Frankie

 I recently made a small army of these little Frankie treat boxes for a craft show. 

They're filled with 5 Oreo Halloween cookies. 

Isn't he so cute?!

Technique Club

 Yes, I've been very poor at keeping up on my blog. I was thinking about it tonight and thought I'd just quickly share a few of the cards I've done as samples for my Technique Club. 

I've been really enjoying building my reference notebook of techniques. 

Failure

 Yes. I've fallen back on keeping up on my blog. ☹️ Thank you to those who have been reading. I'll try and get back on track....but not today. 

National Cinema Day Reminder

Don't forget that this Sunday is National Cinema Day and if you're free, go and grab some of those $4 tickets. I'll be celebrating just a touch early tomorrow. I'm going to the movies with a friend to see Haunted Mansion.

I LOVE going to the movies and should go more often. I always wait to go with someone else, not wanting to go alone. I need to get over that and just go enjoy myself by myself. 

Just get over yourself Tonna!

National Second-hand Wardrobe Day

 Secondhand Wardrobe Day is coming up on August 25th. Since 2017 the day has encouraged deals and savings each year across the United States. You may find steals in secondhand and consignment stores on gently worn clothing for all ages. Secondhand shopping for your clothing offers numerous benefits beginning with the savings, for a fraction of the price of retail, thrifty shoppers can fill their wardrobe while pocketing the savings. This day benefits the Earth as well! Chances are, you have a clothing item (or 10) in your closet that you don’t wear, haven’t worn since the previous solar eclipse and have no plans to wear here or in a parallel universe. Instead of ending up in a landfill to join the 13 million tons of textiles disposed of each year those items can get another go around while freeing up some of your closet space. So why allow the stigma of wearing used clothing beat the scenario of  recycling, reusing, re-purposing. Plus, many local secondhand stores are set up as nonprofits raising additional funds for charitable organizations.  Try it! You may even find the experience fun. Thrifting is a treasure hunt where you never know what you'll find. 

The purchasing of second-hand clothes has been around since the 17th century. During this time, European secondhand merchants were buying and selling vast amounts of stock, bringing in huge amounts of money, making the venture quite profitable. In Venice for instance, courtesans procured clothing, by buying or renting, from such secondhand sources. During the 18th and 19th centuries, the use of pre-worn clothing was an experience familiar to nearly all classes in society. During World Wars I and II the profitable potential of worn clothing increased.

From there, the nature of the second-hand clothing grew in appreciation, and thus, markets for second-hand clothing grew creating an alternative option for clothing that encourages environmentally-conscious choices and a longer lifeline for clothing. In today’s economy, not only have thrift stores become popular among mainstream culture but online thrift shopping has begun. Companies such as ThredUp and Poshmark give people the opportunity to resell their clothes.

My experience with these stores began when I lost quite a lot of weight. I needed a cost effective way to buy my clothes as my weight went down. After doing this I just couldn't bring myself to buy one blouse for the price I could buy a whole outfit at the thrift store. When I tire of them I just redonate them and grab myself a little something at a bargain price. 

Enjoy the day and have fun. You just may find me there looking for a treasure. 

National Cenima Day

This is only the second year for this holiday. National Cinema Day will return this Sunday, August 27, for this second edition, with discounted admissions for all movies at over 3,000 participating theaters and 30,000 screens. Tickets for all tickets, all shows and all formats will be no more than $4. Some great concession discounts will also be offered. 

Last year’s event was held Sept. 3, the Saturday of Labor Day weekend. Tickets were $3. and 8.1 million people flocked to theaters. It was the highest-attended day for movies in 2022. It is designed to “celebrate the power of movies to bring us all together” to populate multiplexes during the dog days of summer and a way for studios to sell audiences on their fall lineups. A sneak peek of anticipated autumn releases will play before each screening.

World Honey Bee Day

World Honey Bee Day is celebrated on the third Saturday in August each year and brings a buzzing celebration for beekeepers, honey lovers, and all blooming things.

The day recognizes both the honey bee and the beekeepers who tend the hives as well as encouraging everyone to enjoy and buy locally grown honey. Another important part of the day includes learning about honey bees and providing them with a supportive environment. When we plant wildflowers, orchards, and other flowering plants, we support pollinators such as honey bees. They depend on the nectar of a variety of plants for their survival. But we depend on honeybees for our survival, too! Without their pollinating abilities, many nutritious plants wouldn’t reproduce. As an added bonus their  delicious honey is used in our baking, teas, and confections.

