BarGal Photography & Etc.

There is a Silver Lining…

2009-05-14T17:02:00.000-07:00

This economy has forced me to be more conservative which in turns helps the environment, to spend more wisely which encourages retirement savings, to appreciate cooking for my family, to spend more quality time with loved ones; it has turned me back on to books, and nurtured my creative muse by forcing me to live more creatively...these are all things I appreciate and hope I carry forward with me even after the economy turns around.

I encourage you to think about the positive changes happening in your life and take the time to enjoy them.

Fuck Cancer!

2009-02-11T10:26:00.000-08:00

Not my photo, but the guy in the middle is my son...the one with the "shit eating" grin...the one between the two ladies...that's my son. He's the one with fucking cancer...fucking colon cancer!

I'm sorry if any one's offended by the photo or by the word "fuck" but there's really no other way to describe all the emotions that are involved. No other, or more perfect way to vent the anger that this horrible disease causes.

My son, he's only 25, yet he has colon cancer....something someone more than twice his age should fear...not a 25 year old..not my baby.

He has surgery tomorrow. He's suffering through the fasting and meds today in preparation. I wish he didn't have to go through this...I wish I could do it for him, protect him...that's what parents do.

But all I can do is be there for him, pray for him...and oh yeah, I can say, "Fuck you, Cancer!"

Aretha Franklin's President Obama’s Inauguration Bow Tie Hat

2009-01-22T10:02:00.000-08:00

As you can see, it’s not for me, but the Queen of Soul wears it well. And Detroit needs all the good publicity that it can get…thanks, Mr. Song.

Everyone’s talking about Aretha Franklin’s crystal studded bow hat which she wore to President Obama’s Inauguration. The $179.99 hat, customized with Swarovski crystals, came from Mister Song Millinery in Detroit. It was designed by Luke Song who has been making ladies dress hats for 25 years.

He was interviewed on television yesterday, January 21st, and said that they have received over 500 orders for this hat thus far. It’s great to hear that a local Detroit family run business is getting some well deserved recognition and making a small fortune in the meantime.

He wholesales his designs at 500 boutiques across the nation, the Caribbean and Great Britain.

Versions of Aretha’s bow hat are available in 15 colors for $179.99, though the original is "exclusive" to Franklin.

Mr. Song describes it as a "structured beret with large bow" and embellished with 10 dozen Swarovski crystals.

According to a Detroit News article, “Song admits to being "shocked" at the outpouring of negative reaction online, but says those who are bashing the look don't understand the black church culture from whence it comes.”

Mr. Song says, "This is a black culture that is a mystery for 90 percent of the population," he says. "But it's such a familiar thing for the black church culture, so comforting to them. It's what their mothers and grandmothers and great grandmothers have done for centuries."

If you would like one, you can contact Luke at:
Mister Song Millinery
6513 Woodward Avenue
Detroit MI 48202
Phone: (313) 873-2540
Fax: (313) 873-5992

Free Cosmetics at Major Dept Stores Starting Tuesday, Jan 20th

2009-01-20T12:08:00.000-08:00

As part of a class action settlement, $175 million worth of free cosmetics products will be distributed to customers who between 1994 and 2003 purchased a product from the manufacturers named in the suit. The freebies will be available for a maximum of seven days, while supplies last, on a first come, first served basis starting on January 20.
Source: boncherry.com

http://www.boncherry.com/blog/2009/01/18/free-cosmetics-at-major-dept-stores-tuesday-jan-20th/

Silhouette T-Shirts

2009-01-09T09:23:00.001-08:00

Well, part of my new year’s resolution is to live more creatively. This project was an attempt at that. I also want to express more love and appreciation to my loved ones and to live more frugally…this also fits all of those as well.

I made shirts for my sister and her husband with their children on them. I made a shirt for my daughter with her daughter/my granddaughter on it. And one for my son with his dog/my grand puppy on it…he doesn’t have any kids yet.

I bought the shirts at Joann’s, for 5 of them, it was $10. I picked up a package with 4 bottles of pastel soft fabric paint for $4.99 and a package of sable hair paint brushes for $1.99. So for less than $17, I can make 5 customized t-shirts.

I got the idea from here:
www.inhabitots.com/2008/09/12/making-a-customized-silhouette-t-shirt/

This project was fairly quick to do; it took me about a week to pick the photos, print the photos, cut out the stencils, buy the materials, then actually sit down to prep and paint the shirts. Other more aggressive/less lazy people could probably finish this project in a few hours.

