Hi Divas And Dukes,
Just a few days to go til Christmas Day. I hope you're all enjoying some of the Holliday. Here's my Cookie recipe for this years Cookie Fest. It was a big hit. It's great to do with the kids. It's much easier if you have 4 hands instead of 2. You'll use lots of cooking spray or butter to keep your hands from sticking to EVERYTHING. LOL. I hope you have time to try it or at least put it in your recipe file to try later.
Danielle's Kris Kringle Krispy Karamel Kookies
1 Stick of Butter or Margarine
1 Can Condensed Milk
1 Bag of Caramels
Mix and Microwave 3 Minutesin Pyrex(Spray 1st with Pam)
1 large Bag of Marshmellows
10oz. Box of Rice Krispies
(Spray hands and utensils)
Dip 1 Marshmellow into Caramel mix
Roll in Rice Krispies
Place on Wax Paper Covered Pan
Refridgerate to set.
Try not to eat them all at once!!!!!
Enjoy.
Thursday, December 20, 2007
Wednesday, December 19, 2007
What will you Remember?
HI Divas and Dukes,
Well, We're almost on the home stretch for another Christmas Season. I've finished my shopping and almost everything is wrapped. As I sit and look at my tree with all the twinkling lights and ornaments lovingly collected and received thru the years, this is what I want to remember about the Christmas Season.
I sit and reflect on the dear friends and family across the globe and hope they're having a wonderful Holiday.
I thank God that my friends and family are Safe and Healthy.( That's the biggest present of all!)
I'm so thankful to my dear friend Rayme who is such a blessing in my life. You are truly an inspiration.
I just want to wish all of you across the globe a Wonderful, Safe, Happy and of course Diva-lish Christmas.
Just remember to sit by your tree with your loved ones, some hot cocoa and homemade cookies and BREATHE and ENJOY!!!!
Merry Christmas and a Happy 2008!!
Well, We're almost on the home stretch for another Christmas Season. I've finished my shopping and almost everything is wrapped. As I sit and look at my tree with all the twinkling lights and ornaments lovingly collected and received thru the years, this is what I want to remember about the Christmas Season.
I sit and reflect on the dear friends and family across the globe and hope they're having a wonderful Holiday.
I thank God that my friends and family are Safe and Healthy.( That's the biggest present of all!)
I'm so thankful to my dear friend Rayme who is such a blessing in my life. You are truly an inspiration.
I just want to wish all of you across the globe a Wonderful, Safe, Happy and of course Diva-lish Christmas.
Just remember to sit by your tree with your loved ones, some hot cocoa and homemade cookies and BREATHE and ENJOY!!!!
Merry Christmas and a Happy 2008!!
Friday, November 30, 2007
Rayme Royale says....
Hey Divas and Dukes ~
Thanksgiving behind us, now full speed ahead to Christmas! Thank you Jan for getting us ORGANIZED! I haven't written since my New York trip which is now 3 weeks past. What a wonderful time I had! Those who listened to the Diva Craft Lounge radio show on the day I was in New York City knew that I was in a lovely little craft shop right in the heart of Manhattan talking from there.
I lived in New York for 18 years of my life before moving to San Diego almost 9 years ago. I hadn't been back until this last trip. How wonderful it was to catch up with old friends, still find my favorite restaurant and coffee house haunts in tact, and discovered many new buildings and stores that I'd never seen before. It was a blessed time. An easy trip to make without a hitch! Those are the best kind.
I was a bit hesitant about going back after all this time, fearing what longings I may have about truly missing the Big Apple and having a desire to return. After all, I remember walking those streets convinced that I was going to live there for the rest of my life because I loved it so much.
I remember when I left, knowing that it was truly time for me to leave, I still wondered if I had a hankering to go back.....no, I don't! It was wonderful to remember all of the wonderful times I had and the life that I had there at that time, but I was very sure that I had left at the right time for me, and even standing in one of my favorite areas....I KNEW I had made the right decision then, and now. I LOVED visiting, and have promised myself that I will go much more often, but I have no more desire to live there.
I can't thank the city enough for the life I had there, but now I am grateful and thanking San Diego for the life that I have here. Truly in this life time, the best of ALL worlds! What GIFT there is in THAT!
Needless to say, I was camera ready...not so much for the usual sights that a typical New York tourist would take, but of patterns on buildings, or interesting architecture or details on older buildings....the entire city truly is one big piece of ART! And much to be inspired about at every corner! So I've got a SLEW of new ideas for greeting cards that I just can't wait to start executing and then sharing with you on my web-site! (www.raymecards.com)
Look for my new 'Card of the Month' in early December (a New Years Eve Party Horn!) along with a new recipe! And as soon as I can find a certain favorite cookie recipe that I just love, I'll be posting that on this blog.
Let's start NOW! Happy Holidays to all of you wonderful listeners that...for the most part, I don't really know all that well, but feel that I know you all VERY well because of our connection with our creative spirits! Thank you all for your in-put and your devoted listening to the Diva Craft Lounge. We really are one big FAMILY!
Let's continue the journey together!
BIG HUGS,
RAYME
Thanksgiving behind us, now full speed ahead to Christmas! Thank you Jan for getting us ORGANIZED! I haven't written since my New York trip which is now 3 weeks past. What a wonderful time I had! Those who listened to the Diva Craft Lounge radio show on the day I was in New York City knew that I was in a lovely little craft shop right in the heart of Manhattan talking from there.
I lived in New York for 18 years of my life before moving to San Diego almost 9 years ago. I hadn't been back until this last trip. How wonderful it was to catch up with old friends, still find my favorite restaurant and coffee house haunts in tact, and discovered many new buildings and stores that I'd never seen before. It was a blessed time. An easy trip to make without a hitch! Those are the best kind.
I was a bit hesitant about going back after all this time, fearing what longings I may have about truly missing the Big Apple and having a desire to return. After all, I remember walking those streets convinced that I was going to live there for the rest of my life because I loved it so much.
I remember when I left, knowing that it was truly time for me to leave, I still wondered if I had a hankering to go back.....no, I don't! It was wonderful to remember all of the wonderful times I had and the life that I had there at that time, but I was very sure that I had left at the right time for me, and even standing in one of my favorite areas....I KNEW I had made the right decision then, and now. I LOVED visiting, and have promised myself that I will go much more often, but I have no more desire to live there.
I can't thank the city enough for the life I had there, but now I am grateful and thanking San Diego for the life that I have here. Truly in this life time, the best of ALL worlds! What GIFT there is in THAT!
Needless to say, I was camera ready...not so much for the usual sights that a typical New York tourist would take, but of patterns on buildings, or interesting architecture or details on older buildings....the entire city truly is one big piece of ART! And much to be inspired about at every corner! So I've got a SLEW of new ideas for greeting cards that I just can't wait to start executing and then sharing with you on my web-site! (www.raymecards.com)
Look for my new 'Card of the Month' in early December (a New Years Eve Party Horn!) along with a new recipe! And as soon as I can find a certain favorite cookie recipe that I just love, I'll be posting that on this blog.
Let's start NOW! Happy Holidays to all of you wonderful listeners that...for the most part, I don't really know all that well, but feel that I know you all VERY well because of our connection with our creative spirits! Thank you all for your in-put and your devoted listening to the Diva Craft Lounge. We really are one big FAMILY!
Let's continue the journey together!
BIG HUGS,
RAYME
Friday, November 16, 2007
Holiday Countdown!
HI Divas and Dukes,
As promised, here's the Grand Duchess' Holiday Countdown that we discussed on The Diva Craft Lounge. She did an AMAZING job putting this together for us. I know this year I'm trying to make more homemade gifts. I LOVE recieving home made gifts. The love ,creativity ,and thoughtfulness that goes into each present is so special.
It's fun to get together with friends and work on your projects. That's part of the joy.
Last Sat. I spent the afternoon at the Grand Duchess' new art studio. It was sooo much fun. Her studio is INCREDIBLE!!! I'm thinking of renting out space. We ran out of the ornaments we were making , so we went out and bought more!!!! Very addictive.
Yesterday I spent the day with Rayme and I started on my Christmas Cards. of course he had already done half of his!!!! It was 4 of the fastest hours I've spent in a long time. I love bouncing off creative ideas form each other. What Bliss!!!!
So here it is........
CREATIVE CHRISTMAS COUNTDOWN
from the Grand Duchess of Kandu
Those of us who enjoy a handmade holiday can avoid a rushed and stressful season by just planning ahead. I’ve made a weekly calendar to assure you get everything done and can still have a wonderful holiday season.
Make changes and additions as necessary to adhere to your religious beliefs and to observe your own family traditions. If you are celebrating Hanukkah, of course, you’ll be creating a Menorah and decorating a Hanukkah bush, and you’ll have to condense this timeline because Hanukkah comes early this year, December 4 through December 12.
Starting November 1st
Halloween Décor: Pack up all the specifically Halloween decorations and store them, but leave your fall decorations up till after Thanksgiving.
Travel: Make holiday travel reservations as soon as possible--www.CornerTravelStore.com makes it easy. If you are planning to drive some distance, be sure that your car is all tuned up and has good tires, then decide on your route, making sure you have printed maps for all locales, in case your GPS fails you. Plan ahead: if you are taking presents with you, buy smaller, less fragile items which will travel well!
Show Tickets: Buy tickets for the family to attend a Christmas musical, ballet, or show--age appropriate. Nothing puts you in the spirit like a live stage presentation!
Letters to Santa: Help your kids write letters to Santa to determine their latest desires.
Gift List: Make a list of those you want to buy for in a small notebook—work colleagues, friends, and family members, including those new babies. Carry your notebook with you, so you can write down what you buy beside each person’s name. Set limits for your holiday spending by giving a cost range for each person on your list; making some gifts can keep costs low, yet let the recipient know you cared enough to create something especially for them.
Gift Purchases: Start buying presents now for better selection and to avoid disappointment. Ship gifts that go abroad as early as possible, especially to those in the service.
Unplanned Gifting: Don’t forget to have some generic gifts ready for unexpected guests--a bottle of wine with customized wrapping, a hand-decorated candle, homemade baked goods or chocolates in a decorated box or tin, etc. Everyone loves a gift with a special handmade touch!
Ideas: Look for ideas for holiday decorating, gifts to make, and recipes in magazines, books, and online. Make a file for reference through the holidays.
Week of November 5
Photo Op: Have your family Christmas photo taken as soon as possible. You can have it done professionally, but if you do, you are limited to using copies they make for you, unless you get a release from your photographer to reproduce it to use for your cards. With digital photography and inexpensive “fill” lights available, you can have a friend take the pictures; take lots of shots while you are at it and look at them on a computer screen before letting the family “escape.” Remember, you don’t have to dress everyone in red plaid and pose them around the fireplace; have your photo represent your life--take it at the beach in plain white shirts and jeans with bare feet, or in your ski gear, or with the kids in their current sports team uniforms or activity costumes (like a ballet tutu or gymnastics leotard)--that way you can display a framed enlargement in your home year ‘round
Mailing List: Check your address book to see who you want to send Christmas cards to, placing a star beside their name. As you go, add new friends, change addresses for those who have moved, and drop off those with whom you’ve lost contact.
