Tuesday, January 29, 2013

Living with Fibromyalgia

I have recently posted on face book about Fibromyalgia and realized that I have hidden the About me page where I had this story.  I am re-posting it to share my story about living with Fibromyalgia.

I was diagnosed with Fibromyalgia in 1992 and struggled with pain control for years.  I had been using Vicodin, Tramadol and muscle relaxers.  I was also using 1200mg of Guaifenesin twice a day, which is a mucus thinner, I purchase it at Costco (Mucus Relief).  Click here to see the Guaifenesin protocol.  The Guaifenesin worked for a while, but I couldn't get my doctor (at the time) to talk to me about increasing it.  In 2010 I found a new doctor who knows about Fibromyalgia and believes in alternative medicine.  Dr Tyler suggested that I try a new approach to my pain control.  Dr. Tyler explained that body fat stores inflammatories and that certain foods do too.  He had me start a Comprehensive Elimination Dietwhich is also called an Allergy FREE diet.  You remove all the foods that are possible allergens, like Gluten, peanuts, soy, milk and eggs.  Dr. Tyler said that for the diet to work you must follow it at least 90%.  He also suggested that I double my dose of Guaifenesin to 2400 mg's twice a day.  I started the diet November 4th 2010.  It was difficult at first trying to find food that I could eat, but then I realized that if I went back to basic cooking it would be much easier.  You have to read every label to see if the manufacturer adds sugar, soy or gluten etc.  to the ingredients.  You are not looking for Carbohydrate sugars you are looking at the Ingredients list, they add them to all kinds of foods you wouldn't think would have them.  I make my own seasoning by combining spices that I like together and putting them in a small jar with a shaker lid, then I don't have to pull out all the spices and add them one at a time.  I make my own Balsamic Vinaigrette dressing which the diet has a recipe for.  Within a week and a half I was pain free, and off all my prescription pain medicines and muscle relaxers.  I am still on the diet and am able to do so much more than I have been able to in years.   I feel so much better that I don't plan on going back to eating all the foods that are not allowed.  I do miss a few things like Coffee, chocolate, cheese and Ice Cream, but not enough to go back to having all that pain.

I have recently added Dairy back in to my diet.  I have found that I have a reaction to Gluten, Soy and Eggs, as I have tried to add them back into my diet also, but do not like the blistery mess on my face that they leave within hours of eating them.  I am still pain free which now has been 26 months.  I have started working on a cook book of the recipes that I have been using and making up as I go along, like Pumpkin Pie, no egg, Maple Syrup and Almond milk, with a gluten free crust.  My Family loved them too.  I also made a recipe for Spinach & Feta Ravioli.

If you try out the diet please let me know how it is working for you, I would love to hear your story.

Janice

Sunday, January 27, 2013

Spring Summer 2013 Idea Book Kick-Off Party Favors

I haven't posted in a few days, because I have been so busy making prizes and party favors for our Spring/Summer 2013 Idea Book Kick-Off party we had last night.  You should have been there, we had a great time.  This is going to be a long post, so get comfortable.

We played our version of The Price Is Right, we called ours "The Price is Close To My Heart."  We held up new product and had them guess what the price was.

I created the Wheel along with some help from our Guest Designer Tarina and her Husband Rex.  Rex Built the frame for me and came up with the idea to use the reel from our new Christmas Lights.  Tarina help me figure out how to cover the Reel.  Here is what the finished Wheel looks like.

There are no pegs to stop the wheel, we didn't need any as it stops pretty quickly on it's own.  We, my Grandchildren and Tarina's children and a neighbor's child, have tested it and it never stops on the same spot 2 times in a row.  I figured if 8 children could play with it, it would hold up for at least one game night.  This was a big hit and everyone wants to play it at all our meetups in the future.

I used product from the new Idea Book to make everything.  Here are some pics.

This was one of the prizes for playing The Price Is Close To My Heart game.  The paper pack is called Later Sk8r Item number X7167B.  I cut out the box, gears and tag using the Artiste Cricut Cartridge. I used some of the new Silver Glitter paper Item number Z1829.  The Stamp set is In Gear B1415.  The paper colors are Lagoon, Pear, Outdoor Denim and Slate.  The ink colors are Outdoor Denim, Pear and Daisy White Pigment.  This is a box is filled with embellishments, a stamp set, a 1" x 1" Block and candy.  The box is 4" X 4" X 1.5".

 This paper pack is called Buzz & Bumble Item number X7164B. The Seeds stamp comes with the Workshop On The Go kit G1054.  I used our new Alcohol markers to color in the seeds stamped image, the Bee and flowers.  The leaves were cut using the Artiste Cricut cartridge, I hand cut the flowers and bee. I used Chocolate, Saddle, Olive and Indian Corn Blue cardstock.  This is a box is filled with embellishments, a stamp set, a 1" x 1" Block and candy.  The box is 4" X 4" X 1.5".
 With this box I used the Fabulous You stamp set Item Number C1533.  I used our Alcohol markers to color in the image.  The flowers are from the Buzz & Bumble WOTG stamp set.  I used Indian Corn Blue, Olive and colonial White cardstock. I stamped the image with Cocoa Ink.This is a box is filled with embellishments, a stamp set, a 1" x 1" Block and candy.  The box is 4" X 4" X 1.5". 