A couple of things I did wrong, which I’ll make note not to do next time, is I used regular paper for my templates, not the freezer paper the link suggests. Because of this, I was unable to iron the paper and have it stick to the fabric. I used tape which didn’t hold the stencil tightly to the fabric all over, especially in the center of the designs. I believe that the regular paper, probably tore more easily than freezer paper would have, leaving little pieces of paper stuck to the edges of the painted designs in spots, which I’ll try pulling off with tweezers as the link suggests.

Also, I may have used too much paint on them. It was labeled soft fabric paint, but it felt pretty stiff while I was removing the paper and tape from the shirts this morning. I’ll have to check on that more closely later.

I do have concerns though about how long the designs will last on the shirts. This paint easily washed off my brushes and hands with warm tap water, so I’m wondering how it will hold up after a few machine washings. I have never used fabric paint before, so it will be interesting for me to watch their age progression.

I still have one blank shirt…I’m contemplating a design on that one for myself…I’ll probably post it here in a few days, if it’s presentable.

Ann Taylor Online – Bridal Gown Clearance

2009-01-07T07:34:00.000-08:00

I noticed my Flea Market Wedding Dresses photo has gotten a lot of traffic on Flickr since the begining of the New Year. If any of you are looking for bargain wedding dresses, you might want to try Ann Taylor Online. They have one reduced from $600 to $39.88. Unfortunately, it's only available in one color and three sizes.

The dress on sale does not look like any of the ones shown in my photo.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/bargal/235355355/sizes/m/

Here's the link to the one on sale:
http://www.anntaylor.com/catalog/product.jsp?productId=4088&viewAll=true&Ns=CLEARANCE_SEQUENCE_NO&Nr=AND%28CAT_CLEARANCE_FLAG%3AY%29&N=1200063&categoryId=152&cid=E0001312&defaultColorNameFromCategory=Bridal%20Ivory&defaultSizeTypeFromCategory=Misses

FINAL SALE Elizabeth Bridal Gown
Sizes 14, 16, 18
Color: Bridal Ivory
Was $600
Now $39.88

Standard Shipping is $6 on every order

William Utermohlen’s Self-Portraits – Chronicling the Descent Into Alzheimer’s

2008-12-11T09:33:00.000-08:00

In the last decade of life artist William Utermohlen made perhaps his most significant contribution to society. He created a series of self-portraits, intentionally chronicling his descent into dementia and Alzheimer's disease.

From the moment in 1995 when Utermohlen, an American artist residing in London, learned he had Alzheimer's until his death in March 2007, he responded with characteristic fashion, his wife Patricia Utermohlen, herself an art historian, noted. "He began to try to understand it by painting," she explained, and with his indomitable creative expression and self-awareness he graphically captured a look inside the mind someone descending into dementia. The interest in his paintings as a chronicle of illness is bittersweet, his wife said in a recent New York Times interview, because it has outstripped the recognition he received even at the height of his notable career.

About Alzheimer's Disease

Alzheimer's, a degenerative brain disease, is the most common form of dementia, a group of conditions that affects memory, mood and behavior. This irreversible disease causes a progressive decline in mental function through gradual changes to the brain and eventually destroys brain cells. Decline in cognitive functioning includes most if not all of the following: memory; ability to generate coherent speech or understand spoken or written language; capacity to plan, make sound judgments and carry out complex tasks; and ability to process and interpret visual information.

Alzheimer's disease affects one in 10 individuals over age 65 and nearly half of those over the age of 85. However, more than 4 percent of people diagnosed with Alzheimer's are under 65, many in their 40's and 50's.

Many Americans do recognize the threat of Alzheimer's, according to a 2006 study by the MetLife Foundation, which reported that outside of cancer there is no other illness people fear more. In fact, those surveyed who were 55 and older feared Alzheimer's even more than cancer.

Source: www.aging.org/i4a/pages/Index.cfm?pageID=2048

Please support the Alzheimer’s Association at www.alz.org or visit to find out more about Alzheimer’s.

I didn't take the photos. I arranged them in a grid in chronological order and labelled them with the year they were created so I can study them better.

View from the Surgical Waiting Room

2008-12-10T06:28:00.000-08:00

It struck me at the oddest time that I had to take this picture and I'm glad I listened to that urge.