Cards: Start making Christmas cards--kits or matched paper and embellishment sets let you create great cards quickly and easily. A little “partridge-in-a-pear-tree” told me that Rayme Royale has his website up featuring his exclusive card designs and kits--go to www.RaymeCards.com or from the Diva Craft Lounge site. While you are there, you can buy copies of his Christmas CD--they make great hostess gifts!
Calendar: Begin to put holiday events on your family calendar to be sure they don’t conflict. Don’t over-schedule—leave some time to relax and to enjoy spur-of-the-moment activities.
Week of November 12
Store Hours: Check the opening times of your favorite stores and post on the fridge for impromptu shopping trips. Most stores are open late in the month or so before Christmas; be sure to note extended hours.
Shopping Help for Clueless Men: Ask your local scrap or craft store when they are having a “Husband’s Night” for shopping. If they say, “What?”, tell them they should have their customers write their “Wish List” for tools and supplies on a card, along with contact information for that special man in her life. The store files those cards by customer’s name and notifies the hubby that their wife has her wish list on file and that he can come in and purchase the “perfect present.” They can have a special night just for that and/or have a continuous event through December. The Wish List file should remain at the cash/wrap desk at the store. Parents and friends can also be informed of this shopper’s helper if they are stuck for gift ideas; it’s like being registered for a wedding--you get just what you want and need, and the giver has a great time shopping for you.
Traditions: Start preparing for family traditions. If you don’t have any, now is the time to start. Maybe you want to donate some time, as a family, to a charity: serve meals to the homeless, do visits to the elderly who don’t have family nearby, buy items for a holiday toy drive--this is fulfilling personally and helps the kids see what the holiday season is all about. For fun with younger children, a new “tradition” I’ve seen is Santa’s Magic Elf--the elf comes to visit the family after Thanksgiving with a letter of introduction from Santa, explaining that this elf reports directly to Santa about the behavior of boys and girls and provides a list of things they want for Christmas. You can make your own Elf from stuffed toy patterns or buy one from Fiesta Toy, which makes Santa’s Secret Elf™ and provides all the written materials to accompany it--www.FiestaToy.com. Great fun!
Week of November 19 (this is a tricky week with Thanksgiving on Thursday)
Tableware: Since you may need them for Thanksgiving, as well, this is a good time check to make sure you have enough plates, silverware, and glasses, as well as special baking pans. Check you have enough serving dishes of the right size (for mashed potatoes, vegetables, stuffing, meat, gravy, etc.). Purchase extra items needed.
Give Thanks: Enjoy Thanksgiving with family and friends.
Fall Décor: After Thanksgiving, pack up the fall decorations for storage.
Housekeeping: Give your house a good, thorough cleaning--once you’ve decorated for Christmas, it gets really hard to clean around everything. Enlist the help of your family, assigning rooms or tasks that are age appropriate.
Leftovers: Feed the family leftovers from Thanksgiving dinner while you are cleaning, so you don’t have to worry about meals. Or, do what Divas do best for dinner, order out!
Week of November 26
Clothing: Check your closets and buy new clothes and accessories, as needed, for parties, church, work parties, special events, etc. that you will be attending. For informal parties, you can decorate a shirt with iron-ons, paints, foam stamps, and of course, lots of bling. You can even stamp words on your jeans, like “JOY” or “HO HO HO,” down the leg.
Decorations: Get all your holiday decorations out of storage, separating indoor and outdoor lights and decorations. Open the boxes and make notes on any additional items you might need. Shop your local craft store to fill those needs.
Tabletop: Make table favors, napkin rings, and a centerpiece for your Christmas table. For favors, inexpensive glass balls with paint and glitter drizzled inside are a great project--write each person’s name and 2007 on with dimensional paint in gold or silver. The centerpiece should be low enough for everyone to see all the others at the table. It can be created easily with a block of floral foam, 3 candles, and some faux flowers and greenery. Closer to Christmas, you can substitute live flowers.
Contacts: Write out emergency contact numbers that you might need during the Christmas period such as doctors, drug store, babysitters, emergency numbers for service for your electricity and gas companies , emergency plumber and neighbors. Don’t just have them in your computer--you need to carry them with you.
Kitchen Cleanout: Clear out your fridge and pantry of out-of-date foods, so you can begin to buy and store your Christmas goodies--start now buying your non-perishable and frozen goods.
Week of December 3
Mail Cards: Address and mail your Christmas cards and letters.
Plan Food and Drinks for All Holiday Celebrations: Plan your food and drink shopping list. By this time you should know how many guests you are expecting for Christmas lunch or any other celebrations you're holding so you can plan accordingly. Consider the food and drink needs of your guests--vegetarians, food allergies, etc. Buy antacids for overeaters or to counteract the effects of too much “Christmas cheer”!
Special Orders: Order “party trays” for easy entertaining. Check with grocer on timing for special order items.
TV & Music: Set your Tivo or buy blank tapes or DVDs to record Christmas TV shows and films. Get out your favorite Christmas music and play it around the house to put you in the holiday mood.
Package and Ship: Ship presents to those you won’t see on Christmas. Note: heavy boxes may take longer, so be sure to allow enough time.
Celebrate: Buy chocolates and sample frequently.
Week of December 10
Decorate: Decorate your house and put up your tree, if you wish. If you put up tree now, be careful to get one with soft needles (indicating moisture content) so it will remain attractive through the entire holiday season. As a handy alternative, buy one of the new pre-lit faux trees. Your tree can go up anytime before Christmas Day, but you should take it down by January 6 (the 12th day of Christmas).
Shop & Wrap: Complete gift purchases this week and wrap presents. Don’t forget those small items for stocking stuffers.
Bake: Create those tasty cookies you and your family love. Involve the kids in the fun for some memorable moments--keep the camera close by.
Indulge: Buy chocolates and relax with a few choice pieces whenever you can.
Week of December 17
Groceries: Buy perishable foods for your holiday meals. Check supplies of eggs, milk, butter, cream, lemons, ginger, nutmeg, cinnamon, onions, celery, potatoes, carrots, salad greens and garnishes, frozen vegetables, convenience foods for quick meal preparation leading up to “The Day”, and don’t forget lots of paper towels and toilet tissue.
Dinner Plan: Write out a time plan for Christmas Day, so that you won't be in a panic that day. Put recipes in a file for easy reference.
Camera: Make sure your video recorder and still camera are in good working order. Have lots of extra batteries, film, tape, and/or CDs.
Florals: Buy live flowers to decorate your home.
Cooking Utensils: Make sure you've got a pan big enough to hold the turkey, ham, goose, or roast you’ll be cooking. Make sure you can get the pan into the oven and that you have a lid or enough foil to cover it.
Thawing Meats: Compute how much time you need to thaw the turkey or other meat and mark calendar to move it from freezer to refrigerator.
Stress: Buy chocolates--eat lots of them!!!
On December 24 – Christmas Eve Day
Food Prep: Prepare any food you can and refrigerate. Check time needed for cooking turkey or other meat. Calculate when you will need to put it in the oven. If you are having a mid-day meal, set your alarm for 30 minutes to an hour before that time (disregard if you have children--they will be up at the crack of dawn!).
Christmas Cheer: Make egg nog, mulled wine, or Christmas punch.
Safety: Make sure you've got multiple pairs of oven mitts and trivets handy.
Table Prep: Set table for tomorrow’s dinner
Family Activities: Attend a service at your place of worship, invite friends in, or drive around the neighborhood to see all the holiday lights
And to All a Good Night: Put kids to bed. Relax with your hubby. Go to bed. Get up and put kids back to bed.
Christmas Day
Photo Op: Take a deep breath, then grab your camera and start capturing those great holiday moments.
Enjoy: Don’t forget to put down your camera occasionally and enjoy being “in the moment” with your family. Remember this is the day of peace and love and joyful celebration.
Entertain: Invite friends and neighbors to stop by later in the day.
Boxing Day (day after Christmas)
Toy Sorting: To make room for all those gifts, have kids sort through their old toys and decide which can be given to charity thrift stores.
Food: Create a plan to use holiday leftovers, so you can enjoy the time between Christmas and New Year’s.
Diet: Package remaining holiday cookies in zip-lock bags and freeze to avoid post-holiday binges. Get out a few at a time for lunch treats and dessert over the next month or two.
After the Holidays
Decorations: You can leave your decorations up till twelfth night or January 5th. When you do take them down, sort by indoor/outdoor or by room or use; mark the boxes, so you can identify what is in them more easily for the 2008 holiday.
After-Christmas Sales: Take advantage of the post-Christmas clearance sales to get decorations, wrapping papers, and craft supplies for next year’s holiday celebrations.
Relax: Put your feet up and relax—finish the remaining chocolate!
As promised, here's the Grand Duchess' Holiday Countdown that we discussed on The Diva Craft Lounge. She did an AMAZING job putting this together for us. I know this year I'm trying to make more homemade gifts. I LOVE recieving home made gifts. The love ,creativity ,and thoughtfulness that goes into each present is so special.
It's fun to get together with friends and work on your projects. That's part of the joy.
Last Sat. I spent the afternoon at the Grand Duchess' new art studio. It was sooo much fun. Her studio is INCREDIBLE!!! I'm thinking of renting out space. We ran out of the ornaments we were making , so we went out and bought more!!!! Very addictive.
Yesterday I spent the day with Rayme and I started on my Christmas Cards. of course he had already done half of his!!!! It was 4 of the fastest hours I've spent in a long time. I love bouncing off creative ideas form each other. What Bliss!!!!
So here it is........
CREATIVE CHRISTMAS COUNTDOWN
from the Grand Duchess of Kandu
Those of us who enjoy a handmade holiday can avoid a rushed and stressful season by just planning ahead. I’ve made a weekly calendar to assure you get everything done and can still have a wonderful holiday season.
Make changes and additions as necessary to adhere to your religious beliefs and to observe your own family traditions. If you are celebrating Hanukkah, of course, you’ll be creating a Menorah and decorating a Hanukkah bush, and you’ll have to condense this timeline because Hanukkah comes early this year, December 4 through December 12.
Starting November 1st
Halloween Décor: Pack up all the specifically Halloween decorations and store them, but leave your fall decorations up till after Thanksgiving.
Travel: Make holiday travel reservations as soon as possible--www.CornerTravelStore.com makes it easy. If you are planning to drive some distance, be sure that your car is all tuned up and has good tires, then decide on your route, making sure you have printed maps for all locales, in case your GPS fails you. Plan ahead: if you are taking presents with you, buy smaller, less fragile items which will travel well!