Honey bees do sting, but only if they perceive a threat, such as damage to their hive or being swatted at. What they seek is sweet nectar, so sugary drinks and sweets will attract them when flowers are not blooming yet. So, keep your beverages and sweet things covered. If a honey bee comes close, either hold still or move slowly away. The honey bee will fly along to the next sweet thing as long as it doesn’t feel threatened.

As a young girl I remember that a bee landed on my shoulder under the cover of the ruffled sleeve of my favorite dress. I was very scared and I froze which actually helped the situation and after a bit it flew away. I was not as lucky as an adult. Michael was gone so I was out attempting to mow a lawn for the first time and I stepped on one. Even then it would have been fine but this foolish woman was mowing the lawn in bare feet. Bad idea. 

Here are some cards I've made with a bee theme. This is a past one

And here is a simple little one we will be making in card class next week 

Anyway, enjoy World Honey Bee Day, wear your shoes when mowing a lawn, and don't threaten those bees.  

National Thrif Shop Day

 Today is Thrift Shop Day! This is a great one for me. Thrift stores are my department stores. I love to browse there.

 If you consider yourself a bit of a bargain hunter, you may love them as well. 

This day has been designed to encourage everyone to purchase second-hand items and to visit the thrift stores in their local area and see what treasures you can find!

After all, there is something super satisfying about purchasing something for half the price, isn’t there? You can also use National Thrift Shop Day to revamp your shopping habits, whether this means using coupon codes or using cashback websites. 

There are many benefits associated with shopping in thrift stores. Ultimately, though, you are going to be able to get more for your money, and this is something to celebrate! From clothing to books and furniture; you can find a whole host of treasures. You know what they say: “your trash is someone else’s treasure.” You can find all sorts of cool stuff that people have decided to donate, you never know what you are going to come across!

Before thrift shopping became common, people usually repurposed their clothes. During the eighteenth century, many new ways of using old items were created. If one’s clothing became worn, they’d give it to a younger sibling as a hand-me-down and made into clothes for them. Even after the siblings tired of them, the material would be recycled as furniture stuffing. People also often sold their items if they needed the money. 

By the late nineteenth century, the United States experienced a massive cultural shift. The Industrial Revolution increased the production of clothes and goods, and the pursuit of the American dream led to heightened immigration. Many moved to urban areas and an unfavorable opinion began surrounding clothes that were once owned by a stranger, as it indicated a lower social status. Christian ministries needed funding for their outreach programs and groups like the Salvation Army changed the narrative. In 1897, the Salvation Army launched the “salvage brigade.” Residents would go around the neighborhood asking for used clothes. In return, they’d receive food and lodging. Then, in Boston in 1902, a Methodist minister created Goodwill that hired poor and disabled people to collect goods and make necessary repairs to them. These shops provided immigrants with a place to find clothes. Thrift shops reflected the department stores of the time in the 1920s. Initial impressions began to change after thrift shops stopped being known as “junk shops.” By 1935 there were nearly 100 Goodwill stores nationwide and they were useful during hard times the nation faced during The Great Depression and World War II. People warmed up to the idea of thrift shops as a way to find vintage items and niche goods, and ever since, the thrift shop has steadily shed its negative image.

So there you go. A bit of the history of thrift stores. I use them and love them, but love them or hate them I think they are here to stay. 

I'm even able to sell my cards in one. The Assistance League thrift Shop here in Reno on Vasser Street has a little shop inside called the Senior Sampler. There you can find my cards as well as many other things all made by seniors in the area. Check it out. You may find a treasure either in the thrift shop or the Sampler. 

National Tell a Joke Day

 Tomorrow is National Tell a Joke Day. 

It's a day meant to be filled with smiles and laughter from morning till night and that sounds like a pretty good day to me! 

So....Why did the scarecrow win an award? 

Because he was outstanding in his field. Ha Ha Ha!

I love it when I hear a good joke but I'm hopeless at remembering them. 

I'd love it if you'd all share a joke with me in the comment section. The one I like the best will win a little prize from me. 

Here's one more from me and I'm out. 

What do you call a fish without eyes? 

