow into shape:

This is the outcome:

****THESE INSTRUCTIONS WERE CREATED BY ME AND ARE NOT TO BE COPIED AND SOLD OR SHARED WITH OTHERS. PLEASE RESPECT MY REQUESTS AND DIRECT THEM TO MY BLOG IF THEY ARE INTERESTED IN LEARNING HOW TO CREATE THEIR OWN CHEER RIBBON.

New photography pricing for 2009

2009-03-19T14:29:00.000-07:00

There have been some questions about my new pricing packages and deposits. I figured it was time to let everyone know the new prices.

I specialize in outdoor photography. The prices are as follows:

15.00 per sheet or 10.00 for half sheets
photo slideshow on a cd 35.00 (Must be purchased along with your 50. picture order. Cannot be purchased seperately)
If you want me to send you websized version of your pictures, without the word PROOF all over it, so you can post them to your blog, galleries, myspace page, etc.. there will be a charge of 10.00 for that service. (Must purchased along with your 50. picture order. Cannot be purchased seperately)
There is a 50.00 minimum order. the 50.00 is due up front and will go toward the photos.. I dont charge anything for actually taking the photos.
All reprints will need to be made by me. I will take as many photos as you like. The turn around time for getting the proofs is around 1-2 weeks. That all depends on what I have going for the week.
Here is the picture package options: (Printed on 8×10 sheets. One Pose Per sheet)

(2) 5×7

(1) 5×7 (2) 2.5×3.5 (4) 2×2.5

(1) 5×7 (2) 3.5×5

(1) 5×7 (8) 2×2.5

(1) 5×7 (4) 2.5×3.25 (2) 1.5×2

(1) 5×7 (4) 2.5×3.5

(4) 4.x5

(2) 4×5 (2) 2.5×3.5 (4) 2×2.5

(2) 4×5 (8) 2×2.5

(2) 4×5 (4) 2.5×3.5

(4) 3.5×5

(20) 2×2

(16) 2×2.5

(8) 2.5×3.5

(4) 2.5×3.5 (8) 2×2.5

(9) 2.5×3.25

How to clean your Sterling Silver jewelry

2008-08-01T14:27:00.000-07:00

I love silver jewelry but I hate tarnish, and eventually, tarnish will happen to your silver jewelry.A few words of caution to begin with, however:

*Make sure the kids and/or family pets are away from the stove top.

*DO NOT put anything but sterling silver items (no plated materials) into the cleaning solution.

*DO NOT put any porous stones (turquoise, etc.), shells (mother of pearl, etc), or pearls (cultured, freshwater, etc) into the solution. You can damage stones if you aren’t careful, so you may want to be extra cautious and use this on silver only jewelry.

*Use your common sense. When in doubt, don’t do it.

You will need the following:

1/4 cup baking soda
1/4 cup salt
1/4 cup liquid dish soap
1/2 gallon of water
Large pot
Aluminum foil
Plastic spoon
Stove top
Colander or strainer
Towel

Take a large pot, such as an old spaghetti pot, and line the inside with aluminum foil. Make sure you cover all the sides as well as the bottom completely with the foil.

Pour all of the ingredients into the pot and stir with your plastic spoon. Collect the sterling silver jewelry you want to clean and count each item so you know the total number you put into the pot. Place them into the solution.

Bring this to a low (not high) boil for a few minutes. Then turn off the burner and let it sit for another couple of minutes.

Then using the colander or strainer, pour out the solution. Rinse very well with cold water. It is important to get all the salt, especially, off the jewelry or it will literally eat your silver later on.

Count your items as you place them on a towel to dry. Make sure you’ve accounted for all your jewelry before you throw away the aluminum. It will be dirty because the oxides on your jewelry were transferred to it. Your sterling silver jewelry should now look like new.

My Fav by far!!