Show Tickets: Buy tickets for the family to attend a Christmas musical, ballet, or show--age appropriate. Nothing puts you in the spirit like a live stage presentation!
Letters to Santa: Help your kids write letters to Santa to determine their latest desires.
Gift List: Make a list of those you want to buy for in a small notebook—work colleagues, friends, and family members, including those new babies. Carry your notebook with you, so you can write down what you buy beside each person’s name. Set limits for your holiday spending by giving a cost range for each person on your list; making some gifts can keep costs low, yet let the recipient know you cared enough to create something especially for them.
Gift Purchases: Start buying presents now for better selection and to avoid disappointment. Ship gifts that go abroad as early as possible, especially to those in the service.
Unplanned Gifting: Don’t forget to have some generic gifts ready for unexpected guests--a bottle of wine with customized wrapping, a hand-decorated candle, homemade baked goods or chocolates in a decorated box or tin, etc. Everyone loves a gift with a special handmade touch!
Ideas: Look for ideas for holiday decorating, gifts to make, and recipes in magazines, books, and online. Make a file for reference through the holidays.
Week of November 5
Photo Op: Have your family Christmas photo taken as soon as possible. You can have it done professionally, but if you do, you are limited to using copies they make for you, unless you get a release from your photographer to reproduce it to use for your cards. With digital photography and inexpensive “fill” lights available, you can have a friend take the pictures; take lots of shots while you are at it and look at them on a computer screen before letting the family “escape.” Remember, you don’t have to dress everyone in red plaid and pose them around the fireplace; have your photo represent your life--take it at the beach in plain white shirts and jeans with bare feet, or in your ski gear, or with the kids in their current sports team uniforms or activity costumes (like a ballet tutu or gymnastics leotard)--that way you can display a framed enlargement in your home year ‘round
Mailing List: Check your address book to see who you want to send Christmas cards to, placing a star beside their name. As you go, add new friends, change addresses for those who have moved, and drop off those with whom you’ve lost contact.
Cards: Start making Christmas cards--kits or matched paper and embellishment sets let you create great cards quickly and easily. A little “partridge-in-a-pear-tree” told me that Rayme Royale has his website up featuring his exclusive card designs and kits--go to www.RaymeCards.com or from the Diva Craft Lounge site. While you are there, you can buy copies of his Christmas CD--they make great hostess gifts!
Calendar: Begin to put holiday events on your family calendar to be sure they don’t conflict. Don’t over-schedule—leave some time to relax and to enjoy spur-of-the-moment activities.
Week of November 12
Store Hours: Check the opening times of your favorite stores and post on the fridge for impromptu shopping trips. Most stores are open late in the month or so before Christmas; be sure to note extended hours.
Shopping Help for Clueless Men: Ask your local scrap or craft store when they are having a “Husband’s Night” for shopping. If they say, “What?”, tell them they should have their customers write their “Wish List” for tools and supplies on a card, along with contact information for that special man in her life. The store files those cards by customer’s name and notifies the hubby that their wife has her wish list on file and that he can come in and purchase the “perfect present.” They can have a special night just for that and/or have a continuous event through December. The Wish List file should remain at the cash/wrap desk at the store. Parents and friends can also be informed of this shopper’s helper if they are stuck for gift ideas; it’s like being registered for a wedding--you get just what you want and need, and the giver has a great time shopping for you.
Traditions: Start preparing for family traditions. If you don’t have any, now is the time to start. Maybe you want to donate some time, as a family, to a charity: serve meals to the homeless, do visits to the elderly who don’t have family nearby, buy items for a holiday toy drive--this is fulfilling personally and helps the kids see what the holiday season is all about. For fun with younger children, a new “tradition” I’ve seen is Santa’s Magic Elf--the elf comes to visit the family after Thanksgiving with a letter of introduction from Santa, explaining that this elf reports directly to Santa about the behavior of boys and girls and provides a list of things they want for Christmas. You can make your own Elf from stuffed toy patterns or buy one from Fiesta Toy, which makes Santa’s Secret Elf™ and provides all the written materials to accompany it--www.FiestaToy.com. Great fun!
Week of November 19 (this is a tricky week with Thanksgiving on Thursday)
Tableware: Since you may need them for Thanksgiving, as well, this is a good time check to make sure you have enough plates, silverware, and glasses, as well as special baking pans. Check you have enough serving dishes of the right size (for mashed potatoes, vegetables, stuffing, meat, gravy, etc.). Purchase extra items needed.
Give Thanks: Enjoy Thanksgiving with family and friends.
Fall Décor: After Thanksgiving, pack up the fall decorations for storage.
Housekeeping: Give your house a good, thorough cleaning--once you’ve decorated for Christmas, it gets really hard to clean around everything. Enlist the help of your family, assigning rooms or tasks that are age appropriate.
Leftovers: Feed the family leftovers from Thanksgiving dinner while you are cleaning, so you don’t have to worry about meals. Or, do what Divas do best for dinner, order out!
Week of November 26
Clothing: Check your closets and buy new clothes and accessories, as needed, for parties, church, work parties, special events, etc. that you will be attending. For informal parties, you can decorate a shirt with iron-ons, paints, foam stamps, and of course, lots of bling. You can even stamp words on your jeans, like “JOY” or “HO HO HO,” down the leg.
Decorations: Get all your holiday decorations out of storage, separating indoor and outdoor lights and decorations. Open the boxes and make notes on any additional items you might need. Shop your local craft store to fill those needs.
Tabletop: Make table favors, napkin rings, and a centerpiece for your Christmas table. For favors, inexpensive glass balls with paint and glitter drizzled inside are a great project--write each person’s name and 2007 on with dimensional paint in gold or silver. The centerpiece should be low enough for everyone to see all the others at the table. It can be created easily with a block of floral foam, 3 candles, and some faux flowers and greenery. Closer to Christmas, you can substitute live flowers.
Contacts: Write out emergency contact numbers that you might need during the Christmas period such as doctors, drug store, babysitters, emergency numbers for service for your electricity and gas companies , emergency plumber and neighbors. Don’t just have them in your computer--you need to carry them with you.
Kitchen Cleanout: Clear out your fridge and pantry of out-of-date foods, so you can begin to buy and store your Christmas goodies--start now buying your non-perishable and frozen goods.
Week of December 3
Mail Cards: Address and mail your Christmas cards and letters.
Plan Food and Drinks for All Holiday Celebrations: Plan your food and drink shopping list. By this time you should know how many guests you are expecting for Christmas lunch or any other celebrations you're holding so you can plan accordingly. Consider the food and drink needs of your guests--vegetarians, food allergies, etc. Buy antacids for overeaters or to counteract the effects of too much “Christmas cheer”!
Special Orders: Order “party trays” for easy entertaining. Check with grocer on timing for special order items.
TV & Music: Set your Tivo or buy blank tapes or DVDs to record Christmas TV shows and films. Get out your favorite Christmas music and play it around the house to put you in the holiday mood.
Package and Ship: Ship presents to those you won’t see on Christmas. Note: heavy boxes may take longer, so be sure to allow enough time.
Celebrate: Buy chocolates and sample frequently.
Week of December 10
Decorate: Decorate your house and put up your tree, if you wish. If you put up tree now, be careful to get one with soft needles (indicating moisture content) so it will remain attractive through the entire holiday season. As a handy alternative, buy one of the new pre-lit faux trees. Your tree can go up anytime before Christmas Day, but you should take it down by January 6 (the 12th day of Christmas).
Shop & Wrap: Complete gift purchases this week and wrap presents. Don’t forget those small items for stocking stuffers.
Bake: Create those tasty cookies you and your family love. Involve the kids in the fun for some memorable moments--keep the camera close by.
Indulge: Buy chocolates and relax with a few choice pieces whenever you can.
Week of December 17
Groceries: Buy perishable foods for your holiday meals. Check supplies of eggs, milk, butter, cream, lemons, ginger, nutmeg, cinnamon, onions, celery, potatoes, carrots, salad greens and garnishes, frozen vegetables, convenience foods for quick meal preparation leading up to “The Day”, and don’t forget lots of paper towels and toilet tissue.
Dinner Plan: Write out a time plan for Christmas Day, so that you won't be in a panic that day. Put recipes in a file for easy reference.
Camera: Make sure your video recorder and still camera are in good working order. Have lots of extra batteries, film, tape, and/or CDs.
Florals: Buy live flowers to decorate your home.
Cooking Utensils: Make sure you've got a pan big enough to hold the turkey, ham, goose, or roast you’ll be cooking. Make sure you can get the pan into the oven and that you have a lid or enough foil to cover it.
Thawing Meats: Compute how much time you need to thaw the turkey or other meat and mark calendar to move it from freezer to refrigerator.
Stress: Buy chocolates--eat lots of them!!!
On December 24 – Christmas Eve Day
Food Prep: Prepare any food you can and refrigerate. Check time needed for cooking turkey or other meat. Calculate when you will need to put it in the oven. If you are having a mid-day meal, set your alarm for 30 minutes to an hour before that time (disregard if you have children--they will be up at the crack of dawn!).
Christmas Cheer: Make egg nog, mulled wine, or Christmas punch.
Safety: Make sure you've got multiple pairs of oven mitts and trivets handy.
Table Prep: Set table for tomorrow’s dinner
Family Activities: Attend a service at your place of worship, invite friends in, or drive around the neighborhood to see all the holiday lights
And to All a Good Night: Put kids to bed. Relax with your hubby. Go to bed. Get up and put kids back to bed.
Christmas Day
Photo Op: Take a deep breath, then grab your camera and start capturing those great holiday moments.
Enjoy: Don’t forget to put down your camera occasionally and enjoy being “in the moment” with your family. Remember this is the day of peace and love and joyful celebration.
Entertain: Invite friends and neighbors to stop by later in the day.
Boxing Day (day after Christmas)
Toy Sorting: To make room for all those gifts, have kids sort through their old toys and decide which can be given to charity thrift stores.
Food: Create a plan to use holiday leftovers, so you can enjoy the time between Christmas and New Year’s.
Diet: Package remaining holiday cookies in zip-lock bags and freeze to avoid post-holiday binges. Get out a few at a time for lunch treats and dessert over the next month or two.
After the Holidays
Decorations: You can leave your decorations up till twelfth night or January 5th. When you do take them down, sort by indoor/outdoor or by room or use; mark the boxes, so you can identify what is in them more easily for the 2008 holiday.
After-Christmas Sales: Take advantage of the post-Christmas clearance sales to get decorations, wrapping papers, and craft supplies for next year’s holiday celebrations.
Relax: Put your feet up and relax—finish the remaining chocolate!
Friday, November 2, 2007
Rayme Royale says....