I was sitting at a table in a hallway window just outside the surgical waiting room talking on my cell phone to my Mother-in-Law waiting for my son to come out of surgery...when I looked out and saw the sunlight gleaming off the power plant...it looked absolutely beautiful with the fluffy clouds and blue sky...so I didn't miss a beat, while my Mother-in-Law talked away...I pulled out my cheapie digital and snapped away.

Taking photos is a great stress reliever.

Honoring Those Who Have Gone Before Us...

2008-12-01T19:31:00.000-08:00

I find inner peace while visiting the cemetary...it may sound morbid but I rather enjoy pulling the weeds, wiping the stones, straightening the flowers and trinkets that others have left and putting my gifts in just the right spot...I find solace in it..I think about the person. I think about their life...and I remember how they touched mine.

NEAPOLITAN COCONUT STRIPS

2008-11-24T17:46:00.000-08:00

Makes 160 pieces

12 ounces white chocolate, chopped
1 can (14 ounces) sweetened condensed milk
1 ½ ounces (3 tablespoons) unsalted butter
½ teaspoon coarse salt
1 vanilla bean, split and scraped, pod reserved for another use
4 ounces finely shredded unsweetened coconut (1 ¼ cup)
4 ounces finely shredded sweetened coconut ( 1 ¼ cup)
1 ounce milk chocolate, melted
1 drop red gel-paste food coloring

Line an 8-inch square cake pan with plastic wrap, leaving a 2-inch overhang on 2 sides. Combine white chocolate, condensed milk, butter, salt, and vanilla seeds in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Cook, stirring, until smooth. Remove from heat, and stir both types of coconut.
Divide mixture into 3 bowls. Stir milk chocolate into 1 batch and food coloring into another. Leave third plain.
Spread milk-chocolate mixture into bottom of pan. Gently dollop plain mixture over top, covering as much surface as possible. Gently spread, and then repeat with the remaining mixture. Refrigerate until firm, about 2 hours.
Unmold coconut square using the plastic overhang, and discard plastic. Trim about ¼ inch each from 2 parallel sides. Cut crosswise into ¼ inch wide slices. Cut each slice into 1 ½ inch long strips. Cover, and refrigerate for up to 1 week.

Sources: 12-ounce bowls and lids, by Bagasse, from Green Home Environmental Products. 50 bowls & lids for $9.50. http://www.greenhome.com/products/restaurant_supplies/food_service/110382/

Yes Sir! Sgt Sir! Happy Veterans' Day!

2008-11-11T10:08:00.000-08:00

Happy Veterans' Day to all the past, present and future soldiers! Thank you for your service and your bravery!

The picture above is a picture of my baby boy.

He's done 3 duties in Iraq; two of them simultaneously because he volunteered to stay on over there so someone else he knew back home didn't have to leave his kids.

He's a medic.

He spent two weeks in New Orleans and Texas helping evacuate people after Katrina.

He was in the Air Force National Guard for 6 years, now he switched over to the Army National Guard. (The Army has a flight medic job he wants to move into down the road.)

In his civilian job he's an EMT Specialist.

Yeah, that's my baby boy; he's the bravest, most patriotic person I know... and I'm very proud of him.

Why Should You Care About Diabetes?

2008-11-05T14:38:00.000-08:00

Because…

Nearly 24 million children and adults in the United States are living with diabetes.
You could be one of the almost 6 million Americans who have it…and don’t even know it.
Another American is diagnosed every 20 seconds…and that could be you or someone you love.
Diabetes leads to heart attack, high blood pressure, kidney disease, blindness and amputation.
Your kids or grandchildren could be the one-out-of-three born since 2000 who will develop diabetes.
DIABETES IS DEADLY.
The more you know the healthier you’ll be

November is American Diabetes Month…learn more at www.diabetes.org

Source: American Diabetes Association

Vote Today!

2008-11-04T02:46:00.000-08:00

Vote like your life depends on it!

I read this past weekend where women got the right to vote on August 26, 1920...51 years after black men....get out there and exercise your rights!

Voting = Choice; Not Voting = Being Told

Dunkin’ Donuts has teamed up with Budget Rent A Car

2008-11-03T16:57:00.000-08:00

Dunkin’ Donuts has teamed up with Budget Rent A Car and brewed up a delicious offer for coffee lovers.

Register now at www.budget.com/budgetWeb/misc/ddenrollment.ex . Make two qualifying rentals before December 15, 2008, and two pounds of your favorite Dunkin' Donuts Coffee will be shipped directly to you. And there's no limit--keep renting to earn more free coffee.

