2011 New Year Wallpaper

3...2...1.....HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!

Here is a wallpaper so that your computer (or your phone) can celebrate New Years too! This is a picture of someone (could be anyone) and their super sweet dance moves dancing the year away. Although I'm not a fan of new years resolutions in general because I don't think you should wait until the new year to better your life, I have actually come up with a couple that I'm pretty excited about.

1. A year without the Crazy.  I'm talking no contact, none.  An entire year without Crazy? Doesn't that sound awwwwwesome and freeing!  And really, everyone should strive for a year without crazy and drama. Some people get power over bringing other people down and creating drama, but then a lot of those people graduate from high school.... I mean people have to grow up sometime, don't they?  No....?  Oh well.  If only there was a way to block text messages...*sigh*...I will just keep ignoring.  I'm going to stay strong and not let the Crazy bring me down in 2011!

2. Lose the "polar bear" in me.  Yes, this is a weight issue, and yes I know how annoying that is to everyone so I won't go into it that much, but I would like to start eating more healthy.  And let's just say I'd like to stop hearing people yell "earthquake!!!" when I run down the street.

3. Stay healthy. While I am mostly talking about preventing a Crohn's flare-up, this also relates to running, soccer, and other physical injuries that could happen. I got pretty beat up in my soccer game last night and I have to realize that at this point in my soccer "career" it's just not worth challenging some 18 year old kid because even if I win the ball, he is probably going to break my hip.  I also can't get sick because I am off COBRA and starting a new health insurance plan that doesn't cover Crohn's for the first year since it's a pre-existing condition. Stupid p.e.c...... oh well, here's to staying healthy!

4. Sub-4 Marathon. I almost didn't put this one on here, because it's more of a goal than a resolution....but I figure if I put it in writing, now I have to do it. I am going to do it.

5. Do something every month that scares me. Since almost everything scares me, this will give me a lot of options. Writing this blog really scared me-opening up my thoughts, ramblings, and health issues for the world (okay-5 people of the world) to see.  Hopefully I can keep up the trend in 2011.  But if we stop challenging ourselves to see what we are capable of, then what's the point? Here's to personal growth!

So I hope each year only continue to get better for you-new year, new you, new opportunities. And get a kick-start on that exercise resolution by dancing the night away! If you want any lessons on my dance moves, just let me know and we can make that happen and then you too, can look like this picture. I call these my "super sweet dance lessons"...so you know they're good.

Here's to the New Year!  Cheers!

Polar Bear Plunge

Yes, I’m doing it. I’m taking the plunge. Into Lake Michigan that is!! Get out your fuzzy hat and warm robe, because we are diving in deep. Okay, not really deep as Lake Michigan is actually pretty shallow for awhile close to shore, which makes it very difficult to get all the way under water, but I'm getting ahead of myself (shocking).
For only the third time in my life, and after a two year hiatus, this year (well technically next year), on January 1, 2011, as the first act of brilliance for the new year, I will be taking the venture into what we like to call a Wisconsin badge of honor/admittance that we’re all insane.

For all of my followers (since there are so many of you) who aren’t familiar with this concept, let me explain. We wait until the coldest time of year, then we pretend that it’s summer time and we all get in bathing suits, cut a hole in the ice, and jump into the water.  Voluntarily!  (Okay, for some people this involves alcohol so slightly voluntarily)

Once we're in the water (and you have to get your hair wet or it doesn't count) we all run around screaming like madmen until we have lost all feeling in our extremities.  Next we slowly make our way back towards shore.  Slowly because we are slowly losing control over our bodies.   Once we get out and the hypothermia begins to take hold and we can’t stop our bodies from shaking…then our mind sort of kicks back in and says “hmmm, I don’t think that was a good idea.”


I was against the polar bear plunge for a long time, for obvious reasons. My good friend from high school would invite me every year to do it.  I questioned his sanity and our friendship as a result of his choice to participate in this event.  I finally caved in 2007.  I’m not sure what made me change my mind-I’m sure peer pressure played a part. That and rock music are basically the only things that influence my decision-making. I will tell you this you doubters…….it is amazing!!! The adrenaline rush that you get is enough to last you for a year until you’re going to want to do it again!