Hey Divas and Dukes~
Now that the smoke is clearing and the air is easier to breathe, we can begin to re-build, go back to what we know, but never forget the important lessons we have learned along the way.
For me, I'm soon to be in New York City for a week....speaking to you from my end at some scrapbook or craft store. I've got a good idea of where I'll be, and it'll be fun for my first venture as 'Duke on the Road'!
And I leave with my new web-site going full blast! On the divacraftlounge.com site, the upper left hand corner (THANK YOU TOM) is devoted to it. I couldn't be more thrilled about it. I so look forward to adding more stuff about all kinds of things with each passing month. Thank you to those who have all ready checked it out and given me your blessings!!!
Having finished and closed the show of "High School Musical" to much success, I walked away with a BIG SMILE on my face! Even though we had to cancel two productions due to the fire situation, (and one of my cast members losing her home) I truly learned once again the value of who we all are as human Beings and the way we ALWAYS manage to find ways to bring our creativity and joy into a chaotic situation! Our girl was there for every single performance afterwards singing and dancing like never before. Her family shared with me later how fortunate they felt that they had the show to look forward to, to watch their daughter express herself so joyfully on the stage in spite of the fact that her costume was practically the only thing she owned.
It is inherent in us to find, create and BE JOY! I have no doubts of this what so ever. How grateful I am to learn this lesson!
How grateful I am to all of you who continue listening to our show, or stumble on to our show and can find a reason to let yourself giggle for a little while.
It's all in the MAGIC.....US!
Now that the smoke is clearing and the air is easier to breathe, we can begin to re-build, go back to what we know, but never forget the important lessons we have learned along the way.
For me, I'm soon to be in New York City for a week....speaking to you from my end at some scrapbook or craft store. I've got a good idea of where I'll be, and it'll be fun for my first venture as 'Duke on the Road'!
And I leave with my new web-site going full blast! On the divacraftlounge.com site, the upper left hand corner (THANK YOU TOM) is devoted to it. I couldn't be more thrilled about it. I so look forward to adding more stuff about all kinds of things with each passing month. Thank you to those who have all ready checked it out and given me your blessings!!!
Having finished and closed the show of "High School Musical" to much success, I walked away with a BIG SMILE on my face! Even though we had to cancel two productions due to the fire situation, (and one of my cast members losing her home) I truly learned once again the value of who we all are as human Beings and the way we ALWAYS manage to find ways to bring our creativity and joy into a chaotic situation! Our girl was there for every single performance afterwards singing and dancing like never before. Her family shared with me later how fortunate they felt that they had the show to look forward to, to watch their daughter express herself so joyfully on the stage in spite of the fact that her costume was practically the only thing she owned.
It is inherent in us to find, create and BE JOY! I have no doubts of this what so ever. How grateful I am to learn this lesson!
How grateful I am to all of you who continue listening to our show, or stumble on to our show and can find a reason to let yourself giggle for a little while.
It's all in the MAGIC.....US!
Thursday, October 25, 2007
Fire can't destory everything!!!!
HI Divas and Dukes,
Well, it's been a little crazy in our fine city of San Diego. Sun. afternoon I received a phone call from my sister saying her city of Ramona was on fire and she has to pack up the car and leave.
She lives in a beautiful rural area which is a great place to raise kids but very conducive to fires. She's surrounded by Mountains with huge boulders, oak trees that are 100s of years old, and lots of dry brush.
She packed up the kids, cat, bunny, pictures, and of course, her scrapbooks. Her husband stayed behind to wait til the last minute to evacuate and pack up paintings and all the things Dawn couldn't fit in the car. I met her at her Mom-in-laws , where she's staying and Frank didn't walk in the door until 4am. For a while it was touch and go if he was going to make it out!!!!!
The Big Blessing is that their house survived but with some of the winds getting up to 80 miles per hour and the temp. in the 90's many other homes in the area did not. It's a miracle that so far, only 6 people have perished. At one point it seemed when you turned on the news that most of our city and county was ablaze!!!!
I'm sooo proud of my city of San Diego. We've really come together as a Family. We have over 500,000 people that have been evacuated, over 1,200 homes are completely destroyed. 10,000 people are living at Qualcom stadium(where the Chargers play). Within 2 hours of the stadium opening up for families, the call went out that they needed all kinds of supplies and food. And then the next thing we knew we were being told that we can't bring anymore items because they were overloaded with all the generosity from the residents of San Diego. The lines to donate items and to volunteer have been up to 2 hours long. That's Generosity at it's best!!!!!!
We have a long road to recovery. Some families have just finished rebuilding from the fire from 4 years ago!!!! If you'd like to help you can Google The Salvation Army and make a donation to the San Diego Wild Fires. They also have a phone # that you can make a donation by phone. The # is 858-570-1001. I know any amount would be greatly appreciated.
Thank you sooo much for all your e-mails and phone calls inquiring how we are. We're fine and extremely grateful to be alive and living in this wonderful city. I'll keep you posted. We may have lost over 400,000 acres but we haven't lost out spirit of generosity.
Well, it's been a little crazy in our fine city of San Diego. Sun. afternoon I received a phone call from my sister saying her city of Ramona was on fire and she has to pack up the car and leave.
She lives in a beautiful rural area which is a great place to raise kids but very conducive to fires. She's surrounded by Mountains with huge boulders, oak trees that are 100s of years old, and lots of dry brush.
She packed up the kids, cat, bunny, pictures, and of course, her scrapbooks. Her husband stayed behind to wait til the last minute to evacuate and pack up paintings and all the things Dawn couldn't fit in the car. I met her at her Mom-in-laws , where she's staying and Frank didn't walk in the door until 4am. For a while it was touch and go if he was going to make it out!!!!!
The Big Blessing is that their house survived but with some of the winds getting up to 80 miles per hour and the temp. in the 90's many other homes in the area did not. It's a miracle that so far, only 6 people have perished. At one point it seemed when you turned on the news that most of our city and county was ablaze!!!!
I'm sooo proud of my city of San Diego. We've really come together as a Family. We have over 500,000 people that have been evacuated, over 1,200 homes are completely destroyed. 10,000 people are living at Qualcom stadium(where the Chargers play). Within 2 hours of the stadium opening up for families, the call went out that they needed all kinds of supplies and food. And then the next thing we knew we were being told that we can't bring anymore items because they were overloaded with all the generosity from the residents of San Diego. The lines to donate items and to volunteer have been up to 2 hours long. That's Generosity at it's best!!!!!!
We have a long road to recovery. Some families have just finished rebuilding from the fire from 4 years ago!!!! If you'd like to help you can Google The Salvation Army and make a donation to the San Diego Wild Fires. They also have a phone # that you can make a donation by phone. The # is 858-570-1001. I know any amount would be greatly appreciated.
Thank you sooo much for all your e-mails and phone calls inquiring how we are. We're fine and extremely grateful to be alive and living in this wonderful city. I'll keep you posted. We may have lost over 400,000 acres but we haven't lost out spirit of generosity.
Wednesday, October 17, 2007
Creativity at it's FULLEST!
Hello Diva's and Dukes!
Fall is in the air. Creativity seems to be bursting out of me in all sorts of directions. Not only on the card making front, (which there will be a very long awaited surprise coming soon on the radio show about that) but in the music writing front, and the directing and musical directing front! This week will be the opening of the popular musical, "High School Musical" that I had the honor to direct and musical direct at a professional junior theatre company here in San Diego called, The J* Company.
I have an amazing cast of 70! Yes, 70 Beings from the ages of 12 through 17. An INCREDIBLE bright colored stage set in a beautiful 500 seat theatre, a six piece orchestra and every imaginable visual affect that they would let me have! Needless to say, it has been a joy to be creative at this kind of genre and I so enjoy working with young ones like this. To bring out their passion in what they love doing and being a part of that energetic joy is truly priceless and inspiring!
I am in a huge place of gratefulness connecting with creative Beings who are doing their thing and can help spark each other in our own avenues of creativity whether it be writing, poetry, music, art, dance, singing, scrap booking, card making, crafting, BRING IT ON!
And to share new products and new ideas with our faithful listeners through out the world is the icing on this out-rageously delicious cake! Thank you ALL!
Let's ALL strive to be multi-taskers in the CREATIVE ARENA! Lord knows, we do it on a daily basis with everything else we have to do! How hard can it be?
BIG GRATITUDE,
RAYME ROYALE
Fall is in the air. Creativity seems to be bursting out of me in all sorts of directions. Not only on the card making front, (which there will be a very long awaited surprise coming soon on the radio show about that) but in the music writing front, and the directing and musical directing front! This week will be the opening of the popular musical, "High School Musical" that I had the honor to direct and musical direct at a professional junior theatre company here in San Diego called, The J* Company.
I have an amazing cast of 70! Yes, 70 Beings from the ages of 12 through 17. An INCREDIBLE bright colored stage set in a beautiful 500 seat theatre, a six piece orchestra and every imaginable visual affect that they would let me have! Needless to say, it has been a joy to be creative at this kind of genre and I so enjoy working with young ones like this. To bring out their passion in what they love doing and being a part of that energetic joy is truly priceless and inspiring!
I am in a huge place of gratefulness connecting with creative Beings who are doing their thing and can help spark each other in our own avenues of creativity whether it be writing, poetry, music, art, dance, singing, scrap booking, card making, crafting, BRING IT ON!
And to share new products and new ideas with our faithful listeners through out the world is the icing on this out-rageously delicious cake! Thank you ALL!
Let's ALL strive to be multi-taskers in the CREATIVE ARENA! Lord knows, we do it on a daily basis with everything else we have to do! How hard can it be?
BIG GRATITUDE,
RAYME ROYALE
Monday, October 15, 2007
Fall Fun!!!!
Hi Divas and Dukes,
What a great weekend!!!
I was able to have a sleep over at my sister's house with my 2 nephews. She lives about an hour east of San Diego so I always say "I'm going to the country". My nephews are 6 and 1/2 and such a joy in my life. It's so much fun to spoil them and then I get to go home!!!!
We did our annual pumpkin patch adventure. I have a new camera so I was a picture taking fool! There's a button just for kids and animals so I can get some action shots. Those boy's move fast!!!!!
The boys ran around and visited the barnyard animals, traipsed thru the pumpkin patches, and this year we added "corn husk shooting." They loved it, but every time they pushed the button to shoot the corn, it made a horrible sound and it made us jump.
My nephew Cameron helped me pick out my pumpkin. It's a blue Pumpkin called a "Fairy Tale" pumpkin, but it's actually a light green color. Very Groovy!!!!
After dinner we went outside and decorated the house for Halloween. The "Boy Boy's" are into anything scary and bloody much to the dismay of their Mom. It's so much fun to watch them decorate. They really get into it!!!!! They take after their Auntie.