Take advantage of this valuable offer simply by enjoying the low rates, quality vehicles and friendly service that make Budget a great value.

Vote and Get a Tall Starbucks Coffee for Free!

2008-11-02T13:11:00.000-08:00

"On Election Day (November 4) anyone turning in their "I have voted" sticker from an election polling place will receive a free cup of Starbucks Coffee. Starbucks rewards good citizenship.On Election Day (November 4) anyone turning in their "I have voted" sticker from an election polling place will receive a free cup of Starbucks Coffee. Starbucks rewards good citizenship." http://mystarbucksidea.force.com/ideaView?id=087500000005742AAA

On Nov. 4th, after you get your free doughnut at Krispie Kreme by wearing your sticker, you can turn it in at Starbucks and get a free tall coffee.

'Roid Week 2008 Collage

2008-10-31T08:22:00.000-07:00

This is a collage of all my polaroid photos I took for the Flickr group 'Roid Week 08.

Free Krispy Kreme Doughnut on Election Day if Wearing "I Voted" Sticker

2008-10-31T06:12:00.001-07:00

Copied and Pasted from an email I received:

"On Election Day, Nov. 4, 2008, participating Krispy Kreme stores will be offering a free star-shaped doughnut, with white icing and red, white and blue sprinkles, to each customer wearing an "I Voted" sticker. While voters may not always agree on the best candidate to win, each voter can agree on one thing: Celebrating one of America’s most coveted constitutional rights can be oh-so sweet.

The star-shaped treats are made from Krispy Kreme’s signature, yeast-raised dough, and will be available only on Nov. 4th. This promotion is good for one doughnut per customer. Select stores may offer yeast-raised doughnuts in the standard circle shape, but still decorated with white icing and red, white and blue sprinkles.

Please call your local Krispy Kreme store now to find out if they are participating."

I don't know how/if absentee ballot voters get one :(

P.S. If you would like to receive emails notifying you of such important events, sign up to be a "Friends of Krispy Kreme" here: http://krispykreme.qm4.net/members/UpdateProfile.aspx?Action=Subscribe

Can’t Make it to the Polls? Request Absentee Ballot by Nov. 1

2008-10-31T06:09:00.000-07:00

As a registered voter, you may obtain an absentee ballot if you are over age 60, unable to attend the polls for physical or religious reasons or expecting to be out of town. Voters who wish to receive their absentee ballot by mail have until 2 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 1 to submit their absentee ballot application to their city of township clerk.

Voter turnout is expected to be high for the November 4th election. Last week, Secretary of State Terri Lynn Land said that a record number of Michigan residents – 7.47 million -– have registered to vote, representing nearly 98 percent of the voting age population. Voters will be asked to present photo ID at the polls, such as a Michigan driver's license or identification card. Visit the Michigan Voter Information Center at www.Michigan.gov/vote for information on absentee ballots and Michigan's voter identification law.

Welcome to the Jungle

2008-10-29T20:17:00.001-07:00

source: MTV Music

Election Day is Coming - Next Tuesday - Don't Forget to Vote!

2008-10-28T14:56:00.000-07:00

I personally felt the need for change so strongly that I persuaded my Mother-In-Law to register to vote. She's 70 years old and had never registered before. She always follows politics and usually has a strong opinion...but she never voted.

So I told her that if she feels so strongly against one candidate that she should vote...or otherwise her opinion doesn't matter. She can't complain if she doesn't do something about it.

I feel good about it...and I'm proud of her:)

Check out your Michigan ballots at MiVote:
http://www.mivote.org/page.php?page=3

Put in your name as it appears on your voter registration card; then your city, a screen will pop up with links - one will be to preview your local precinct's ballot.

Free Taco on Tuesday, October 28th, 2008

2008-10-23T20:03:00.000-07:00

Why? Because a base was stolen in the 2008 MLB World Series…so now America gets a FREE taco!

If you’re in the Downriver area that day between 2pm and 6pm run on down to the Taco Bell/Pizza Hut at 12260 Fort Street in Southgate, MI.