2008-07-22T16:00:00.000-07:00

Harley and I just wrapped up a photo session of a custom boutique outfit made for her to model!! I think this has to be my fav outfit from Kelly of betterwithabow.com , by far!! You can see the rest of the photoshoot in my gallery.

Here are just a few of what we took:

This is one of her school outfits for her first week of kindergarden! Cant wait!! You could definitely tell by the way she just kept right on posing when I told her I had enough, that she really like this outfit!!

Ruffle Jeans!

2008-07-07T16:03:00.000-07:00

Just finished a pair of ruffled jeans a couple of days ago. Thought I would share them with you guys. I listed them on ebay to see how well they would do. Hopefully I will have good luck with them!!. I have 60 more pair to sell!!

If you are interested in a pair, just contact me and let me know andrea@andreanelsondesigns.com . I can make them for 12.99 per pair. Or if you provide me with the pants, I can make them for 8.99 per pair.

my first applique!!!

2008-06-30T16:06:00.000-07:00

I am so excited to finally be able to do applique! It is so much fun! Check out the new things I made for Harley:

So anyways, I was so excited that I had to show it off!!

just an update for the summer

2008-06-28T16:07:00.000-07:00

It has been a while since I have posted anything.. Thought I would give an update. First things first.. My 2 boys FINALLY got a “real” haircut.. No more long shag. There for a while, I thought I was raising 3 girls! Anyways… Harley lost her first 3 teeth.

She fell on her chair in her room, last Thursday night. We rushed her to the ER and they told us that she looked ok, but needed to go to her dentist. So I took her for an emergency appointment last Friday. The dentist told us she needed to pull them. You should have seen the shock and horror on Harley’s little face!! She looked at me saying with her eyes, “Momma you said they weren’t going to pull them!” Needless to say, they scheduled her for this past Monday and had the 3 front ones pulled. The good thing is that her permanent teeth have already started making there way down, and will probably be peeking out in a little over a year Here she is:

(hehe, she looks so goofy.. I sing goofy goober to her alot now.. If you dont watch spongebob squarepants, then you have no idea what song I am talking about.. But believe me… Its fits.. LOL)

Here are some of my latest clothing creations I made:

She has done quite a few photoshoots for designers lately but I havent had time to even think about posting any of them.. You can check our gallery on my website: www.andreanelsondesigns.com/gallery . I put all of them there. Haven’t updated it in while with all the newest stuff she modeled. Maybe my next post won’t be so far apart. Until next time

2008-05-29T15:04:00.000-07:00

I just have to post some of these photos of Miss. Tyra.. She is just an adorable little girl.. Very co-operative with photographing!! She modeled an outfit for me that Kelly Walker created.

Patriotic set I listed on ebay

2008-05-01T17:01:00.000-07:00

I am just drooling over the recent shot I done of Harley.. I can't believe how photogenic she is. She truely amazes me everyday! It is a joy to watch my little girl grow with every passing moment.

I am so EXTREMELY pleased to FINALLY have mastered it!!

2008-04-11T15:09:00.000-07:00

YAY me!!! I am pretty positive I have mastered the lighting for the all white photos!! I LOVE how these photos turned out.. I took them recently of my cousin. I just haven’t had time to post them. Please let me know your thoughts .. I took these photos as a requested clippie shoot for a clippie designer. Hence, the reason for the photos geared toward trying to show off the bows worn.

Photos I took of my little cousin’s 1st Birthday!!

2008-04-02T15:21:00.000-07:00

I was asked to bring along my camera for birthday photos at her party.. She was such a sweetie. I loved watching her plow into her own seperate little birthday cake!! Too precious! If you want to see more of the birthday girl and the family. I hope that this makes one certain lady happy now

We really didnt do much that day. It was mostly just close family. I was glad that it was nice outside. It gave alot of us a chance to just sit around and talk. I am REALLY starting to enjoy taking photos more than anything else.. It is an extrememly rewarding experience! I would love to master an inside studio. I have a little bit of it down, but still have a lot to learn!