I will say, however, that running into Lake Michigan was much more “enjoyable” than my second experience.  It was up in the north woods in 2008 and I jumped into a big hole in the ice up in a man-made lake, and three seconds later you are pulled out. I think I like Milwaukee's version because you get to actually run and move while being in the water, you can spend as much time as you want out there (not that we play water basketball or anything), and your body can sort of slowly adjust to the near-death level of cold.


In 2007 when I showed up at Lake Michigan promptly at 11:45 for a noon "jump", I was surprised by the amount of people there.  There were tents set up, fires going, people grilling out, I was impressed!  Then right at 11:59 they tell everyone to step up to the water. That was when I realized that the vast majority of the crowd were there for the show to watch us idiots make fools of ourselves.  All I thought was, please don’t let an image of me in a swimming suit end up on YouTube. Although it might be a good video for kids to show them what a real polar bear looks like.

Actual Polar Bear.




My imitation of a Polar Bear.


So now as a seasoned veteran, I have a couple words of advice.  First, there are rocks on the bottom of Lake Michigan, yes below the chunks of ice.  I was told to wear shoes to prevent being cut, and I would agree with this advice.  Small detail at the time was that I was not given this advice until I got there, which was not quite as helpful. So while I took the advice and wore my running shoes into the water… the problem was that when I got out I did not have another pair of shoes to wear. As I walked the long painful trek (I think it was approximately 8 miles) across the snow (uphill both ways) in my socks to my friend’s car, my feet were screaming at me letting me know what an idiot I was.  Thanks feet, I've realized that.  After a week though I gained pretty much all the feeling back in my toes, so it wasn’t really that big a deal.

Second, once you get out of the water and your mind and body are in shock….don’t just stand there like an idiot. You should get dressed immediately. I had this really sweet purple robe that I was wearing over my 5 million layers when I got there.  It works much better while actually being worn than laying in the snow.  These two mistakes may have been detrimental to my short-term health…but in the long-term, I’m sure it’s nothing…….right?  Do you want to go yet?

I’ve also realized that with all those cameras and tiny sneaky video recording devices, that the chances of other people seeing me in a swimsuit are way too high to take the risk. This year I have decided to wear a onesie.  Yes, an adult size onesie, also known as “footed pajamas”. The same thing babies wear…but a lot bigger, and mine will be covered in Grinches (how fitting).  Not only will it have the added benefit of covering almost all of my body, but it’s also super stylish!  Here is exactly how this will look.
January 1-the 2011 version
  So please join me as we ring in a new year the way we were supposed to-by jumping into ice cold water!! Milwaukee’s weather forecast currently shows Windy with a high of 28 and low of 15. What reason is there not to??

UPDATE:  I did it!!!  It wasn't pretty, but I did it-in my full onesie outfit (which no one got, which made it even better).  I got there a little late due to crazy traffic and ended up making some new friends to run in with.  I only wish I had met the guy in the banana costume, because I think that would have been a cool site to see.  Ah well, enjoy!  My favorite part, besides the women screaming, is at 19 seconds where the guy goes "they all went under!"  Damn right we did!!!  I will just say, for the record, that running in the water isn't too bad, but right when you get out---that is insane-your entire body shuts down.  awesome!!!

UPDATE #2: Here is another video that I forgot to put up.  This is my pre-jump dance.  I like how you can hear me say "I'm starting to regret this"...but I didn't.




And here is how good I looked after.  Not many people can pull off the half-frozen look, but I think I rocked it.
Frozen hair, red face....can  you say glamour shot?!!




Mixing It Up

I thought I'd try mixing all the different techniques I've been playing around with into one piece. I started with a felted rope that I made from a recycled wool sweater. I crocheted around the rope in freeform style then combined it with some of the metal findings and glass beads that I purchased from a couple of Etsy shops recently.





I was pretty pleased with the end result, so I made a pair of earrings to go with the necklace. This was a fun project and I'm planning to make some similar pieces for my Etsy shop. I think it will be a nice change for the new year.

And The Winner Is...

I want to thank everyone who participated in the teacup giveaway. I'm so pleased to have you all visit my blog and I love visiting all of yours as well. The winner of the teacup and saucer is ...Rita Leggio, from Italy. Congratulations Rita! I'll get that sent out to you as soon as possible.
I will be having another giveaway soon. Please check back from time to time for a chance to win. Thanks again to all who visited my blog. I love you all!