To get one (1) free Crunchy Seasoned Beef Taco.

http://www.tacobell.com/stealabasestealataco/

http://www.tacobell.com/pr/stealabasestealataco/

I Don't Have to Worry Anymore About Making Mr Blackwell's Worst Dressed List

2008-10-21T15:33:00.000-07:00

According to this article in the New York Times, he died. He was 86 years old. He will be missed...by some folks anyway...here's the link:
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/10/21/fashion/21blackwell.html?_r=1&ref=fashion&oref=slogin

Thank You Tim Gunn

2008-10-21T15:00:00.000-07:00

Tim Gunn’s 10 Essential Wardrobe Items for Women

The Ten Elements are mostly classic pieces, but what's important is whether they fit you properly, are not outdated, and bring out your best features. The following is the shopping list of Tim Gunn's 10 essential items. If you want to know more check out Tim Gunn’s book, A Guide to Quality, Taste and Style or watch his show on Bravo.

Basic Black Dress - Often called the "Little Black Dress".
Trench Coat – Stick to the classic cut and colors; avoid “fads”.
Dress Pants - Black would probably be the best bet since it is is flattering on all figures and goes with just about everything.
Classic White Shirt - Find one that works best to maximize you best attributes and minimizes your trouble spots.
Jeans - Everyone should have a pair that fits great and are flattering to their body style.
Any Occasion Top (fka Cashmere Sweater) – It should make you look great and look good under a jacket and also move easily into after work.
Skirt – Stick to classic styles and colors. Fit the style to best flatter your body style.
Daytime Dress - Stick to classic styles and colors. Fit the style to best flatter your body style.
Jacket/Blazer - Find one with a proper, fitted shape. It should accent the hourglass curve at your waist. It should coordinate with the skirt , dress pants, white shirt and the jeans.
Sweatsuit Alternative – It should be made of a comfortable fabric that you could wear everyday. It could be khakis, cords, a cotton dress, or more. Something that you could go shopping or walking the dog in.

Allow yourself one indulgent trendy item.

Use this list as a guide to forming your basic wardrobe. Jazz it up by trying new styles, colors, or accessories: purses, shoes, and jewelry.

Proportion - Silhouette – Fit

Think of your body in thirds

Sunday Morning

2008-10-19T09:40:00.001-07:00

Yum! Enjoying the fruits of my labor.

I found the recipe on cook.com. It's a box of yellow cake mix. I used the Pillsbury Reduced Sugar, prepared as directed on the box, except use the pineapple juice drained from the can of pineapples instead of all water. If it's not enough add water to bring it up to what's required.

I Screwed Up!

2008-10-18T20:29:00.000-07:00

I screwed up and forgot it was Sweetest Day today...I didn't even get my husband a card...of course he remembered and bought me one.

So to make it up to him I baked him this pineapple upside down cake.

Sweets for my Sweetie on Sweetest Day. Happy Sweetest Day, Dear!

Gifts From Our Grandfathers

2008-10-16T15:23:00.000-07:00

The birdhouses were made by my husband’s father for each of our kids; for a short period of time he went thru a “building things out of wood” period. He built several birdhouses, little step stools, hammers, doll houses, toy boxes and swings for the kids.

The cabin is one of about 35 that my grandfather built. He used to always whittle using cedar wood and a sharp pocket knife…he would never really make anything, just slice away slivers of wood. I guess it was his way of relaxing or passing time. The only time he got creative with it, well actually became obsessed with it, was when he made these log cabins. During 1977 & 1978, months before he died he cranked out enough of these little wooden cabins so that every one of his grandchildren got one to remember him by when he died. I love mine and think of him every time I look at it.

Neither grandfather was great in their execution of their craft but they were fantastic in their presentation of love…they should provide our kids with great memories and serve as family heirlooms which they can pass down to their children.

Recipes I Cooked Today

2008-10-13T11:16:00.000-07:00

Since today was Columbus Day, I had the day off from work....I'll celebrate just about anything if I get time off from work...anyways I had been browsing the internet a couple of days ago and came up with a couple of recipes I wanted to try, so today I tried them. They are listed below...

Speedy No-Knead Bread
Published: October 8, 2008 in the New York Times
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/10/08/dining/081mrex.html?partner=permalink&exprod=permalink

Raisin-Zucchini Spice Cupcakes
http://www.tasteofhome.com/Recipes/Raisin-Zucchini-Spice-Cupcakes.aspx

A Class Divided

2008-10-06T13:22:00.000-07:00

My grand-daughter Alyssa

I was recently involved in a discussion on the beauty of blue eyes in someone's flickr photo stream. It reminded me of this wonderful documentary of a social experiment that Jane Elliot, a third grade teacher, performed on her third grade class in 1968, the day after Martin Luther King Jr was assassinated. You can watch the full documentary through a link on the PBS web site link below:

www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontline/shows/divided/

My Favorite TV Shows

2008-09-30T11:06:00.000-07:00

This is a list of my current favorites. I haven't seen some of the new shows yet and there are others that I catch here and there on Food Network and Bravo as well. So this may change....