Fsh. He He He

Play in the Sand Day

Tomorrow is Play in the Sand Day which rolls around on August 11 of every year. It doesn't matter where you play, a river, lake, beach or sand box.  The idea is to play in the sand. Whether you want to build a sandcastle, bury a friend, write in it, or simply wiggle your toes in it, today is the perfect day for it. 

The creator or founder of Play in the Sand Day is unknown. Initially, it was about making artistic sandcastles and soft sculptures out of sand and water, but now it embraces anything you can do in the sand. 

Unfortunately for me the closest I'm going to get to celebrate playing in the sand is to share this picture of one of the cards we made last night in Paper Pumpkin Club. Oh well....

National Book Lovers Day

Tomorrow is National Book Lovers Day. 

I'm keeping it brief today so I'm just popping to share this birthday card that I made for the book lover in my life. 

Oh my gosh!

I forgot to take a picture of it and I already gave it to her. Way to go Tonna. 

If I can get her to send me a picture, I will add it. 

National Sunflower Day

 Today is National Sunflower Day. Sunflowers are said to be a symbol of adoration, loyalty, and longevity and I love them. Their bright yellow color is a sign of happiness, friendship, and intelligence. National Sunflower Day is held each year on the first Saturday in August and reminds us to show our inner sunshine.

These big, beautiful flowers have been around since about 1000 BC. Native Americans used sunflowers as a food source, oil, paint, textile, and during ceremonies. Interestingly, some archaeologists believe sunflowers may have been cultivated before corn. Today, they are still being used as a source of food, as well as for oils, and beauty treatments. The U.S. is a massive producer of sunflowers. It is a major crop in both North and South Dakota. In 2022, North Dakota produced 762 billion pounds of sunflowers! With the average height of a sunflower being five to six feet tall, a sunflower head can grow bigger than a human head. As the weight of the sunflower head becomes heavy, it begins to fall forward causing the petals to fall off. After the petals fall off and the heads freeze, harvest begins on the sunflower. On average, one sunflower can produce up to 2,000 sunflower seeds per head. Wow! I had no idea! During early mornings, sunflowers can be seen in a sort of sleep position with the head slightly bent downwards. However, as the sun begins to shine, they slowly find the bright sun. They tend to face east. August is considered the peak season for seeing blooming sunflowers.

As I said, I love them and here's what happened to me today. I was coming home driving down my street and came upon a yard sale just one block up. So I parked my car at home and walked up to check it out. They were very friendly and had huge beautiful sunflowers growing all along one side of their yard. I admired them and they ended up cutting me some to take with me.....on Sunflower Day!

Here they are. Aren't they so pretty.

I really want to grow some and I'm going to give it a try in the spring. Cross your fingers for me!🤞 

National Watermelon Day

Today is National Watermelon Day. Here's a card I made. 

It's so easy to do. You need only pick the right paper, cut concentric circles, glue them together, cut the results in half and WALLA! you have not one but two slices of watermelon for a card. 

Did you know that this tasty, juicy fruit is 92% water? No wonder it’s so refreshing! i

It's a great way of keeping the body hydrated, which is extremely beneficial for those of us out there who don't like drinking water. The high water content in watermelons means you’re going to get a good dose of water every time that you consume this fruit. I love watermelon so this is great news for me. I wish I could get a good watermelon all year long. It would sure help with my water intake. What’s even better is that a high water content helps you to feel full. Therefore, you can eat watermelon and you won’t feel hungry afterwards. The combination of fiber and water in this fruit means you get a good volume of food without a lot of calories at all. Sadly,  there's also the fact that I can never pick out a good one. I solve that problem by heading to the farmer's market and just asking them to pick me to pick one for me. I got a great one a couple of weeks ago and I'm heading there Saturday to snag another. 

It's said that cultivation began in the Nile Valley as early as the second millennium B.C. Watermelon seeds were even found in King Tut's tomb and on August 3, each year we celebrate this ancient berry in a feast of juicy deliciousness. 

With proper growing conditions, watermelons can grow to enormous sizes. Around the world, competitions award prizes each year for the largest one. The Guinness Book of World Records states that the heaviest watermelon weighed 262 pounds. 

In my research I found several other benefits to eating the fruit. I could go on and on but I have some some of my watermelon left and I'm going to stop and go devour some. 

