Swimming for Katie Renz – fundraiser
From October 10-12 some of the best stampers are joining together to support and encourage fellow stamper, and former Craft Critique Reporter Katie Renz, who is currently battling inoperable gastric cancer. If you’re not familiar with her, Katie’s cancer story started just before Christmas last year. This young, beautiful, healthy, vibrant mother of 3 with her infectious smile was suddenly diagnosed with an inoperable cancer, virtually overnight. A few tummy aches and then stage 4 gastric cancer. Her first post about it is here. The idea of “Swimming for Katie” came from her recent post here.
This exclusive stamp designed by Becky Oehlers is available as a clear stamp, as well as a digis or a dig and SVG cut file. 100% of the profits go to Katie’s fund to help her and her young family. Her husband Kevin and her three young children need our help and support. In addition to the Keep Swimming Octopus, Marianne Walker and True =D Doodle Designs both also donated digis that are for sale. Direct donations are also being accepted. Information central is HERE. This is a permanent page that will stay active at i{heart}papers with current information and the full 3 day blog hop listing, as well as the donation button.
Please visit the blogs in the hop today to see what they have done with this inspirational stamp! Here’s mine… won’t you Swim for Katie, too?
If you would like to send her a card, her mailing address is:
Katie Renz
PO Box 5913
Bellingham, WA 98227-5913
**update** Craft Critique will be posting more creations (I submitted mine.) – supply lists and/or tutorials will be included!
(Origami) Crane Infestation and Finishing Projects
Remember this project? My daughter and I made about 300. Time to string these up.
I wonder how many people out there are like me – great ideas, just a little slow on the follow-through because 1) I keep thinking up more ideas, 2) I try to stay active with this kids and hubby, and 3) I actually need to sleep.
As for some of my summer projects that didn’t get done, I’m determined to finish them (like a chair I pulled from someone’s curbside trash, and bookcases for my daughter, the t-shirt quilt, reorganizing my office…yikes). What are your summer projects that didn’t get done? I’d love to hear from the internet universe. Maybe we can cheer each other on to the “finish line”.
Meeting Alton Brown
I hope my kids and husband forgive me for dragging them out on a school night to listen to and meet Alton Brown. He was in the area on his Book Tour – Stop 6 – Good Eats 3. I say it was a successful evening considering the little one asked if we could watch Alton on Food Network when we got home.
Mr. Brown amused the crowd with his quick wit during a fun Q&A session… what an approachable and friendly guy!
A couple of memorable quips:
- If he had to request a last meal – duck confit, because it takes three days to make.
- Stuffing (a turkey) is still evil.
Thanks, Alton, for sharing your time in Chicago via The Book Stall at Chestnut Court (Winnetka, IL)
If you’re going to a signing in your area, check his Fanifesto.
Adobo Cook-Off, Fire Pit and a Long Bike Ride
What a fun-filled weekend!
- Attended a Filipino food cook-off, Adobofest 2011, in one of the many forest preserves around Chicago. It seemed pretty well attended, but I heard there were four times as many entries as there were this year. More on this event tomorrow.
Filipino Cook-Off Event: Adobofest 2011
- Used our fire pit for the first time. Told the kids this was a close to camping as we’ll ever get! I’ve never been camping. Ever. But I am open to the idea of putting up a tent in the backyard one nice summer night. Maybe next year?
Roasting dinner over the fire in the backyard with the kids
- Abby’s soccer team won their game after a harsh season opener (they lost 8-2)!
- And I rode 50 miles in the North Shore Century Ride! Started with a lovely sunrise over Lake Michigan – but quickly turned into a rainy mess of a day. I was drenched by the end. Took me 4 hours and 25 minutes, and on somewhat spongy tires for the middle leg of 20 miles (Oops.). It was really fun, but I won’t lie – it was a lot of work in some spots. And, I’m not very athletic at all. This may be my one big athletic accomplishment to date.
Sunrise at Lake Michigan - Dawes Park - Evanston, IL
The eager cyclist - I'm so excited
Morning registration
Bike odometer reached 50 miles at Bahai Temple of Worship, Wilmette, IL
I’m ready for a relaxing week. Too bad it won’t be… always something happening around our here! *grin*
Have a great week everyone!
Thursday Tip: Lunchtime Jello
How is everyone doing? This school year took off with so much energy, and I feel like I’m just now coming up for some air… getting ready to go back down into the river of household-heading, room parenting, writing, blogging, crafting, etc. Like so many, I have a problem saying NO, and I have a penchant for starting projects every time I see something cool. But, after realizing I have way too many daydreams and not enough finished products, I thought I better try to tidy up my projects-in-progress before I start something new.
In the meantime, there’s been plenty of activity around here… hope to share soon. And now, for a Thursday Tip.
Reusable lunch containers are great
More often than not, I’m using reusable lunch containers for my daughter. The ones we have actually fit her cooler lunchbox from L.L. Bean.
Jello right in container
My husband saw that I was making some Jello, and suggested I pour some right into the lunch containers. Totally worked – no staining, either! (He’s so smart.) There was enough Jello for four containers, and the rest was put into an 8×8 glass pan.
Lunch boxes ready for the week
I’d love to hear your lunchtime tips… what are some favorite lunchtime meals?