24 – Fox
Ace of Cakes – Food Network
Amazing Race – CBS
Big Brother – CBS
Biggest Loser – NBC
Criminal Minds – CBS
CSI – CBS
Diners, Drive-ins and Dives – Food Network
House – Fox
Lipstick Jungle – NBC
Lost – ABC
Prison Break – Fox
Project Runway - Bravo
The Big Bang Theory – CBS
Unwrapped – Food Network
Wife Swap – ABC

Gulf Shores Alabama 2008

2008-09-30T09:44:00.000-07:00

We just returned from a "Fun Family" Vacation in Gulf Shores, Alabama. I posted a ton of photos on my Flickr page and on my MySpace albums....check them out.

100 Dishes to Eat in Alabama Before You Die

2008-09-30T09:40:00.000-07:00

Here's the web site for this fun little brochure I picked up in a rest area on our travels to Alabama:
www.800alabama.com/yof/topDishes

or to download the pdf of the brochure:

www.800alabama.com/yof/YOFbrochure.pdf

I wished Michigan had one!

My New Toy - Lomo Fisheye Camera

2008-08-01T15:42:00.000-07:00

Something smells fishy....

I don't have any Lomo shots to post yet. I'm shooting some Lomo 100 36 exposure film in my new toy. Hopefully, a few of them will be lomo-refic to post!

I don't know how quickly I'll use the film up, but I'll get it processed and digitally reproduced so I can upload and share with my new Lomo friends.

Oh, My God!!

2008-08-01T14:36:00.000-07:00

Are these things ever delicious! They’re better than a cinnamon roll and about 400 calories less! I think I’m in love…

Check out their nutrition information here:http://www.kraftfoods.com/kf/Products/ProductInfoDisplay.htm?&Product=4300015630&pf=true

Mourning the Loss

2008-07-31T20:00:00.000-07:00

I got my husband to stop by the stadium to take photos, which is a BIG deal because he doesn't get my fascination with "picture taking" :)

We were driving by and I said I should take a picture...all we had were his camera phone and my cheapie digital with us...we hadn't planned on going there when we left the house, so we were not properly prepared.

We parked in a gravel lot on the side and walked part of the way up the walkway over I-75. There were several other photographers there. It was eerily quiet, no one said a word. It was like we were all paying our respects at a funeral...I felt like I should have thrown red roses over the fence into the big gaping hole in the side.

On the way home we wondered out loud what my husband's Grandpa and Uncle Joe would have thought about the demolition had they lived to see it.

You can see my Tiger Stadium Slideshow here:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/bargal/sets/72157603855899240/show/

At ULTA $27.49 USD got over $120 USD worth of delicious girlie goodies

2008-07-30T19:31:00.000-07:00

I went to the new ULTA Cosmetics and Salon in Allen Park, MI yesterday. They had a Grand Opening Sale going on.

I spent $27.49 USD and got over $120 USD worth of delicious girlie goodies. This is what I walked out the store with these 23 items listed below:

The ULTA makeup was buy one, get one free, so I picked out these gems:
ULTA Nail Lacquer ~ Pink Cloud
ULTA Max Wear Waterproof Mascara ~ Jet Black
ULTA Cheek Color ~ Glow!
ULTA Xtreme Wear Lipcolor Sheer ~ Poetic
ULTA Shea Butter Cuticle Oil
ULTA Polish Corrector Pen

Burt’s Bees Herbal Blemish Stick

ULTA Free 13-Piece Gift with Purchase of $17.50 ULTA Cosmetics ($65 Value)
~ Cool Palette
1. ULTA Cosmetic Bag ~ Cool
2. ULTA Folding Travel Hair Brush
3. ULTA Blush Brush
4. ULTA Brow & Lash Brush
5. ULTA Lip Brush
6. ULTA Nail Lacquer Sample ~ Tea Rose
7. ULTA Nail Lacquer Sample ~ Jezebel
8. ULTA Powder Blush Quad ~ Cool
9. ULTA Eyeshadow Quad ~ Cool
10. ULTA Lipcolor ~ Pink
11. ULTA Lipcolor ~ Razelberry
12. ULTA Lip Plumber
13. ULTA Contour Lip/Eye Liner Pencil ~ Sheer Berry/Deep Brown

At the Register they gave me these too:
1. Fragrance Sample ~ Versace Bright Crystal
2. Fragrance Sample ~ Vera Wang Princess
3. Fragrance Sample ~ Marc Jacobs Daisy

I signed up for a free Rewards card; I’ll probably be back….I’m thinking of getting my eyebrows waxed one of these days.