National Girlfriends Day

Tomorrow is National Girlfriends Day which rolls around every year on August 1. It’s about women supporting women! Romantic partners will come and go. Jobs are won and lost. But no matter what happens, your girls will be there in a crunch. It’s a time to honor homegirls! They’re like sisters but without the growing-up baggage. When times are tough, your girls will let you vent and when you’re done; they will offer up the support you need to get through. A great story of female friendship involves Ella Fitzgerald and Marilyn Monroe. Fitzgerald attributes her big break to Monroe? The singer

 Ells tried to book a gig at the Mocambo in Hollywood in 1955 but the manager turned her away because she didn’t have enough “sex appeal.” Monroe called the manager and said that she would sit in the front row every night if Fitzgerald got the job, which would pull in the press and crowds that the manager craved. Fitzgerald would say later. “After that I never had to play a small jazz club again.”

Here's a picture of some of my "besties" taken a few nights ago during  card making class. 

They're wonderful!

Let's all take a moment tomorrow and let our girlfriends know how much we care about them and if we can get together with them it would be even better. Grab lunch, go to a movie or just have a catching up visit. I'd love to hear some of your favorite girlfriend stories!

National Ice Cream Day

 Today is National Ice Cream Day. We have President Reagan to thank for this yummy celebration. He decreed the day in 1984 describing ice cream as ‘‘a nutritious and wholesome food enjoyed by over ninety percent of the people in the United States.’’ In fact, Americans lead the world when it comes to eating this frozen delight.

Here's some history for you...

Thousands of years ago, people in the Persian Empire put snow in a bowl, poured concentrated grape juice over it, and ate it as a treat even when the weather was hot. Their trick? They placed snow in underground chambers known as yakchal where the temperatures kept the snow from melting. The Persians also hiked to the mountain tops by their summer capital to gather snowfall.

The Chinese, under the Tang Dynasty around 697 AD, took to freezing dairy with salt and ice. 

But culinary folks point to Naples, Italy as the birthplace of the first actual ice cream. They give credit to Antonio Latini. He was born in 1642 and created a milk-based sorbet.

In the United States, the Quaker colonists earn the nod for bringing their ice recipes over with them. They opened the first ice cream shops, including shops in New York and other cities during the colonial era.

 So, in a dish or on a cone, I scream, you scream, we all scream for ice cream. 

Lucky for me I have a bit in my freezer, cause even though there are deals to be had, I'm just to darn hot to go out and brave the weather to get some. 

I will though share this ice cream card that I made last month. I think it turned out pretty cute!

 

Slurpee Day

 Well everyone, I'm  announcing that tomorrow 7/11 is Slurpee Day. 

Everyone who visits 7/11 tomorrow can treat themselves to a free small Slurpee. 

So grab the kiddos and head over to your nearest 7/11 for a nice cold treat on the house. 

International Skinny DipDay

 Well All, the second Saturday of every July is International Skinny Dip Day. 

That's today and all I can say is....Uh, no. Not a chance. 

National Bikini Day

Today is National Bikini Day

 It marks the anniversary of its invention in 1946. Since its debut in Paris women have been hitting the beaches and pool sides in the revealing two-piece bathing suit. 

It was named after the Bikini Atoll, where the United States conducted atomic tests. By World War II, sunbathers in Europe had cast aside the chaste one-piece bathing costumes for simple two-piece bathing suits. However, nothing prepared the United States for the revealing bikini. The skimpy strips of fabric were seen as less than a women’s unmentionables and American’s sense of decency kept them from accepting the bikini until the 1960s. Today, the bikini comes in all shapes, sizes, colors, and fabrics. Designers expanded the style to flatter more body shapes, enticing more women to wear the fashion and throughout the summer, the bikini can be seen on beaches and pools everywhere.

So there's a bit of history about the bikini. Believe it or not, my history once included the bikini. Sadly though, those days are long gone. It's a beautiful day to be wearing a bikini and hitting the pool or the lake so you young girls don your bikinis and enjoy it. 

Coincidently July 5th is also National Hawaii Day which recognizes the 50th state to be granted statehood. Oh to be in Hawaii right now with a body appropriate to be wearing a bikini and enjoying a beautiful Hawaiian beach. Dream on old woman. 

National Kissing Day

 Today in National Kissing Day. 💋 

I'll be able to celebrate this one soon as my granddaughter is coming over for a while and grandbabie kisses 💋 are the best!!