The following morning we decided to keep the adventure going and drive up to Julian. It's a little town 22 miles north east of where my sis lives. So it's Mt. and Country. Julian is known for apple picking which means some terrific apple pies. I think the whole of San Diego had the same idea. It was a little crowded.
The weather was a little rainy so it was "Very Fall Like" for San Diego. We stocked up on Apple pie,Fudge,and Honey Comb and drank hot apple cider. Yum!!! I'm getting hungry just thinking of it. It was so relaxing just get away and play tourist.
It really jump started my Fall to make this little trip. Let us know if you have a Fall Ritual you'd like to share.
Happy Fall Y'all!!!!!
What a great weekend!!!
I was able to have a sleep over at my sister's house with my 2 nephews. She lives about an hour east of San Diego so I always say "I'm going to the country". My nephews are 6 and 1/2 and such a joy in my life. It's so much fun to spoil them and then I get to go home!!!!
We did our annual pumpkin patch adventure. I have a new camera so I was a picture taking fool! There's a button just for kids and animals so I can get some action shots. Those boy's move fast!!!!!
The boys ran around and visited the barnyard animals, traipsed thru the pumpkin patches, and this year we added "corn husk shooting." They loved it, but every time they pushed the button to shoot the corn, it made a horrible sound and it made us jump.
My nephew Cameron helped me pick out my pumpkin. It's a blue Pumpkin called a "Fairy Tale" pumpkin, but it's actually a light green color. Very Groovy!!!!
After dinner we went outside and decorated the house for Halloween. The "Boy Boy's" are into anything scary and bloody much to the dismay of their Mom. It's so much fun to watch them decorate. They really get into it!!!!! They take after their Auntie.
The following morning we decided to keep the adventure going and drive up to Julian. It's a little town 22 miles north east of where my sis lives. So it's Mt. and Country. Julian is known for apple picking which means some terrific apple pies. I think the whole of San Diego had the same idea. It was a little crowded.
The weather was a little rainy so it was "Very Fall Like" for San Diego. We stocked up on Apple pie,Fudge,and Honey Comb and drank hot apple cider. Yum!!! I'm getting hungry just thinking of it. It was so relaxing just get away and play tourist.
It really jump started my Fall to make this little trip. Let us know if you have a Fall Ritual you'd like to share.
Happy Fall Y'all!!!!!
Monday, October 8, 2007
Happy Sisters Day!
Hi Divas And Dukes!
I just recieved the cutest e-mail form my sister wishing me "Happy Sisters Day" I opened it up and there was a big "I Love You" written in Red Bling, and a big "blingy"(is that a word?) red lips.
So, It occured to me that I should wish you all "Happy Sister's Day." I'm so blessed to have 2 great sister's and also my adotpted sisters. I can't imagine my life with out them and all of you!!!! Thanks for listening to Diva Craft Lounge, and for those of you have have sisters and adopted sisters, Go e-mail them and tell them how much they mean to you!
I just recieved the cutest e-mail form my sister wishing me "Happy Sisters Day" I opened it up and there was a big "I Love You" written in Red Bling, and a big "blingy"(is that a word?) red lips.
So, It occured to me that I should wish you all "Happy Sister's Day." I'm so blessed to have 2 great sister's and also my adotpted sisters. I can't imagine my life with out them and all of you!!!! Thanks for listening to Diva Craft Lounge, and for those of you have have sisters and adopted sisters, Go e-mail them and tell them how much they mean to you!
Wednesday, October 3, 2007
Rayme's Rice Torte Recipe
As I promised on our Diva Craft Lounge Blog Talk Radio Show, here is Rayme's Rice Torte Recipe!
Make this dish, and you will be the envy of EVERYBODY who has the honor to taste it!
GAURANTEED!!!!
RAYME ROYALE
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
~ Rayme’s Rice Torte Recipe ~
4 – 5 cups cooked rice
(1-1/2 cups raw rice cooked makes the perfect amount)
9 eggs, beaten
1 ½ cups parmesan cheese
1 cup milk
2/3 cup olive oil
1 pound cooked bacon
2 cups fresh steamed spinach
16 oz. chopped mushrooms, sautéed
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 medium onion, chopped & browned
Garlic powder – to taste
1 Tbsp dry Italian seasoning
Onion powder – to taste
Salt & Pepper ~ to taste
Pre-heat oven at 375 degrees.
In large mixing bowl, combine all ingredients and pour in a 9 x 13 greased pan.
Bake for 35 to 40 minutes. (Until edges are brown)
Let sit for 20 – 30 minutes. Cut into squares and serve!
Make this dish, and you will be the envy of EVERYBODY who has the honor to taste it!
GAURANTEED!!!!
RAYME ROYALE
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
~ Rayme’s Rice Torte Recipe ~
4 – 5 cups cooked rice
(1-1/2 cups raw rice cooked makes the perfect amount)
9 eggs, beaten
1 ½ cups parmesan cheese
1 cup milk
2/3 cup olive oil
1 pound cooked bacon
2 cups fresh steamed spinach
16 oz. chopped mushrooms, sautéed
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 medium onion, chopped & browned
Garlic powder – to taste
1 Tbsp dry Italian seasoning
Onion powder – to taste
Salt & Pepper ~ to taste
Pre-heat oven at 375 degrees.
In large mixing bowl, combine all ingredients and pour in a 9 x 13 greased pan.
Bake for 35 to 40 minutes. (Until edges are brown)
Let sit for 20 – 30 minutes. Cut into squares and serve!
Tuesday, October 2, 2007
Rayme Royale's Christmas Card Agenda...
Hey Divas and Dukes...
FALL is HERE! I am all ready thrilled about the air getting crisp and the color of fall is starting to pick up momentum.
It's a wonderful time to find a time and place to make my favorite up of tea, sit down with all of my wonderful craft supplies that I have been meaning to get to for a long time and start thinking about new directions.
Since Diva Danielle has told you about making Christmas cards for the troops, (which I was honored to make a few of them myself to send off) it's not too late for all of US to start thinking about the Christmas cards that we're going to be sending out this year for our loved ones!
I've started playing with water colors and find that I don't have to be a 'true' artist (what ever THAT means) to paint the simplest of Christmas trees, or a Christmas wreath with just a few brush strokes and/or swirls on a light colored piece of card stock. Then dot the tree or wreath with other colors to make them look like they are 'aglow' with lights.
Add a little star at the top of the tree, or a ribbon at the top of the wreath, adhere it to a card stock, and you're done!
Since my Christmas Card list seems to get much longer every year with many more friends and acquaintances that I am blessed to receive in my life, it's something to start working on here and there so that I'm not bogged down at the last minute during the holiday rush. There are too many people that I want to spend my holidays with and getting my cards started early not only keeps me ahead of my schedule, but keeps me creative as well!
And I LOVE the fact that, no matter how many of the same card I make, NOBODY is getting an identical card! So I treasure the fact that I am giving little pieces of unique art to loved ones far and near.
Let me know any of YOUR quick Christmas Card tips! I'm always interested!
FALL is HERE! I am all ready thrilled about the air getting crisp and the color of fall is starting to pick up momentum.
It's a wonderful time to find a time and place to make my favorite up of tea, sit down with all of my wonderful craft supplies that I have been meaning to get to for a long time and start thinking about new directions.
Since Diva Danielle has told you about making Christmas cards for the troops, (which I was honored to make a few of them myself to send off) it's not too late for all of US to start thinking about the Christmas cards that we're going to be sending out this year for our loved ones!
I've started playing with water colors and find that I don't have to be a 'true' artist (what ever THAT means) to paint the simplest of Christmas trees, or a Christmas wreath with just a few brush strokes and/or swirls on a light colored piece of card stock. Then dot the tree or wreath with other colors to make them look like they are 'aglow' with lights.
Add a little star at the top of the tree, or a ribbon at the top of the wreath, adhere it to a card stock, and you're done!
Since my Christmas Card list seems to get much longer every year with many more friends and acquaintances that I am blessed to receive in my life, it's something to start working on here and there so that I'm not bogged down at the last minute during the holiday rush. There are too many people that I want to spend my holidays with and getting my cards started early not only keeps me ahead of my schedule, but keeps me creative as well!
And I LOVE the fact that, no matter how many of the same card I make, NOBODY is getting an identical card! So I treasure the fact that I am giving little pieces of unique art to loved ones far and near.
Let me know any of YOUR quick Christmas Card tips! I'm always interested!
Monday, October 1, 2007
Creativity and Giving Back!
Hi Divas and Dukes,
I just spent a glorious Sunday afternoon with The Grand Duchess of Kandu (Jan Mollet-Evans) and Jane Carlson making about 60 cards for the troops. No matter what your politics are at the present, it's really important that the men and women in uniform know we support them .
Our friends at Scrapbook Royalty informed me about this card drive. We're making handmade cards to send to them so they can pick one out and send it home to their families for the Holidays.
They don't have a Hallmark in Iraq!!!!
We took all sorts of product that we'd collected and dumped it in the middle of the table and just started creating . It was a blast. We sat and chatted about family, Christmas traditions, snacked , drank tea and got really inspired by each others designs.
My Dad was in the Navy for 25 years and I remember getting letters and postcards from him. There wasn't any e-mail back then. Wow!!! That sounds like I've just dated myself!!!!!
It was great to get something in the mail from him and you would hold on to that for days. Sometimes it went under the pillow for safekeeping.
I know this time of year is really busy for everyone but just think if we could just sit down and create 5 cards each and send them in , we could make a family smile. They'd know that this was specially picked out by their Mommy or Daddy just for them!!!! I can see the smiles already.
We have till Oct 8th to send them in. Here's the address:
Scrapbook Royalty
P.O. Box 910665
San Diego, Ca. 92191
So lets get those cards sent in. It will make your heart Smile!!!!!
I just spent a glorious Sunday afternoon with The Grand Duchess of Kandu (Jan Mollet-Evans) and Jane Carlson making about 60 cards for the troops. No matter what your politics are at the present, it's really important that the men and women in uniform know we support them .
Our friends at Scrapbook Royalty informed me about this card drive. We're making handmade cards to send to them so they can pick one out and send it home to their families for the Holidays.
They don't have a Hallmark in Iraq!!!!
We took all sorts of product that we'd collected and dumped it in the middle of the table and just started creating . It was a blast. We sat and chatted about family, Christmas traditions, snacked , drank tea and got really inspired by each others designs.
My Dad was in the Navy for 25 years and I remember getting letters and postcards from him. There wasn't any e-mail back then. Wow!!! That sounds like I've just dated myself!!!!!
It was great to get something in the mail from him and you would hold on to that for days. Sometimes it went under the pillow for safekeeping.
I know this time of year is really busy for everyone but just think if we could just sit down and create 5 cards each and send them in , we could make a family smile. They'd know that this was specially picked out by their Mommy or Daddy just for them!!!! I can see the smiles already.