Below are some of the Treat Tubes that are new to the Idea Book.  I had so much fun making these and to see the Ladies faces when they found out they got one, was priceless.
 Chantilly paper.


 Later Sk8r Paper.
Tommy paper 

 Later Sk8r.
 Buzz & Bumble WOTG.


 For Always paper


 Claire Paper.

 Later Sk8r Paper, I added Gypsy paper to this Treat Tube.
Buzz & Bumble papers. 

 Later Sk8tr Paper I added Outdoor Denim to this Treat Tube.

Now for the Raffle prizes.  We had a bag that my Guest Designer Tarina La Follette created for us.  Tarina did an AWESOME Job and everyone LOVED and wanted the bag.
The bag was filled with all kinds of goodies, a paper packet of their choice, a Bracket Frame, a Whooo's Your Valentine Kit, a pack of Pin Clips, a pack of Blue and Green Sparkles, a D size Stamp set and 3 blocks, 3 x 3, 2 x 6 and a 1 x 1.  This bag held over $100.00 dollars in products.  Then you have the designer bag too.


We also raffled off 2 sets of Treat Tubes that I created.  Here they are.


 I used the For Always paper with Black, Ruby and Sweet Leaf cardstock.  The Bow, Heart and Rose are all cut from the Artiste Cricut Cartridge.  I used a Martha Stewart Punch for the Ruffle on the Shirt, everything else is Close To My Heart.
I made another set and this one I used our Tulle ribbon and the new Silver Glitter Paper for the dress.  I used our Rhinestone Designer Brads, that are now discontinued.

Here is the back, I added a bow on the dress.

 All of the treat Tubes were filled with some kind of Chocolate, Rolo's, Dark Chocolate Kisses and Almond Kisses.

I wish you could have come to the Idea Book Kick-Off last night we had such a great time.

Happy Scrappin',

Janice



Monday, January 21, 2013

New Open Club!!!


I am so excited, I have started a new Open Club, here is how it will work.  I will keep track of your orders and when you accumulate $150.00 in orders, you will receive Hostess rewards of $25.00 in FREE product from the current Idea book. Eligible products include My Acrylix® stamp sets and blocks, Exclusive Inks® stamp pads and markers sets, My Reflections® paper packets, and My Stickease® assortments.  The more you spend the larger the Hostesses rewards.  You can join at anytime, just place an order with me or on my website.  To collect your rewards you must place your order with me so I can make sure you do not get charged for the Hostess rewards.

Spend $150.00 receive $25.00 in Hostess Rewards.
Spend $250.00 receive $40.00 in Hostess Rewards.
Spend $350.00 receive $60.00 in Hostess Rewards.

Once you have placed a few orders, of $25.00 or more, I will send you an email letting you know your total and then you decide if you want to collect on the next order or if you want to wait till you get to the next level.

I will be sending out emails this week, so watch your email to see which level you are close to.

Happy Scrappin',

Janice

Sunday, January 20, 2013

Whoo's Your Valentine?


There are only a few days left to order your kit and Close To My Heart is down to 18% of these kits left so if you want to get a kit you better hurry.
Starting December 13, 2012 at 9 am (MST) – January 31 (11:59 MST), 2013. One per qualifying order.

Featured Products: Whooo’s Your Valentine kit  (CC1022)
12 – Die-Cut Boxes (3 each of 4 colors: Blush, Hollyhock, Ruby, White Daisy)
3 – 12" × 12" Cardstock Sheets (Blush, Hollyhock, White Daisy)
1 – Sheet Silver Glitter Paper – new product for Spring/Summer 2013!
12 – Treat Tubes with Lids – new product for Spring/Summer 2013!
1 – My Acrylix® Whooo’s Your Valentine Stamp Set (D-size)

When you place an order of $35 or more in Close To My Heart products, you’ll receive the Whooo’s Your Valentine kit for only $10. Qualifying purchases must come from Autumn/Winter 2012 Idea Book product (or products live on my website site through January). Spring/Summer 2013 Idea Book preview items are not eligible as qualifying retail purchases for this campaign.

Here is a little Video that I found on YouTube showing the kit and how to put it together.

This is such a great deal and you can get started on your Valentines early and be ahead of the game. 

Happy Scrappin',

Janice

Monday, January 14, 2013

“Embossed Resist Stamping”


“Embossed Resist Stamping” features a stamping technique for inking the areas around an embossed image to make the image stand out.

Friday, January 11, 2013

“Random Stamping”


“Random Stamping” features a stamping technique for creating your own background paper by randomly applying a stamped image to a plain piece of cardstock.

Wednesday, January 9, 2013

“A Passion for Patterns”


“A Passion for Patterns” features a stamping technique for creating your own tone-on-tone patterned paper. 