No matter which type of kiss you prefer, Kissing Day is the perfect time of year to celebrate this simple but powerful gesture. From French kissing, a formal kiss on the cheek, to a kiss hello and a kiss goodbye — kissing is an age-old practice with significance that extends far beyond just romance. If we go back in time, we can thank the Romans for the widespread practice of kissing. They described kissing in three forms: the osculum (a friendly peck on the cheek), the basium (a loving kiss on the lips), and the savium (the most passionate of kisses on the mouth). To them when, where, and how you kissed someone was an important indicator of social status.

The term “French kiss” was most likely coined by American and British servicemen in France during World War I who noticed that Gallic women were more open to employing the passionate technique than their American and British counterparts.

Kissing Day itself is not only about kissing your significant other, but to bring people closer in general. The main idea behind it was that so many people to have forgotten the simple pleasures associated with kissing for kissing’s sake, as opposed to kissing as mere social formality. Kissing can be an enjoyable experience in and of itself and is an expression of love.

The art of kissing transcends cultural norms. No matter which country or customs kissing is celebrated as an enjoyable activity. Whether it is an affectionate peck on the cheek, or a deep, passionate kiss shared between lovers, Kissing Day is all about expressing love through kisses. 

Here's some good news. Turns out that kissing is heathy for you and even burns calories. French kissing engages all 34 muscles in the face, whereas a simple pucker kiss only involves two. Who needs the gym when a make-out session will get our hearts racing and our muscles working? Kissing also makes us happy and relieves stress. It serves as a natural relaxer that makes us feel happy and at peace. By stimulating our brain to release feel-good chemicals, kissing makes us feel both calm and excited at the same time. So in other words, it's no wonder I'm overweight and stressed. Just another reason I need to find my new rich boyfriend!

When lips meet and hearts flutter, the world feels like it's spinning in slow motion, and for a moment, nothing else matters.

I would love to make a special card to share today but I simply don't have time so I'll share this valentine card that I had already made. 

Have a great day ladies and accept this big virtual kiss from me. 

 

National Best Friends Day

 

Today is Best Friends Day!

Whether they’re near or far, old or new, best friends help to carry us through our lives. This is a special time to tell them how much we appreciate them. Life wouldn’t be the same without best friends. They’re the ones that can be counted on to be there at a moment’s notice. The ones who love, laugh, support, and cherish – in both good and bad times.

We have our own country to thank for this lighthearted holiday. In 1935, the U.S. Congress gathered to devote a day each year in tribute to close friends. They chose June 8, which is usually a balmy day in all regions of the country—perfect for outdoor activities. Since then, many other countries have adopted the practice. Some even throw festivals to celebrate their chosen family.

Friendships are an indestructible bond that join people together in beautiful ways. Celebrating best friends day is just one way to acknowledge your awesome sidekick and show them how much you love them, so take a moment to think about that one important person who is there by your side no matter what. They are the person you want to go on vacation with, you turn to them when you are having trouble with relationships and you always want to share secrets with. They are the Batman to your Robin, the sugar to your spice, and the sand to your sea! Who is that person for you? Chances are that person that springs to mind first and foremost is most definitely your best friend.

I've texted mine. Now who is yours?

National Brothers Day

 Tomorrow is Brothers Day, a day to honor the brothers in our lives and take time to celebrate them. Whether you grew up with one brother or a few or have a friend you love like a brother, today’s holiday gives you a terrific reason to spend time together or get in touch. The day has been around since 1997, when it was created by a woman named C. Daniel Rhodes in honor of her brother. Unfortunately I've not come up with much more information about it. 

As many of you know, I lost my youngest brother Leo early this year. It was a difficult time but I am blessed with the knowledge that I will be reunited with him someday. I have one remaining brother, my younger brother Bud, and though he has gotten to be a crochety old man I love him to pieces. While Leo was still here, Bud started texting him "Happy Friday" each week so that he know he was okay and wouldn't worry. He included me in the idea and still texts me each week. I'm going to text him tomorrow and tell him it's National Brother's Day. He'll think it's weird but I'm doing it anyway. If you have a brother and are near enough to be able to get together I encourage you to do so even if it's just to give them a giant hug. 

Gimme Some Pizza

 Tomorrow is National Pizza Party Day. 

If there’s one thing that makes any day better it’s a hot slice of pizza shared among friends. The day was created to give people an excuse (like we needed one) to get together with a group of people we love and enjoy the rich cheesy taste of pizza. Pizza has a long history, and it has become one of the mainstays of office meetings, birthday parties, and friendly get-togethers.