Ribbon T-shirt and matching Bows

2008-03-09T15:28:00.000-07:00

I just love this set!.. I need to pick up a new pair of jeans for Harley so that I can make a matching set!! The shirt and bows was created by Stephanie Moore! Stop on in and check out all her goodies. She does fab work!! Tell her I sent you.

Harley’s Thank you gift!

2008-03-09T15:23:00.000-07:00

All I can say is WOW!.. Harley recieved this custom pair of jeans and embroidered shirt, as a THANK YOU gift for modeling a designers clothes! The jeans are a new line! They were created by Kelly Walker. I love her custom embroidered clothing!.. She is a great designer!! Harley LOVES this set!! I had to pry them off after the shoot was over .. She is starting to get a very nice collection of clothing from designers she has modeled for.

Photoshoot of Embroidered Frog Outfit

2008-03-07T15:30:00.000-08:00

Harley really likes the frogs and bows on this outfit!!.. I had someone embroider the frogs onto the pants and the shirt!! You can check her site out here. She does great work. But wouldn’t you know it, Harley got markers on the shirt and it wouldn’t come out, so I just went ahead and made her a ribbon T-shirt to match.. Hopefully I can get photos of her in the shirt before she ruins the pants to.. haha.. I added the ribbon to the bottom of the pants and made her a bow to match, with a matching pair of earrings also!!

Stickles Glue

2008-02-28T15:33:00.000-08:00

Hey Everyone!!

I was going through some more of my stuff and came upon this bag of stickles glue I had in my craft closet. I don’t scrapbook traditionally, like I use to. Most of my stuff has now gone to digital elements! So I am going to be offering these up on ebay to get them out of my way. No, It doesnt have anything to do with the fact that I have a small bead store going on over here So anyways, if you know of anyone that likes to use this kind of stuff, send them on their way to my auction.. I paid an arm and a leg for this stuff last year on ebay!

I thought Christmas had already passed? hmm..

2008-02-22T15:35:00.000-08:00

I purchased some beads from a new internet friend last week. They arrived yesterday, and I have been having so much fun going through all the goodies.. It’s like Christmas time over and over again!!I have been on a designing frenzy and this one was just completed.. I am IN LOVE with this set.. This will go in my shop in Tampa, that I sell at.. The case there is looking pretty skimpy.. I have sold most of the stuff there and It’s past time to restock. I just haven’t had a chance to get down there to do that.

Anyways, here is my latest love using Turquoise, Bali Silver, Sterling Silver, and Swarovski Crystals:

The Charms on the Necklace are removable. Each charm is attached with a lobster claw. You can wear all three or just one. Making this necklace adjustable to be a choker or a long wearing necklace! Very versatile!

Becca and Landon’s Shoot

2008-02-08T19:49:00.000-08:00

ok, so I finally got this family together for the 2 photo shoots that I needed to do of their baby Landon and daughter Becca. She has the most beautiful strawberry blonde hair, I think I have ever seen!! Landon was a bucket of energy. Took a little while for him to warm up to the camera. After that I think I got some pretty good shots!. Becca on the other hand seemed a little shy. Her mom (Barbera), says she is not like that at all when she points the camera her way. Maybe she just needs some practice posing in front of the camera for other people, mom? She definitely has some great features!
The parents of this family should surely be proud. I know I would be!!

Baby Chloe photo shoot

2008-02-05T20:05:00.000-08:00

Wow.. I just finished a shoot with this family!! This is my cousin Patrick and his beautiful wife (Rebecca) and daughter (Chloe). This little girl was EXTREMELY co-operative. Her dad was hilarious! I wonder what people would have thought of him in any other place! I know him, so it wasn’t so bad.. The thing that was so funny, is the way he tried to get baby chloe to laugh or smile.. He was jumping and screaming like a CRAZY person.. Seriously!! Wish I would have brought a video camera!