We have till Oct 8th to send them in. Here's the address:
Scrapbook Royalty
P.O. Box 910665
San Diego, Ca. 92191
So lets get those cards sent in. It will make your heart Smile!!!!!
Thursday, September 20, 2007
Memory Trends 'o7
Hi Diva's And Dukes,
I just returned from a "Diva Road Trip" with The Grand Duchess of Kandu, Jan Mollet Evans. We spent 2 and 1/2 quick days at Memory Trends in Las Vegas. Jan and I drove for the sole purpose of stopping off in Baker, Ca. It's claim to fame is the World's Tallest Thermometer and the home of "The Mad Greek" Cafe.
I saw a show on Food Network called "Diners, Drive-ins and Dives" and I called Jan up and said we have to stop there. I'd always seen the signs and wondered what a Greek cafe is doing in the middle of the Mojave Desert. Lets just say we ate there on the way coming and going to MT. It was the best Shwarma I've ever tasted.
Ok,...Enough about the Mad Greek. Let's talk about Memory Trends. I loved the show. It was smaller than it had been in years. It reminded me of when MT first started. Manufacturers were able to spend quality time with store owners. Demonstrating and educating on some really great products. Store owners weren't rushing here and there to get thru the show and drop off orders. It was really nice to be able to have great conversations with different people in the industry.
We were able to do our show live from The Purple Cows Booth. They are the greatest group of people!!! We laughed and took pictures with Rick and Gary. Thanks for being such gracious hosts. Wait til you see what the Cow's are cooking up next for '08 .
Of Course all this wouldn't have happened if Rayme wasn't holding down the fort in The Lounge. You're the best Rayme!!!!
I know I promised to write down the Companies we spoke about. There were sooo many
other terrific products but we ran out of time. I promise Rayme and I will have them on the show ASAP.
So.... Here we go.....
Purple Cows www.purplecow.net
Glitz Design www.glitznow.com
Hambly Studio www.hamblystudios.com
Stanislaus Imports www.stanislausimports.com
Lasting Impressions www.lastingimpressions.com
Scribble Scrabble www.scribblescrabble.net
Be Blessed Scrapbooking www.beblessedscrapbooking.com
My Little Shoebox www.mylittleshoebox.com
Creative Impressions www.creativeimpressions.com
We R Memory Keepers www.weronthenet.com
Keller's Creations www.acidfree.com
Sparkle N Sprinkle www.sparklensprinkle.com
Impression Obsession www.impressio-obsession.com
Tilano Decorative Products www.Tilanofresco.com
Digital Scrapbook Place www.dspwholesale.com
Neatnix www.neatnix.com
Creative Options www.creativeoptionscrafts.com
Stone Creek Creations(Krafters Purse)www.stonecreekcreations.com
Brindy's Backyard www.brindysbackyard.com
Nicolette www.niclette-albums.com
Pazzles www.pazzles.com
Dezigns By Dezda www.dezignsbydezda.com
Wow......My fingers are exhausted!!!!!OK Divas And Dukes, have fun surfing the net. We'll be featuring some of these great companies soon. I'm going to make myself a cup of tea!!!! Typing is thirsty business!!!!!
Let me know you're favorites!!!!! Did I miss any Jan????
I just returned from a "Diva Road Trip" with The Grand Duchess of Kandu, Jan Mollet Evans. We spent 2 and 1/2 quick days at Memory Trends in Las Vegas. Jan and I drove for the sole purpose of stopping off in Baker, Ca. It's claim to fame is the World's Tallest Thermometer and the home of "The Mad Greek" Cafe.
I saw a show on Food Network called "Diners, Drive-ins and Dives" and I called Jan up and said we have to stop there. I'd always seen the signs and wondered what a Greek cafe is doing in the middle of the Mojave Desert. Lets just say we ate there on the way coming and going to MT. It was the best Shwarma I've ever tasted.
Ok,...Enough about the Mad Greek. Let's talk about Memory Trends. I loved the show. It was smaller than it had been in years. It reminded me of when MT first started. Manufacturers were able to spend quality time with store owners. Demonstrating and educating on some really great products. Store owners weren't rushing here and there to get thru the show and drop off orders. It was really nice to be able to have great conversations with different people in the industry.
We were able to do our show live from The Purple Cows Booth. They are the greatest group of people!!! We laughed and took pictures with Rick and Gary. Thanks for being such gracious hosts. Wait til you see what the Cow's are cooking up next for '08 .
Of Course all this wouldn't have happened if Rayme wasn't holding down the fort in The Lounge. You're the best Rayme!!!!
I know I promised to write down the Companies we spoke about. There were sooo many
other terrific products but we ran out of time. I promise Rayme and I will have them on the show ASAP.
So.... Here we go.....
Purple Cows www.purplecow.net
Glitz Design www.glitznow.com
Hambly Studio www.hamblystudios.com
Stanislaus Imports www.stanislausimports.com
Lasting Impressions www.lastingimpressions.com
Scribble Scrabble www.scribblescrabble.net
Be Blessed Scrapbooking www.beblessedscrapbooking.com
My Little Shoebox www.mylittleshoebox.com
Creative Impressions www.creativeimpressions.com
We R Memory Keepers www.weronthenet.com
Keller's Creations www.acidfree.com
Sparkle N Sprinkle www.sparklensprinkle.com
Impression Obsession www.impressio-obsession.com
Tilano Decorative Products www.Tilanofresco.com
Digital Scrapbook Place www.dspwholesale.com
Neatnix www.neatnix.com
Creative Options www.creativeoptionscrafts.com
Stone Creek Creations(Krafters Purse)www.stonecreekcreations.com
Brindy's Backyard www.brindysbackyard.com
Nicolette www.niclette-albums.com
Pazzles www.pazzles.com
Dezigns By Dezda www.dezignsbydezda.com
Wow......My fingers are exhausted!!!!!OK Divas And Dukes, have fun surfing the net. We'll be featuring some of these great companies soon. I'm going to make myself a cup of tea!!!! Typing is thirsty business!!!!!
Let me know you're favorites!!!!! Did I miss any Jan????
Tuesday, September 18, 2007
Rayme Royale says....
Hey Divas and Dukes ~
Looks like I'm FINALLY caught up to the 21st Century! After changing computers and all of the stuff that goes with it....I've never been computer savvy so this HAS been a chore for me. But, at last, here I AM!
I just came back from Monterey and visited the Aquarium there for the first time in my life. I must say, no matter where you live in the world, if you haven't been there, make a point of doing so! Truly magical, extremely inspirational, and VERY good for the soul! I sat in front of 3 huge windows of water with a kelp garden in it and watched the live anchovies literally do dance formations that even the greatest choreographer couldn't come up with! That with the light hitting their silver bodies at times had me truly awe-struck! (And gave me a GREAT idea for another Rayme Card!)
As we always talk about, inspiration can be found anywhere....ANYWHERE...and I knew that the Aquarium would be that for me.
AND the walks on the beach, AND the incredible Clam Chowder on the wharf....it goes on and on....
So I'm back in San Diego and rejuvenated and so looking forward to sitting down with all of my craft stuff to CREATE, CREATE, CREATE!
I look forward to hearing from many more of you and thank you all for listening to the Diva Craft Lounge!
We are ALL BLESSED!
Looks like I'm FINALLY caught up to the 21st Century! After changing computers and all of the stuff that goes with it....I've never been computer savvy so this HAS been a chore for me. But, at last, here I AM!
I just came back from Monterey and visited the Aquarium there for the first time in my life. I must say, no matter where you live in the world, if you haven't been there, make a point of doing so! Truly magical, extremely inspirational, and VERY good for the soul! I sat in front of 3 huge windows of water with a kelp garden in it and watched the live anchovies literally do dance formations that even the greatest choreographer couldn't come up with! That with the light hitting their silver bodies at times had me truly awe-struck! (And gave me a GREAT idea for another Rayme Card!)
As we always talk about, inspiration can be found anywhere....ANYWHERE...and I knew that the Aquarium would be that for me.
AND the walks on the beach, AND the incredible Clam Chowder on the wharf....it goes on and on....
So I'm back in San Diego and rejuvenated and so looking forward to sitting down with all of my craft stuff to CREATE, CREATE, CREATE!
I look forward to hearing from many more of you and thank you all for listening to the Diva Craft Lounge!
We are ALL BLESSED!
Wednesday, September 5, 2007
Diva And Duke Recipe Swap!!!!!!!
HI Divas and Dukes,
OMG ! Where does the time go? I've been meaning to post and I can't believe it's been sooo long. For that I apologize.
Happy birthday to the Grand Duchess herself... Jan Mollet Evans... She told me "She's 29 again until she gets it right!!!!" I love that!!! I'm so blessed to have her as a friend.
I just returned from a great retreat in Dutch Flat, Ca. The town is as big as a postage stamp and a wonderful tribute to Americana. I met some amazing ladies and got to hang out with Miss Vicky which is always an added bonus.
We finally have our cruise dates which are April 14th-18th '08. I hope you can join us. We have a great time and get allot accomplished. We also learn many new techniques and love it when our Cruise Divas share some of there's.
Speaking of sharing. You know Rayme and I are always sharing recipes . So I thought it would be fun to start a Recipe Blog for all the Divas and Dukes out there. I hope you'll share some of your favorites with us.
Here's one of my favorites..... Don't count the fat grams on thjis one!!!!
Hot Artichoke Dip
2 cans of unmarinated artichoke hearts chopped
1/2 cup of sour cream
1 cup mayo
1/2 chopped white onion
1 clove of garlic chopped
1/2 cup of Parmesan cheese
mix all the ingredients together in a oven safe dish
cover with aluminium foil and bake in the oven at 350 for 1 hour
I usually double the recipe for a party. Serve with a sliced french baguette. Enjoy!!!!
Okay, now it's your turn ...... Rayme and I are looking forward to some great recipes!!!!
OMG ! Where does the time go? I've been meaning to post and I can't believe it's been sooo long. For that I apologize.
Happy birthday to the Grand Duchess herself... Jan Mollet Evans... She told me "She's 29 again until she gets it right!!!!" I love that!!! I'm so blessed to have her as a friend.
I just returned from a great retreat in Dutch Flat, Ca. The town is as big as a postage stamp and a wonderful tribute to Americana. I met some amazing ladies and got to hang out with Miss Vicky which is always an added bonus.
We finally have our cruise dates which are April 14th-18th '08. I hope you can join us. We have a great time and get allot accomplished. We also learn many new techniques and love it when our Cruise Divas share some of there's.
Speaking of sharing. You know Rayme and I are always sharing recipes . So I thought it would be fun to start a Recipe Blog for all the Divas and Dukes out there. I hope you'll share some of your favorites with us.
Here's one of my favorites..... Don't count the fat grams on thjis one!!!!