In honor of  National Pizza Party Day, let me share some fun and some surprising facts about pizza!

:Western Europe is the biggest pizza market in the world, worth $54.4 billion, followed closely by America at $50.7 billion. You then have Latin and South America at $16.8 billion.

:Americans order 350 slices of pizza every second!

:The world’s most expensive pizza costs $9,200 and it can be found in Salerno, Sicily.

:61 percent of people prefer thin-crust pizzas.

:Women are twice as likely to order vegetarian toppings on their pizza compared to men.

:Saturday is the most popular night to eat pizza. But, there’s never really a bad night for eating pizza, right?

:You can order pizza from space – Yes, you read that right! Pizza Hut became the first restaurant to deliver a pizza to space, rocketing a pizza to an astronaut at the International Space Station. The pizza was topped with salami and extra spices because tastebuds are dulled in space.

:Pepperoni is the most popular pizza topping! The least popular are anchovies, chicken, and pineapple.

I LOVE pizza!! And I love pineapple on it! It's my favorite food. I can eat it for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, hot or cold, so guess what I'm having for tomorrow! Im here with Carol so we'll make it a "party" or two. 

There you go friends. Order your favorite pie and enjoy. 

Hug a Tree

 Today is National Hug A TREE Day. 

On May 16th each year, the holiday celebrates the joys of life provided by trees. 

Most species of trees tend to be long-lived. Some trees live to be several thousand years old. They typically live longer than humans and perhaps most everything else on the planet. Trees can live anywhere from less than 100 years to more than a few thousand years depending on the species. However, one species in particular outlives them all. The Great Basin Bristlecone Pine has been deemed the oldest tree in existence, reaching an age of over 5,000 years old.   

In 1964, Donal Rusk Currey killed the oldest tree ever. The tree was a Great Basin bristlecone pine, and Currey didn’t mean to kill it. It was an accident, and one he didn’t really understand the ramifications of until he started counting rings. Basically, Currey got his tree corer stuck in the tree. So stuck that it wouldn’t come out. An unwitting park ranger helped him by cutting the tree down, to remove the instrument, and later Currey began to count the rings. Eventually, he realized that the tree he had just felled was almost 5,000 years old – the oldest tree ever recorded. Though members of the scientific community and press were outraged that the tree was killed, Currey’s mistake ultimately provided the impetus to establish Great Basin National Park to protect the bristlecones. 

 According to the U.S. Forest Service, about 766 million acres of forest land exist in the United States. This number has held steady since 2012. How trees are utilized and managed has changed in the last 400 years. Where people live and how we farm has also changed. While some urban forests increase, other areas see a decline. Tree planting programs improve landscapes but human activities and population growth continue to impact ecosystems. Trees provide more than just beautiful landscapes and a shady canopy on a sunny day. They play a significant role in reducing erosion and moderating the climate as well as giving us oxygen. Large quantities of carbon are stored in their tissues as trees remove carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. They slso provide habitat and structure for strong ecosystems. Trees are a vital part of nature so this is a good day to plant a new one or spend some time enjoying the beauty of the trees that are all around you. Or, climb up into your favorite tree, and share some quality time with it. You will both benefit from the experience.

I am fortunate to be visiting Washington for Hug A Tree Day so I am surrounded by their beauty so I will definitely take the opportunity to go out and give one a great big hug. 

How about you?

Hooray for Hose!

 Today is National Nylon Hose Day. 

Varying in color, design, and transparency, a nylon stocking is a close-fitting, variously elastic garment worn the same as socks or tights. Before the 1890s they were made of woven cloth such as cotton, linen, wool, or silk and worn for warmth. As hemlines of women’s dresses rose in the 1920s, women began to wear stockings over their exposed legs. These 1920s stockings were sheer, made first of silk or rayon.