They also have a web site, http://www.ulta.com/; these sales are also available there for a limited time.

Because I Love Her - Party Recipes

2008-07-29T16:02:00.001-07:00

My daughter had a "Housewarming / Purse" Party a couple of weeks ago.

She and I both had been looking forward to her purse party. I had put off buying a new purse or even going to any other parties waiting for her to have hers…even though my purse was falling apart…I waited patiently.

I knew that she was excited about showing off her new house and the prospect of earning enough through her party to get herself a new purse.

So, I decided to surprise her by “catering” the party. I bought a Taste of Home Appetizer magazine in the market and got inspired. I went through and found several recipes that looked simple enough for me to make and I thought would taste good together.

I had told her a few days before her party that I was making food, but I didn’t elaborate on exactly what or how much I was making. All I told her was to make sure she had some room in her refrigerator.

I could tell she was blown away when I pulled up and we started unloading the car. It was a lot of food.

I had picked up some colorful serving trays from the Dollar Store to put the food out on and I am embarrassed to “toot my own horn” but it did look great. (She said she heard back from people after the party that they thought she had hired a professional caterer.)

And if you knew me, and how badly I normally cooked, you’d know how really funny that is :)

So, I’ll list the appetizers I made and provide a link to them from the Taste of Home web site. http://www.tasteofhome.com/ . (If they should remove them from their web site, I have PDF files of them I can email to you…just ask.)

BLT Bites
www.tasteofhome.com/Recipes/BLT-Bites

Cheese Crisps
www.tasteofhome.com/Recipes/Cheese-Crisps

Crunchy Cucumber Rounds
www.tasteofhome.com/Recipes/Crunchy-Cucumber-Rounds

Cucumber Pita Wedges
www.tasteofhome.com/Recipes/Cucumber-Pita-Wedges

Olive Pepper Pinwheels
www.tasteofhome.com/Recipes/Olive-Pepper-Pinwheels

Spinach Cheese Mushroom Caps
www.tasteofhome.com/Recipes/Spinach-Cheese-Mushroom-Caps

Taco Dip Platter
www.tasteofhome.com/Recipes/Taco-Dip-Platter

White Bean Bruschetta
www.tasteofhome.com/Recipes/White-Bean-Bruschetta

She LOVES Her Stuffed Animals

2008-07-28T19:12:00.000-07:00

You want to look away...but you can't.

She's been doing this for years...how she figured this out, we don't know...and it's only to these kinds of stuffed animals...that particular character.

People probably think I'm some kind of perv...but it is hilarious.

She does this on her own....I couldn't have posed her like that. And she only does it when she thinks no one's in the room with her...so you walk in and catch her like "that".

I've been trying to catch her on film every since we brought her to live with us in December. As soon as she hears that someone's around she stops.

What makes this even more hilarious is that she was my Mom's dog and used to do this all the time to her!

She actually has two Miss PIggys.

One time my husband and I were sleeping on an air mattress in my Mom's living room. When the lights went out, we heard....Thump, Thump, Thump...heavy breathing, heavy breathing....pitter patter of little feet....Thump, Thump, Thump...heavy breathing, heavy breathing...pitter patter...and so on.

She was "taking care of" both Miss Piggys.

Bookmark - Handmade Gift

2008-05-28T17:02:00.000-07:00

I made this by hand for my 14 year old niece. It is part of her 8th grade graduation gift. She's a bookworm, so I made this bookmark, bought her a Prince Caspian book and will give her some money to buy herself whatever else she wants.

I cross-stitched the skull and crossbones on 14 count cloth. I chose pinks, grays and blacks because I've seen her wear these colors a lot. I chose the skull and crossbones because she's 14 and all the kids seem to be wearing shirts and carrying purses with them on it.