Hot Artichoke Dip
2 cans of unmarinated artichoke hearts chopped
1/2 cup of sour cream
1 cup mayo
1/2 chopped white onion
1 clove of garlic chopped
1/2 cup of Parmesan cheese
mix all the ingredients together in a oven safe dish
cover with aluminium foil and bake in the oven at 350 for 1 hour
I usually double the recipe for a party. Serve with a sliced french baguette. Enjoy!!!!
Okay, now it's your turn ...... Rayme and I are looking forward to some great recipes!!!!
Tuesday, August 21, 2007
"Hanging out at the Expo"
Hi Divas and Dukes,
I just spent 3 days with my good Diva Buddy Miss Vicky at Scrapbook Expo. I was helping her with a little mini class in her booth. We did a cute little mini suitcase with an accordion book coming out of it. Don't worry , it will show up on a Divasode!
When I started "Scrapbook Diva" I used to attend 25 of these shows each year in various cities around the country. I'm wondering how I survived the physical grind of setting up a booth, standing on your feet for 8-10 hours a day, and then tearing it down at the end of the show. I'm still recovering and it was over on Sat. night!!!!!! Of course I was chatting so much I lost my voice. I do hope it will appear for tomorrows show.
We constantly had 5-9 women at our table in various stages of the project. We went from 9am -5 or 6pm. It was a blast to see all the different Divas AND Dukes, and have them add their individual touch to the project. Some people hung out with us for over an hour. It was like a 2 day party.
I loved touching base with all my other manufacturing friends in the industry. It's nice to see them doing well and Kicking it up a creative notch.
Miss Vicky at Cut-it-Up always has some cutting edge products in her booth. She was also showing Bees Wax collage techniques as well as doing some really cool collage with tins and alcohol inks. Each day I left their feeling like I needed to find more time to sit down and do more projects. I was hoping she and I could play a little at her demo table but we were so busy we never had a chance to.
Rayme came to walk the show with me but we were so slammed that he had to walk around without me. He was there for about 2 hours and I know he found some cool things.
if you ever have a chance to attend a consumer show they're lots of fun AND extremely dangerous!!!!! You Always leave their with many shopping bags.
Do you have a favorite Consumer show or a fun story about them? Let us know.
I just spent 3 days with my good Diva Buddy Miss Vicky at Scrapbook Expo. I was helping her with a little mini class in her booth. We did a cute little mini suitcase with an accordion book coming out of it. Don't worry , it will show up on a Divasode!
When I started "Scrapbook Diva" I used to attend 25 of these shows each year in various cities around the country. I'm wondering how I survived the physical grind of setting up a booth, standing on your feet for 8-10 hours a day, and then tearing it down at the end of the show. I'm still recovering and it was over on Sat. night!!!!!! Of course I was chatting so much I lost my voice. I do hope it will appear for tomorrows show.
We constantly had 5-9 women at our table in various stages of the project. We went from 9am -5 or 6pm. It was a blast to see all the different Divas AND Dukes, and have them add their individual touch to the project. Some people hung out with us for over an hour. It was like a 2 day party.
I loved touching base with all my other manufacturing friends in the industry. It's nice to see them doing well and Kicking it up a creative notch.
Miss Vicky at Cut-it-Up always has some cutting edge products in her booth. She was also showing Bees Wax collage techniques as well as doing some really cool collage with tins and alcohol inks. Each day I left their feeling like I needed to find more time to sit down and do more projects. I was hoping she and I could play a little at her demo table but we were so busy we never had a chance to.
Rayme came to walk the show with me but we were so slammed that he had to walk around without me. He was there for about 2 hours and I know he found some cool things.
if you ever have a chance to attend a consumer show they're lots of fun AND extremely dangerous!!!!! You Always leave their with many shopping bags.
Do you have a favorite Consumer show or a fun story about them? Let us know.
Sunday, August 12, 2007
"Havin a Diva Birthday!!!"
Hi Divas And Dukes,
Sorry I haven't posted for a while. Sat. was my 29th (again) birthday.
My celebrating started on Fri. when I took a few hours and had some creativity time with Divas Betty and Jen. I was working on a recipe album that I've been trying to finish since April. I'm finishing up the embellishments/bling. Jens 4 year old daughter was there and asked her mommy if "Diva Danielle was a teenager!!". My first thought was I LOVE this little "Diva in Training" and then I thought oh my gosh!!! ... I'm never going to act my age and I'm OK with that!!!! I love that children can see that and except it.
I was taken out to high tea by my favorite Grand Duchess Jan and Diva Jane. I love this B-day ritual we have.The tea shop is called The Aubry Rose in la Mesa ,Ca. When you walk in the door you feel like your in another world and your on vacation mode for an hour and a half. The owners Lorna and Dave are the perfect hosts and the high tea is to die for. Not only the usual cucumber and egg sandwiches but a savory sun dried tomato puff pastry, herb scone, bread pudding with chocolate sauce, and a lemon butter cookie with raspberry jam. Yes .... this was not a carb free high tea. but wait there's more!!! We finished it off with a lemon and lavender scone with the usual lemon curd, clotted cream and jam. So not only was I on a major caffeine high I was on a sugar rush!!!!! And this is only Fri.
Sat , I awoke to a mound of presents with a beautiful summer bouquet of flowers on top. Tom bought me a wonderful set of gourmet cookware. Smart man.... He knows I love to cook and of course instead of going to brunch, I wanted to use my new pans!!!!! They are Fab!!!!
The best part of my day was getting phone calls from all my dear friends all over.
Oh yeah.... and doing a kick boxing workout to get rid of the guilt of the high tea!
I paced myself the rest of the day because my nephews were coming over in the evening. I call them the Boy-Boyz. their 6 1/2. They have a tradition of baking me a cake and while they do this my sister takes the photos and puts them in a little flip book. This year the cake was chocolate with chocolate frosting and dinosaur sprinkles on top. I tell you .... it doesn't get any better than that!!!! We went to night zoo at the San Diego Zoo after that . We only spent an hour there but it was terrific.
We saw an artist who paints wild animals by splashing paint on the canvas. Totally amazing . You can't figure out what the animal is until he turns the canvas up side down for the big reveal!!!! Check him out at http://www.splashfacesofthewild.com/ What a gift he has. I'd love to own one of his pieces of art when I get more wall space!!!
To round out the B-day weekend we went to the local farmers market to hear our friends Betty and Pete Anderson perform . They were super. The crowd loved them. Pete's a pen and ink artist and Betty is a great singer and avid scrapbooker. She has a scrapbook room to die for. She's going to help me do a little organizing. I hope she knows what she's in for. I'm continuing my b-day for the rest of the month to spend some one on one time with all the people who are so dear to me. I am truly blessed.
Thank you all for being a part of my life.
Sorry I haven't posted for a while. Sat. was my 29th (again) birthday.
My celebrating started on Fri. when I took a few hours and had some creativity time with Divas Betty and Jen. I was working on a recipe album that I've been trying to finish since April. I'm finishing up the embellishments/bling. Jens 4 year old daughter was there and asked her mommy if "Diva Danielle was a teenager!!". My first thought was I LOVE this little "Diva in Training" and then I thought oh my gosh!!! ... I'm never going to act my age and I'm OK with that!!!! I love that children can see that and except it.
I was taken out to high tea by my favorite Grand Duchess Jan and Diva Jane. I love this B-day ritual we have.The tea shop is called The Aubry Rose in la Mesa ,Ca. When you walk in the door you feel like your in another world and your on vacation mode for an hour and a half. The owners Lorna and Dave are the perfect hosts and the high tea is to die for. Not only the usual cucumber and egg sandwiches but a savory sun dried tomato puff pastry, herb scone, bread pudding with chocolate sauce, and a lemon butter cookie with raspberry jam. Yes .... this was not a carb free high tea. but wait there's more!!! We finished it off with a lemon and lavender scone with the usual lemon curd, clotted cream and jam. So not only was I on a major caffeine high I was on a sugar rush!!!!! And this is only Fri.
Sat , I awoke to a mound of presents with a beautiful summer bouquet of flowers on top. Tom bought me a wonderful set of gourmet cookware. Smart man.... He knows I love to cook and of course instead of going to brunch, I wanted to use my new pans!!!!! They are Fab!!!!
The best part of my day was getting phone calls from all my dear friends all over.
Oh yeah.... and doing a kick boxing workout to get rid of the guilt of the high tea!
I paced myself the rest of the day because my nephews were coming over in the evening. I call them the Boy-Boyz. their 6 1/2. They have a tradition of baking me a cake and while they do this my sister takes the photos and puts them in a little flip book. This year the cake was chocolate with chocolate frosting and dinosaur sprinkles on top. I tell you .... it doesn't get any better than that!!!! We went to night zoo at the San Diego Zoo after that . We only spent an hour there but it was terrific.
We saw an artist who paints wild animals by splashing paint on the canvas. Totally amazing . You can't figure out what the animal is until he turns the canvas up side down for the big reveal!!!! Check him out at http://www.splashfacesofthewild.com/ What a gift he has. I'd love to own one of his pieces of art when I get more wall space!!!
To round out the B-day weekend we went to the local farmers market to hear our friends Betty and Pete Anderson perform . They were super. The crowd loved them. Pete's a pen and ink artist and Betty is a great singer and avid scrapbooker. She has a scrapbook room to die for. She's going to help me do a little organizing. I hope she knows what she's in for. I'm continuing my b-day for the rest of the month to spend some one on one time with all the people who are so dear to me. I am truly blessed.
Thank you all for being a part of my life.
Sunday, August 5, 2007
"Tributes To Creativity"
HI Divas and Dukes!!!
Rayme and I are always talking about "Creativity". So I thought I'd open it up to all of you to share your inspiration with the rest of us.
This past Thurs. Rayme invited Tom and I on a "Duke Road Trip" to see the Pageant of the Masters in Laguna Beach. It was their 75th anniversary.
I love driving up the coast so I can look at the Pacific Ocean and catch glimpses of the surfers out in the silvery blue. That reminded me of a project I'm working on for my sister . It's a tissue canvas with a mermaid motif. Note to self...... Finish the project.
Tom and I hadn't been to the POTM for many years. It was GLORIOUS!!!!!!. A double cast of over 200 men , women and children. They take famous art pieces and recreate them to life size.
We walked around The Festival of Arts first, to see all the local artists and what their up to. It's more exciting than it sounds. Some have been in this show for 26 years. We saw jewelry, sculptures, paintings, photographs, and some beautiful hand painted clothes. My favorite part was the art from children from Kindergarten to 12th grade. I wanted to take some of their art home and hang it on our walls. Note to Tom.....I need more wall space!!!