Anyways, Baby chloe has the most beautiful eyes.. They are so big and a gorgeous blue!! She has the most gorgeous strawberry blonde hair! Just a little doll baby!! Wouldn’t you agree?

After all that was said and done, I created them a Valentine Day card to go along with the photos!!

wow life flies when you’re not paying attention

2008-02-04T20:32:00.000-08:00

ok.. I have been playing around with all the settings and stuff with my equipment and camera and I think I have came up with some pretty good shots.. You can see below:

She is such a character!.. Most of the time, the way I tell her to stand, she usually comes up with something I like better .. I think my focus on photography has paid off a little more.. Just look at this shot we got the other day while we were waiting on some clients for photos!

I really enjoy watching my little girl grow.. I really wish I had the convienances back then, as I do now.. I would have take tons more photos of my 2 oldest boys.. They have grown so much. Right now my middle child T hates taking photos, while my oldest, it doesnt bother him.. He’s more than willing to “strike a pose”.

Here are some others that I have recently edited:

Etsy? What is it all about?

2008-01-29T18:10:00.000-08:00

Just about every crafter nowadays has an ETSY shop. Ebay is getting pretty ridiculous with their fees!! Its pretty easy to set up and maintain an Etsy Shop, and it's super affordable! So, how do you get started? Well HERE is a place to start. I am thinking I need to open me one! Hey, we self-employed moms need all the help we can get, right? Come on! Why not give it a try? Everyone's doin it!

Look at what I can do!!

2008-01-26T20:45:00.000-08:00

After Selling off all of my “lovelies”, this is what I can show for it in return!!
For those of you that don’t know, I sold TONS of stuff to be able to afford this photography/lighting setup!!) This is the result I got about 2 hours after I unpacked everything and set it up!! I am so excited.. I am still tweaking everything!! It is still not “just” right. I want the subject to be a bit better. Maybe not so washed out. I am still soooo happy with the end result!!

Look at what I can do!!

2008-01-26T14:53:00.000-08:00

After Selling off all of my “lovelies”, this is what I can show for it in return(for those of you that don’t know, I sold TONS of stuff to be able to afford this photography/lighting setup!!).
This is the result I got about 2 hours after I unpacked everything and set it up!!
I am so excited.. I am still tweaking everything!! It is still not “just” right.
I want the subject to be a bit better. Maybe not so washed out.
I am still soooo happy with the end result!!

Slow Day

2008-01-23T19:07:00.000-08:00

Well, I did get some things done the past 2 days, but they were slow going! I got 2 ebay auction templates completed. I also got an exciting shipment in from the UPS about 5 minutes ago. So I just had to post. It is the first shipment of 3 for my high key photography set-up.. WHOOHOO!!! I am so excited, I can't stand it!! I will def take pictures of it all when I get it set up!! Meanwhile, I thought I would leave you with a sweet moment of my DD and DH together:

Well 3 quarters later!!

2008-01-16T19:40:00.000-08:00

Gosh, the time has flew by!. I finished my 3rd quarter of college, before Christmas. (One more class to take) Then Christmas came!.. UGHH!!. Did anyone out there get anything they wanted?. I purchased my own gift from my husband.. hehe .. He did the same

So, what have I been up t0 lately? I have been busy making bow cards for my bowmaking friends. I have also started on making ebay auction templates!! They are so much fun to make.. Here are some of those items: http://andreanelsondesigns.com/boutique/index.php?main_page=products_new .. Just had a great sale end on my bracelets. If you didnt get a chance to pick up one of the bracelets for 10.00, maybe you can catch a sale like that the next time around?.. I would suggest keeping your eyes peeled for mothers day!!