Chemical company DuPont introduced nylon stocking on this day in 1940, and a high demand for stockings ensued. They were inexpensive, durable, and shear. Up to 4 million pairs would be purchased each day. On February 11, 1942, when America entered World War II, DuPont ceased production of nylon stockings and switched its focus to the manufacture of parachutes, airplane cords, and rope. This created a mass shortage followed by a black market for stockings. Some patriotic women even donated their stockings to the war effort to be recycled. Women were told to mend and make do at this time. However, sheer nylon stockings do not mend easily when they get a run, and stocking with runs were not be worn in public. Women first raided their kitchens and used things like gravy (GROSS!), cocoa, and tea to paint or stain their legs to make it look like they had stockings on. Make-up companies then invented leg make-up or ‘liquid stockings’ as they were called. Eyeliner was used to draw a back seam up the back of the leg. Salons began offering leg painting services and things like leg makeup bars popped up in department stores. The stocking shortage did help increase the popularity of pants. These were happily worn by younger women working land and factory jobs. At the end of World War II, DuPont resumed production of the stockings and the women were ready. When one department store in Pittsburg announced they had 13,000 pairs of nylon stockings to sell, 40,000 women showed up, waiting in mile long lines to get their hands on just one pair. Fights broke out and nylon riots ensued. There were also line ups of 30,000 women in New York. Department store displays and shelves were destroyed, and a newspaper headline read “Women Risk Life and Limb in Bitter Battle for Nylons”.

Pantyhose were invented in the late 1950s and went on sale in 1959, providing a convenient alternative to stockings which led to a decline in their sales. In 1970, United States sales of pantyhose exceeded stocking sales and have remained the same ever since. They became popular in the mid-1960s (thanks to the mini-skirt). They were revolutionary because women no longer needed to wear a girdle or garter belt.       

Now ladies I'm old and so I grew up during that time when our nylons were held up by girdles, garter belts or panty girdles. Boy was I excited when I got my first pair of pantyhose in high school. I'll never forget putting them on for the first time. As I put them on I kept snagging them but I had picked up a piece of information saying that you could stop a run in your hose with a dab of clear nail polish. Once on, I dabbed each snag with polish. So my first pair had quite a few of these

 dabs. Unfortunately when you took the hose off and those dabs came away from your skin it left white blobs where each one was. So my very first pair of pantyhose had white crusty polka dots all over them.  I actually think a few runs would have looked better. 

Oh well, we live and we learn. 

Clean Up Your Room Day

             

 Tomorrow, May 10th is Clean Your Room Day. Parents love it, children despise it, yet it exists and aims to clean out those neglected corners of your room. The holiday encourages a clean house, just in time for Summer, so don’t stop with your room, clean out as much as you can including drawers, closets, and cabinets.Take this opportunity to do a full Spring cleaning and get your home looking like new.

Spring cleaning is a practice in many cultures where people clean their homes thoroughly once a year on the first warm day of spring. It is thought that this practice dates back to the days when people lit fires to keep warm during cold winter months. The first warm day of spring allowed people to open their windows and doors and to get rid of all the soot and ash that collected over the winter.

It's a good day to get cracking on the dusting  scrubbing, and organizing. And who knows, you might find that thing you've been looking for forever hiding in some dusty corner. 

I myself am away from home and am unable to clean my house or even a room. DARN!! Just kidding. As many of you know I'm a very messy crafter. So here I am at Carol's making quite a mess of her dining room table area. So tomorrow I will clean everything up, nice and tidy and have a clean start. Unfortunately I will then start crafting anew and it will be just as messy in very short order. Maybe some of you will do better at celebrating this day than I will. 

            Good luck!

Tomorrow is also National Receptionists Day.

Have a great one Tamra!

Way to Go You!!

 Hi All

Today is Reward Yourself Day. I wrote a whole post about it...pictures and everything. Then I did something and erased the entire thing. ☹️

I just don't want to write the whole thing over again. 

I rewarded myself with Dr Pepper. 

The end

Lemonade 5 cents

 

Tomorrow is National Lemonade Day and I have a shocking announcement to make. I made the decision to drink no Dr Pepper or Mr Pibb while here and I've done it! I've been drinking no or low calorie lemonade and have even made sure that I'm not drinking one which contains aspertain. My top choice is Tropicana no sugar and second choice is Simple with only 25 calories. Those of you who know me and my cup full of Dr Pepper will know that this is big news. A further shock is that I've been drinking water with my meals. Shocking, I know. So congratulations to me for kicking the soda habit. I'm patting myself on the back. 

Ole!!

 Happy Cinco de Mayo everyone!!

Are you heading out for Mexican food or maybe Margaritas?

But what's this celebration really about?