Monday, January 7, 2013

"Behind the Scenes"


“Behind the Scenes” features the core basic stamping techniques to enhance your projects.

Sunday, January 6, 2013

January 12th 2013 is right around the corner.







Shannon and I have big plans for that day.  First we will start the day with "Whooo's Your Valentine?" Workshop at 10:00am.  We still have some room at the workshop, but you must place your order by Monday to get your kit back in time for the workshop.



Then from 11:30 am - 1:00 pm

We have the La Belle Vie Card and Scrapbook classes.
  




We have spaces left for the Card class and the Scrapbook layout class if you are interested call me 503-708-6889 or go to Meetup.com/PortlandFriendsScrap and sign up to reserve your spot.


After all the classes it is Crop time.  From 1:00 pm till 10:00 pm. (The crop spaces are full, but we do have a waiting list)

Happy Scrappin',

Janice

Friday, January 4, 2013

Very special Christmas Presents!!!

As you all know Steve and I love to shop Garage sales, Estate Sales and Thrift stores.  Well I am glad I  went just before Christmas.  We went to an Estate sale and it was the 3rd weekend of this sale, so I thought that there wouldn't be much left.  Well I was wrong. When I walked into the front room the table right in front of the door was piled up with all these life like baby dolls, 25 or 30.  I started looking at them and saw the prices $15.00, $25.00, $30.00, well these were kind of out of my league but then I heard someone say everything was half off.  I went to Steve and asked if I could get some for our Granddaughters.  I know they would love to have one.  Steve came and looked and said ya pick out the ones you want.  So I did.  When we paid, one of the Ladies running the sale said did you find the boxes for the dolls?  I didn't know they had boxes.  So she went over and pulled boxes out from under the tables.  The boxes said Lee Middleton,  I knew then that I had found quite a treasure.  Both dolls had boxes and certificates and their original clothing.  The babies are signed and numbered.  Then I found the JC Penny price tag on the end of the box $170.00.  Both were little Boys.  I had no Idea that they were that expensive, but we gave them to the girls anyway.  (Now I am kicking myself because I didn't buy more.)
 Mary named her baby Gabriel

Miss Hailey named her baby Charlie
  I found lots of baby clothes so they can change their clothes including coats and shoes.
Dawn and I are working on making carriers, bassinets and bibs from a pattern my Sister gave me 25 years ago.  Thanks Aunt Carolyn, I knew it would come in handy again sometime.

The girls are so good with them, they even get their brothers to babysit while they go do something else.  I love it.  


Happy Scrappin',

Janice

Thursday, January 3, 2013

What a wonderful day!!!

Today was my birthday. I woke up to a text from my Daughter, then a phone call from my Mother.  More texts and calls from my other family members from across the states.  My daughter came by with my Grandbabies and the 2 of us went shopping.  When we got home the kids surprised me when I opened the door, they were hiding in the dark and jumped up and yelled Happy Birthday Grandma!!!! For the rest of the evening every time I went outside and came back in they jumped out of a dark room yelling HAPPY BIRTHDAY GRANDMA!!!

 The for kids had decorated while we were gone.  They had made a banner for me and hung it between the living room and dinning room. Mary had put purple and white balloons all around the dining room. The kids used Mom's new Cricut that I gave her for Christmas to make the banner.
 Mary made me a Pansy book necklace,  She glued 2 die cut pansies together and put 2 heart pages inside, they said Happy Birthday Grandma on one page and Best Gma in the entire world on the other heart page. 

 Then Hailey made me a Journal. 
We went to Flying Pie Pizzeria on McLaughlin Blvd. and had pizza (They have Gluten Free Pizza)  It was delicious.  It just happened to be Family night and they had a Balloon Artist who gave everyone there a free balloon, including the Birthday Grandma.   He made me a flower in a vase.  Zack was so sweet, he asked if he could make a Pansy out of balloons for me. (My favorite flower)
He made Hailey a Bow & Arrow complete with a Quiver for her 3 arrows.  Just enough to shoot all her siblings.
 Mary got a Pink and Silver Sword and Shield that doubles as a hat.  Grandpa got a Blue and Silver sword so he could defend himself from his Granddaughter.
 Zack got a Blue and yellow Jet Pak then barrowed Grandpa's Sword to attack Dad and Dad barrowed Mary's Sword and Shield to defend himself.
 After we stuffed ourselves with pizza we went back to the house and had Ice Cream cake.  Dawn made me Gluten, egg & Dairy Free Chocolate Cup Cakes with Chocolate Fudge frosting and Dark Chocolate shavings.  It was delicious!!!  I know most Gluten free cakes aren't that great, this was a Chocolate cake mix from Bob's Red Mill and has the directions on how to use flax seed for an egg replacement and says you can use any milk substitute (rice, coconut or almond).  It was so moist it was like a real  Duncan Hines®  mix.   YUM!!!


I have the best Family in the world, who made my birthday a Wonderful day that I will remember for a long time.  Thank you all.


Happy Scrappin',

Janice