I am SOOO glad the kids started back to school!! I now have time to start back to work! I just created a great jewelry set for a giveaway at an upcoming event at one of the digital sites.. Cant tell you which one.. I am sure it will be posted soon!! I will post info when I get the go ahead

Oh yeah, I had to go to the dentist today.. I havent been in 6 YEARS!! go figure.. Being self-employed means insurance is soooo extremely expensive for us to buy. So whenever we need to go to the Doc for anything, we pay cash. Hubby has checked into so many insurance plans.. Its so not funny. Almost as cheap to just go ahead and pay for it yourself.. LOL N-E-ways.. I had 6 cavaties!!.. But all in all, my teeth are fine.. I will have to go back next week to have them taken care of.. Oh well. So’s Life!

Take Care Friends!

CIS Systems.. Ever heard of them?

2008-01-16T19:38:00.000-08:00

(Continuous Ink System - For printers) These things are a nightmare for your printers.. So, You think you are going to save money? Think again. If your heads dont get clogged, your ink gets spilled!!.. Needless to say they are disasters!!.. I wouldn’t recommend them to anyone.. Think I am going to stick to my tried and true OEM cartridges.

Well on another note, its the 4th day of Spring Break here for the kids.. It actually hasnt been that bad .. It’s a miracle I dont wish they were back in school already. I have been trying to add some new things to the boutique.

I’m here!

2007-06-06T19:47:00.000-07:00

See, I told you I wasn’t much of a blogger..

Since I have last posted, Lots of things have been going on!.. I was accepted at an awesome site as a designer, www.digitalfreebies.com . I have also been accepted as a designer at another site that will be doing a launch with me as their only digital designer!! Cant wait to see how that turns out.. I have ALSO registered for a class at a local college, for wesbite specialist. This will teach me everything I will need to know about building sites and all other sorts of things. Not sure what I am getting myself into there.. LOL It will take me 5 quarters to complete.. Seems like forever in a day. But, since I already know tons about it, the first half shouldn’t be so hard, right? Hopefully in the next couple of years we will get to move closer to a school, so I can take classes on what I really want to do.. Massage Therapist.. ahhh, to only dream.. They dont have one close enough to me where I live, to attend. Oh well.. I will take what I can get! My jewelry business is exploding!!!! I hardly have any time in the day to focus on my digital creativity. I cant complain though. Money is money, no matter where it is coming from.. Not complaining there, either.. I have 2 jewelry shops that is currently carrying my designs in their shops…
So that is basically where I am hiding.. Hope to blog again soon!!

So how does it Look?

2007-03-24T17:12:00.000-07:00

Well, after a bucket of sweat and a bottle of tears and many hours later, this is what I finally came up with. Is it springy/summery enough? I just love these vibrant colors. Makes me feel all happy inside. haha.. no really :)

Well today DH decides he wants to bury this wire coming from our hot tub. Oh what a mess.. We have had the wire running along side the sidewalk/patio by the hot tub for 2 years? Well, every since we got the hot tub anyways.. I guess he got tired of the soreness on the eyes everytime we had to look at it... Thank GOD I didnt have to be the one that got tired of looking at it first.. No tellings what kind of payment he would have expected if I would have had to ask him to do it *wink*.

After about 5 hours later, the wire is finally buried and most of the junk is cleaned up!! Wish I would have thought to take photos of the mess earlier. He is in spring cleaning mode.. Getting the pool ready, pulling the weeds around the pool area, burying wires.. ummm I' sure there's more he is doing that I don't see.. Soon this area will be a backyard wonderland again.. oh to smell the Bar-B-Q this summer and relaxing by the pool, soaking up the sun.. Pure splendor!!

So, you tell me, Would you cringe at the site of this walking out your back door? Oh believe me!! You would when you have a 4 YO little girl who blatantly diregards the very thought or idea, that she is REQUIRED to do anything, let alone brush her feet before she comes in. So, maybe I should have taken a photo of my dirty enrty way while I was snapping picture? *SMILE* .. So in regards to how my day has started off.. Well YOU be the judge of that!