Well, it is not Mexican Independence Day, which is a popular misconception. Instead, it commemorates a single battle. It  is to celebrate the date of the Mexican army’s May 5, 1862 victory over France at the Battle of Puebla during the Franco-Mexican War. The day is also known as Battle of Puebla Day. While it is a relatively minor holiday in Mexico, in the United States, Cinco de Mayo has evolved into a commemoration of Mexican culture and heritage, particularly in areas with large Mexican-American populations.

Today is also National Scrapbooking Day so a lot of you may take time from your celebrations to get out your paper, pictures and glue. Maybe with friends. I hope you have a great time. I myself will be doing last minute sewing to prepare for the craft show that begins tomorrow. Then on Monday I must put the sewing away and get the paper supplies out. I have a class to prepare for! Looking forward to seeing  you class girls when I return. 

I hope you gave a great day no matter how you choose to spend it!

Mother Goose Day

 Today is National Mother Goose Day. 

This day on May 1, was founded by Gloria T. Delamar in 1987. It honors the imaginary author of a collection of fairy tales and nursery rhymes we loved as children. A fundamental role played by Mother Goose and fairy tales is as the first introduction to reading for young people everywhere. In 1987 it was determined that fairy tales were so essential to our reading development, that a day needed to be established to bring awareness to, and encourage the use of, reading in preschool environments through stories and nursery rhymes.

National Mother Goose Day reminds us of the magic these tales have, and the lessons they’ve taught us.

Mother Goose’s book of poems was published in 1781. The book has since been enjoyed by billions of children (and adults) around the world. 

Grimm fairy tales, which were published during the 19th century, have now become quite famous worldwide. Thanks to Disney, the Grimm fairy tales have become more child-friendly but, originally, they were gruesome in their details. For example, in the original version of “Snow White,” her stepmother died after being cursed to dance in glass heels forever.

When thinking of Mother Goose some of us are swept back to memories of our childhood. From Humpty Dumpty’s clumsy fall 

and the Three Little Pigs’ scramble for houses

 to Pinnochio’s elongated nose, 

fairy tales and nursery rhymes endlessly entertained us as kids while providing us with important life lessons. 

Children today are introduced to fairy tales by watching Disney movies but aren’t exposed to many of the nursery rhymes. I think we as grandparents might do well to sneak in some of these stories and rhymes when we can. There's a lot to enjoy in them outside of phone and TV screens. 

Come One Come All

 Today Carol and I are at our first craft show for this trip. 

I've been doing some sewing and have two new offerings to my merchandise. 

First, I've made Thread Catchers. These are cute little things to stick your cut off threads in if you're sewing or embroidering. I saw one online and wanted one but it was over $20 so I said "I can make that." I have one next to me now as I do my sewing and it's getting nice and full. I'm selling them for $10 each. 

Next...

My friend Carol crochets and years ago I made her a quilted tote to srore her crochet hooks. I've always wanted one of my own so of course I didn't make just one. Thought others might like them as well. I'm selling them for $18 each. 

This show was only for today but we are on for a two day one next weekend. Wish me luck!

Holy Frijoles Batman

 Today is National Super Hero Day.

I post this day especially for my friend Tamra and dear sweet Nate who are huge Marvel hero fans. 

I made a Batman card once that I'd love to display for this day but I'm far from home and this is the best I have to offer. They look sorta super hero-y don't they?

Marvel employees created National Superhero Day on April 28, 1995 to celebrate everyone’s favorite superheroes, but for superheroes only — Those nasty villains just aren’t deserving of their own day. The idea behind superhero day is to honor those who serve and protect while fighting evil. No matter who your favorite hero is, honoring the real or fictional people that inspire us is a worthwhile cause this April 28.

Did you know the first superhero ever was created in 1936? He was named Phantom and he started with his own comic strip in a U.S. newspaper. This was the first known beginnings of a published superhero and, today, there are hundreds of well-known heroes that everyone loves.

Just think about all those superheroes you loved growing up (and probably still love). We’re talking about Spiderman, Thor, Ironman, Captain Marvel, and many other fan favorites. Those heroes are all from Marvel comics, the creators of “The Fantastic Four,” “The Avengers,” and “X-Men.” However, Marvel superheroes aren’t the only ones out there. If you’re a fan of Batman, Wonder Woman, or Superman, those superheroes were created by DC Comics, and they are equally celebrated on this day!

So who is your favorite super hero?