After the performance we were lucky enough to get a backstage tour. I have to tell you , because of my theatre background, I've seen many back stages and dressing rooms. This was the most well organized dressing rooms and makeup area I've ever seen. You would never have believed that they had just finished a performance with a 200 person cast just 15 min. prior to our tour. Everything was pristine and spotless. not a drop of powder on the floor.
Did I mention the cast and crew is ALL volunteer?
They had wig heads for every person for their makeup. In this show, to make the paintings come to life, every cast member has to have Very specific shading on their face. Almost airbrushed. The Disney makeup artists come in to show the volunteer makeup artists how to apply it perfectly. Then the cast member gets their costume fitted and they wait to be placed IN their painting. The cast member is then carefully placed in the painting and secured with a cable for safety. When the lights come up, the orchestra plays, and their frozen for a few minutes. Every Masterpiece, whether it was a painting, bronze sculpture ,a piece of fine porcelain or King Tuts Throne made you gasp when the lights came up.
I left there wanting to move to a town that is so committed to being Creative. If I lived their, I would be involved with this incredible tribute to Creativity.
Does your city do something to celebrate creativity? Let us know!!!!!
Rayme and I are always talking about "Creativity". So I thought I'd open it up to all of you to share your inspiration with the rest of us.
This past Thurs. Rayme invited Tom and I on a "Duke Road Trip" to see the Pageant of the Masters in Laguna Beach. It was their 75th anniversary.
I love driving up the coast so I can look at the Pacific Ocean and catch glimpses of the surfers out in the silvery blue. That reminded me of a project I'm working on for my sister . It's a tissue canvas with a mermaid motif. Note to self...... Finish the project.
Tom and I hadn't been to the POTM for many years. It was GLORIOUS!!!!!!. A double cast of over 200 men , women and children. They take famous art pieces and recreate them to life size.
We walked around The Festival of Arts first, to see all the local artists and what their up to. It's more exciting than it sounds. Some have been in this show for 26 years. We saw jewelry, sculptures, paintings, photographs, and some beautiful hand painted clothes. My favorite part was the art from children from Kindergarten to 12th grade. I wanted to take some of their art home and hang it on our walls. Note to Tom.....I need more wall space!!!
After the performance we were lucky enough to get a backstage tour. I have to tell you , because of my theatre background, I've seen many back stages and dressing rooms. This was the most well organized dressing rooms and makeup area I've ever seen. You would never have believed that they had just finished a performance with a 200 person cast just 15 min. prior to our tour. Everything was pristine and spotless. not a drop of powder on the floor.
Did I mention the cast and crew is ALL volunteer?
They had wig heads for every person for their makeup. In this show, to make the paintings come to life, every cast member has to have Very specific shading on their face. Almost airbrushed. The Disney makeup artists come in to show the volunteer makeup artists how to apply it perfectly. Then the cast member gets their costume fitted and they wait to be placed IN their painting. The cast member is then carefully placed in the painting and secured with a cable for safety. When the lights come up, the orchestra plays, and their frozen for a few minutes. Every Masterpiece, whether it was a painting, bronze sculpture ,a piece of fine porcelain or King Tuts Throne made you gasp when the lights came up.
I left there wanting to move to a town that is so committed to being Creative. If I lived their, I would be involved with this incredible tribute to Creativity.
Does your city do something to celebrate creativity? Let us know!!!!!
Monday, July 30, 2007
My Creative Weekend!!!!
Hi Divas And Dukes!!!
What a terrific weekend. I attended the Scrapbook Royalty's Treasure Hunt from 8am til midnight. We were raising money for Families with Spinal Muscular Atrophy. It was a wonderful gathering of creative ladies.
Elena and her volunteers did an incredible job putting this together. There were 2 little girls there (from the same family) who had this challenge and they called themselves "The Guardian Angels." They were racing around in their wheelchairs . One of them had on a t-shirt that said"so NOT a Princess" but of course she was wearing a "Diva in Training " Tiara that I gave her. The other one was quite a scrapbooker. They sat next to their Mom and I and did my Make and Take , A "Diva" Artistic Trading Card. They had their own style and were determined to do it Their way!!!! I loved their spirit.
I was truly humbled by the parents of these girls They referred to their girls as their "2 Blessings" . I came away from that day thinking I have no problems and how Blessed my family is . If you'd like to find out more about this you can go to www.scrapbookroyalty.com .
Elena will be on the show this Wed. with the amount of $$$$$ that were raised for this worthwhile charity. She and her team donate 100% of the money raised. I don't know what her next event is but I do know that I'll be there with my tiara on!!!!!
What did you do this weekend to bring a little creativity into your life? Rayme and I would love to know.
Have A Diva Day!!!
What a terrific weekend. I attended the Scrapbook Royalty's Treasure Hunt from 8am til midnight. We were raising money for Families with Spinal Muscular Atrophy. It was a wonderful gathering of creative ladies.
Elena and her volunteers did an incredible job putting this together. There were 2 little girls there (from the same family) who had this challenge and they called themselves "The Guardian Angels." They were racing around in their wheelchairs . One of them had on a t-shirt that said"so NOT a Princess" but of course she was wearing a "Diva in Training " Tiara that I gave her. The other one was quite a scrapbooker. They sat next to their Mom and I and did my Make and Take , A "Diva" Artistic Trading Card. They had their own style and were determined to do it Their way!!!! I loved their spirit.
I was truly humbled by the parents of these girls They referred to their girls as their "2 Blessings" . I came away from that day thinking I have no problems and how Blessed my family is . If you'd like to find out more about this you can go to www.scrapbookroyalty.com .
Elena will be on the show this Wed. with the amount of $$$$$ that were raised for this worthwhile charity. She and her team donate 100% of the money raised. I don't know what her next event is but I do know that I'll be there with my tiara on!!!!!
What did you do this weekend to bring a little creativity into your life? Rayme and I would love to know.
Have A Diva Day!!!
Friday, July 27, 2007
Talk About Being Bold and Different!!!!!!
HI Divas And Dukes!!!!!!!
This is one my favorite times of the year. Comic-Con is in San Diego!!!! It's the worlds largest convention for comic book enthusiasts. We live Downtown so we're right in the thick of it. When I go to the grocery store it's not unusual to see a couple of Darth Vaders standing in line with a hoard of Storm Troupers. And next to them are a bunch of Pirates. They've brought in a full size replica of The Black Pearl made entirely from Styrofoam. Now that's a Craft Project! I love their passion for their hobby. Like our hobby, it's also our lifestyle.
I'm planning on taking my nephews to the convention on Sun. It's kids day. And because I'm definitely still a kid at heart I'll be there with my tiara on!!!! Why not. When you wear a tiara people smile at you all day long. Sometimes I forget I have it on and I think to myself,"People are SOOOOOO Friendly. "
This afternoon I'm off to help set up for Scrapbook Royalty's "Royal Treasure Hunt." Elena and her team do an incredible job raising money for all types of charities. I look forward to spending the day tomorrow working on finishing up some of my projects and catching up with friends. I hope you have a terrific weekend and enjoy spending time with your family and friends. Whatever you're doing make sure you're Havin a Diva Day!!!!!!
This is one my favorite times of the year. Comic-Con is in San Diego!!!! It's the worlds largest convention for comic book enthusiasts. We live Downtown so we're right in the thick of it. When I go to the grocery store it's not unusual to see a couple of Darth Vaders standing in line with a hoard of Storm Troupers. And next to them are a bunch of Pirates. They've brought in a full size replica of The Black Pearl made entirely from Styrofoam. Now that's a Craft Project! I love their passion for their hobby. Like our hobby, it's also our lifestyle.
I'm planning on taking my nephews to the convention on Sun. It's kids day. And because I'm definitely still a kid at heart I'll be there with my tiara on!!!! Why not. When you wear a tiara people smile at you all day long. Sometimes I forget I have it on and I think to myself,"People are SOOOOOO Friendly. "
This afternoon I'm off to help set up for Scrapbook Royalty's "Royal Treasure Hunt." Elena and her team do an incredible job raising money for all types of charities. I look forward to spending the day tomorrow working on finishing up some of my projects and catching up with friends. I hope you have a terrific weekend and enjoy spending time with your family and friends. Whatever you're doing make sure you're Havin a Diva Day!!!!!!
Wednesday, July 25, 2007
Welcome to Our Diva Craft Lounge Blog
Hi Divas and Dukes,
We want to welcome you to our Diva Craft Lounge Blog.
Rayme, Jan and I hope to be frequent contributors… but This Blog Is for You! (Sorry Budweiser.)
The purpose of our blog is to create a special place for the listeners of Diva Craft Lounge Radio from throughout the world to come together and share everything from their ideas to their lives. It can also be used to discuss those products and vendors that we cover weekly on the show or to let us know about your own discoveries. The rules of this blog are simple: Dare to Be Bold, Different and Always Kind!We always considered Diva Craft Lounge Radio Show as our weekly blog but here we're raising the creative stakes and jumping out of our comfort level because that's what we do. We're taking a deep breath and our fingers are flying.
I just returned from 4 days at CHA Summer show in Chicago. If you don't know what that is, it's an industry only show for manufacturers, designers, and retailers. Needless to say I was talking so much to friends in the industry from all over the globe that I left my voice in Chicago.
I was so inspired by the designers, manufacturers, and retailers, and what they're creating, that Jan, Rayme and I are devoting the whole show today to them.
Join us please! We want to know what inspires you and how you keep your creativity flowing.
That's all for now ..... Gotta go do our show!!!!!!
Have a Diva Day! ™
Danielle
Chief Executive Diva
Diva Craft Lounge Radio
http://www.divacraftlounge.com/
We want to welcome you to our Diva Craft Lounge Blog.
Rayme, Jan and I hope to be frequent contributors… but This Blog Is for You! (Sorry Budweiser.)
The purpose of our blog is to create a special place for the listeners of Diva Craft Lounge Radio from throughout the world to come together and share everything from their ideas to their lives. It can also be used to discuss those products and vendors that we cover weekly on the show or to let us know about your own discoveries. The rules of this blog are simple: Dare to Be Bold, Different and Always Kind!We always considered Diva Craft Lounge Radio Show as our weekly blog but here we're raising the creative stakes and jumping out of our comfort level because that's what we do. We're taking a deep breath and our fingers are flying.
I just returned from 4 days at CHA Summer show in Chicago. If you don't know what that is, it's an industry only show for manufacturers, designers, and retailers. Needless to say I was talking so much to friends in the industry from all over the globe that I left my voice in Chicago.
I was so inspired by the designers, manufacturers, and retailers, and what they're creating, that Jan, Rayme and I are devoting the whole show today to them.
Join us please! We want to know what inspires you and how you keep your creativity flowing.
That's all for now ..... Gotta go do our show!!!!!!
Have a Diva Day! ™
Danielle
Chief Executive Diva
Diva Craft Lounge Radio
http://www.divacraftlounge.com/
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