frugal frannie strikes again

So. I spent the last four hours figuring out more about my Photoshop Elements program. I learned many things, like how to add a drop shadow and just how complicated it is to erase something, and how far I will go to pay more attention to my computer screen than mah sweet bebe. The answer to that one is a little embarrassing. Moving on to better things. Seriously, move on. Stop dwelling on the baby comment. It wasn't bad. But it did involve an Exersaucer and some stuffed animals.

So ask me, Dear Reader, how cheap your pal Heather is. Come on. Ask.

Oh, you twisted my arm! Okay, I'm so cheap that I am making my own photo cards this year. Paying upwards of $.50 a card is ludicrous. So, I'm using my Photoshop to make my own 4x6 cards and will get them developed at Costco for [I'm going to need your best drum roll here, please] $.13!!!!!!!! That's right. For $6.50 I'm getting photo cards. This will come in handy, because I'm already planning on giving my left arm in exchange for stamps.

I cannot tell you how proud of myself I am. What a Frugal Frannie I am! Best of all, all of the elements used in the card are free downloads over at Shabby Princess, who happens to rock my face off. I used two of her holiday downloads, and I think it was quite nice of her to use the same colors for her free holiday download two years and a row. Kudos to you SB!

I think it paid off--this is the photo card I made for this year:

All you need to do is imagine a nice festive picture of Birdy in that large blue space and wah-lah: Christmas Cheer. For 13 cents.

we need to talk

Have I mentioned that I love Today's Creative Blog? No? Well I do. A lot. And there are some blogs that I follow now that I didn't before Anita told me about TCB.

The newest one is Susie Can Stitch. Susie is awesome. I want to make what Susie makes. I want the fabrics Susie has. I want the sewing machine Susie's daughter uses. One problem though...I don't sew. But that's okay! Because I embroider! And so does Susie! She also has an Etsy shop [stay tuned for a post about my other other other love affair...ETSY.] so I can order her things and pretend that I could have made them.

And I'm sure I could. In the same way that a room full of monkeys could type one of Shakespeare's plays.

For more felty, Susie Stitchy goodness, check out her Flickr photostream.

harrison john, or why i can't wait until birdy talks

So we went to dinner with our friends as the mama of the house was out of town. Brandon and I had the privilege of sitting near Harrison, who can spell his name with both eyes closed. No fooling. He did it for us just to prove it. And then, just to show off, he did it with only one eye open.

Harrison is in kindergarten, and is learning lots everyday. He also says some of the greatest things I've ever heard. Here are two examples from dinner:

"Bwandon, it's time to shave, holy jeez!"

"Birdy looks like a little fat woman."

In what I believe was an effort to get back at him for that last comment, Birdy grabbed his hair and pulled out some strands when I wasn't looking. A little fat woman has to stand up for herself, you know.

He also always asks several times during the evening if Birdy is a boy or a girl. I'm not quite sure why he can't remember, or doesn't connect the fact that she is wearing something pink every time he sees her. [People who get hand-me-downs like ourselves are not choosers. Hence, most of Birdy's clothes are pink.]

fanksgiving amendment

So you know how I went to go see James Bond a few weeks ago? Well I went to see it with Tater and Brandon. And I was all psyched and junk because last time I had to sit in the front of the theatre. And it was uncomfortable. And I didn't like it.

So this past Friday we went again. And instead of sitting in the third row from the front like the first time, we had to sit in the very front row. I saw less of the movie than the first time. Boo. People are supposed to be at home the day after Thanksgiving, sorting the presents they bought and eating turkey sammies. Not going to lunch at Red Robin and getting the blackened bayou burger with a Boca patty and then going to see a movie.

That's all.

fanksgiving

Highlights from the past week:

Seeing parents times 2: We are so blessed to have parents who are still married and like each other! Plus, it makes holidays easier. I don't want four sets of each holiday. Blech.

Grandma Eva finished my blanket! Wee!

Seeing Joe, Brittany (and I'm still not certain how to correctly spell it--I'm sorry!) and Brenna.

We got to see Portland AND visit with an old professor of ours and his sweet boys. Chez Jose East, you have my eternal allegiance due to your margaritas and lime chicken enchiladas.

Good down time.

Snuggles with Birdy Bean.

I got the Best. Pants. Ever. They are green. They are also awesome.

We got to see mah BFFFFFFF (there are a lot of forevers in there) Jessica TWICE. Take that suckas. Plus, those two times were for a concert and for XXX Root Beer in Issaquah. AND we got to see her daughter, the Mak Attack.

I went to Stuffy's. Twice. And had their Stuff. Twice. Suckas times 2.

Hot tub at mah parent's. I could marry that thing. AND DON'T THINK I HAVEN'T THOUGHT ABOUT IT.

Making pumpkin pies with Birdy and mah Tater (my dad. Long story for that name). We have good pictures of it, they are coming as soon as he sends them to me. It might be a while.

Christmas tree hunting at the tree farm mah brudder works at. We had him, Tim Tim and Gwen help us find a tree. Now THAT'S service. That's our friend Rylie on the home page.

And believe me, I could have put more links in this post. I just didn't want to hurt your clicking finger. And I'm all about preserving your clicking finger.

nerd alert

Hi, my name is Heather and I luuuurve Twilight.

OMG guys...I'm super stoked for this. But...I'm not seeing it
until I get back from Thanksgiving break. Thankfully, I have a great friend who has very graciously agreed to see it with me. Thanks Jaclyn!

So quiz time. What is one book/movie/musical group you are embarrassed to like?

I feel like I'm at least 10 years too old for the book. And I don't care. Also, I like Britney Spears. And I'm not too proud to admit it.

it's funny because it's true

there is no substitute

The holiday season is a time for friends, family, generosity, and GRAVY.

There are few things in this world more sublime than a little flour and some meat drippings. For that, dear Lord, we are truly thankful for. Or at least I am.

I joke that I would drink gravy if there were no social faux pas about such things. And, as much as I love gravy, I love not gaining weight even more.

Most of the time.

i guess tosca isn't for everyone

I just saw the new James Bond movie. Ugh.

I seriously can't get over how incredibly attractive Daniel Craig is in a suit. Or in partially singed clothes. Or not in clothes. Uugh.

I'll be spending the next two hours watching Casino Royale. You'll find me on the couch if you need me.

P.S. Daniel Craig's middle name is Wroughton. I just...I just...ugh. That's hot.

P.P.S. His dad was a merchant seaman. That makes me giggle.

flickr mosaic and short quiz

1. My Sweet Heather, 2. Jack Black - Nacho Libre, 3. mount rainier, 4. [60/365] What (used to be) In My Bag, 5. Daniel Craig as James Bond, 6. 365.115 Tiptoe Through the Tulips, 7. Amsterdam, Holland 075 - The Venice of Northern Europe, 8. Crayons Taste Yummy.....And Are Good For You, Too!, 9. Call of the Raven (formerly Nature's Special Effects), 10. Camping in Shimoda, 11. When Waves Collide, 12. What Am I?

questions, and answers
1. What is your first name? Heather
2. What is your favorite food? Nachos
3. What high school did you attend? Tahoma Senior High School
4. What is your favorite color? Green
5. Who is your celebrity crush? Daniel Craig
6. Favorite drink? Diet Coke
7. Dream vacation? Amsterdam
8. Favorite dessert? Creme Brulee
9. What do you want to be when you grow up? Happy
10.What do you love most in life? My family
11. One word to describe you. Nuts
12. Your Flickr name. Birdybebe