Christmas Wallpaper

Merry Christmas!!

As I am sure you have all been waiting to celebrate your family holidays until your computer had the proper background, here it is.

This has the official stamp of approval from my Mom.  So you know it couldn't possibly be any better.  Although I hate to admit any weaknesses, I have realized that I might have a slight difficulty with 3-dimensions.  My brother added in the slight detail of having a separation between the wall and the floor.  But really, how many people want pictures in 3-D anyway?  I feel like this 3-D trend won't last long....and then I will be back on top.

But for now, I hope you enjoy the background and that you have a wonderful holiday.


If this picture is ever hanging in a famous museum, they will probably title it, "Perfect Christmas."


Here Comes Santa Claus

Merry Christmas Everyone!

Fancy Jack

Today was Jack's bath day. Doesn't he look fancy? I had to chase him around the house for 30 minutes just to get him into the tub. He's all groomed and ready for Christmas.
Thanks for stopping by.


Free Give Away-Vintage Cup & Saucer

Tea on Tuesday...After all the shopping, cleaning, baking, cooking, and wrapping presents is over, wouldn't you love to sit down, put your feet up and have a cup of tea?
I'm giving away this lovely antique cup and saucer, so you can do just that very thing.
I'll be sure to include a couple of my favorite tea bags for you to enjoy as well.
Just leave a comment after this post and I will pick a winner right after Christmas.
Thanks for stopping by!






There are some pretty antique and vintage items for sale in my Etsy shop. If you're interested in looking, go to http://www.reconsidered.etsy.com/.

2010 Christmas Theme Wallpapers

We wish Merry Christmas to our viewers celebrating this 2010 year's last grand festival full of happiness, joy and cheer. To delight our visitors decorate their screen, we have these 2010 Christmas Theme Wallpapers for free based on winter theme of December holidays. The red ball fallen on white snow, jingle bells, golden star make elegant collection for the gallery.
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Beautiful Christmas Wallpapers

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Red Christmas Wallpapers

Red is the theme color of Christmas used in almost every stuff related with winter holidays. Be it clothing, decorations, shopping, gifts, sweets, cakes, backgrounds and more. Here, we have these Red Christmas Wallpapers for our viewers who are looking for some red color based background wallpaper. Here are some red hanging balls, tree, snowflakes, ornaments and other material.
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Friday's Frills

I must warn you, there are a lot of pictures here, but I just had to share with you the beautiful wedding dresses I thrifted yesterday. Everything you see here was purchased for $5.00. I'm sorry to gush, but this is a mountain of vintage and antique lace for a grand total of $5.00. It has to be the best find I've ever had on a treasure hunt. It will make you drool, I promise!









Christmas Nature Wallpapers

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Christmas Star Wallpapers

Explore the beauty of Christmas eve when the light of twinkling star glow the black night to express celebration of Jesus birth. Cheer up your dashboard screen by setting any of these Christmas Star Wallpapers for free as a gift from us to our visitors.


Joy & Inspiration

Joy and inspiration. New friends and sharing. I am overwhelmed with the generosity and kindness that I have experienced over the past year through my journey of creating. I have met some of the most beautiful, thoughtful, creative women who have made my life richer in ways that I can't even put into words. These new friends have made me feel welcome and comfortable about who I am and what I create. I am no longer afraid to share my art with others. I feel like I fit in somewhere now. All of you, whose blogs I read, whose work I admire on Flickr and Etsy and those whose work has been published in the many books and magazines that I've purchased over the past year, I want to say THANK YOU! I love you all!
If you're wondering what the photos are...they are some gifts that I received in the mail yestersay from one of these dear friends. Thank you Sharon...I love everything!
The round stone earrings are something I made for myself.


Inspired by new found friends, I've combined crochet, metal and glass, to create this necklace. The copper parts were purchased pieces that I've taken apart and combined with a lampwork bead made by my step daughter Janice, and some copper wire. The rope is a wool cord made from a recycled sweater. A technique I learned from my dear friend Odile. I crocheted around the rope with cotton thread in freeform style. The entire piece was inspired by my new friend Sharon,  a multi talented, creative artist, who was a part of the "Round Robin" project, featured in the latest issue of "Belle Armoire Jewelry".