I tried to find black lace to trim it in but didn't have any luck, so I searched Michael's and Jo-Ann's and came up with the hot pink bandana to use as a backing for it. I cut out a piece of stiff plastic from an old report cover at work. I taped the cross-stitch fabric to that and I then cut out a piece of bandana big enough to fold around the edges slightly and hand stitched it all around to make the bookmark.

I know the hand stitching looks sloppy; I don't have a sewing machine, but I think it adds to the overall “punkness” of the design.

Home Sweet Home - Cross-Stitch

2008-05-15T15:43:00.000-07:00

My daughter just bought her first house. She's 22 yrs old so that is quite an accomplishment. I decided to make her a special house warming gift from the heart.

I drove by her house...before she moved in, and took a photo of it. I did some editing, such as cropping, borders, etc. I then ordered an 8x10 print on Kodak Lustre paper.

I found a black metal frame and I bought a green mat. (I was trying to make it match her couch.)

I then created a "Home Sweet Home" cross-stitch pattern in colors again to match her couch. I hand stitched this, cut it to fit on the bottom of the green mat, then matted and framed the print to give to her.

I believe she was pleasantly surprised.

(If anyone would like the pattern, I have it in an Excel spreadsheet or I can make a pdf file, let me know and give me your email address...I will gladly send it to you.)

Check Out the New "Handlebars" Video!

2008-05-06T19:35:00.000-07:00

The official music video for 'Handlebars' is finished!

The video, which was created by Dirty UK, can be checked out right here:http://video. universalrepublic. com/?plid=1481452858&v=1534502575&aid=0

Spread the word...

NIN: The Slip CD Complete Album - Free Download

2008-05-06T19:32:00.000-07:00

To download your file, click on the link below and follow the instructions on the download page carefully.

If the link below is not clickable, copy it and paste it into your web browser's address bar.http://dl. nin. com/theslip/confirmation?token=2ohk7lrT

When you click the link, you will be prompted for a token.

Your download token is: 2ohk7lrT

Welcome Home

2008-05-06T19:25:00.000-07:00

I made this for my daughter. She bought her first house and moved into it this weekend.

I took a photo of her house and submitted it to http://www.icingimages.com/ to have it printed with edilbe ink and paper.

I then made my own cake and put it in a cake box purchased from Joann's.

She was surprised!

Sweet Dreams

2008-05-06T19:22:00.000-07:00

American Red Cross Diaster Relief Fund for Southern Illinois Flood Victims

2008-03-31T16:11:00.000-07:00

Those who would like to help victims of the southern Illinois floods may send contributions to the American Red Cross, Disaster Relief Fund, 112 E. Walnut St., Herrin, IL 62948 or call 1-800-HELP NOW.

Sadieville - It's a Happy Place!

2008-03-13T22:57:00.000-07:00

It does exist!My Mom's name is Sadie. She has Alzheimer's. So for the last several years, we'd laugh off her forgetfulness with her by saying she's in "Sadieville, and it's a happy place."

Who knew it really existed?!?

THE TEN BEST MOVIES ABOUT PHOTOGRAPHERS

2008-02-28T12:40:00.000-08:00

Source: American Photography Magazine (March/April 2008 Issue)

This list is a special collection picked by American Photography magazine editors and the readers of their State of the Art Blog.

10. The Notorious Bettie Page, 2005
9. Pecker, 1998
8. Star 80, 1983
7. Under Fire, 1983
6. Fairy Tale: A True Story, 1997
5. Apocalypse Now, 1979
4. Eyes of Laura Mars, 1978
3. Funny Face, 1957
2. Blow-Up, 1966
1. Rear Window, 1954

Maybe this list will help get your photography “jones” on while waiting for winter to past.

100 Good Cookies

2008-02-26T19:04:00.000-08:00

Day 306 of 365 Project
11/02/07 Repost from Flickr 365 Project I did during 2007.
(I'm on a diet, so this is the closest I'll get to the real thing for awhile....)

100 Good Cookies
1 C White Sugar
1 C Brown Sugar
1 C Oil
1 C Margarine
1 Egg
¾ t Salt
1 t Baking Soda
1 t Cream of Tartar
1 t Vanilla
1 C Oatmeal
1 C Rice Krispies
3 ½ C White All Purpose Flour

Mix together all the ingredients in order given. Roll into balls about the size of a walnut by hand. Place on greased cookie sheet. Bake at 350 degrees for about 11 mins, until lightly browned and dough ball is slightly flatten. Cool on rack.

The original recipe, which I don’t remember where I got it from, says to drop them by teaspoon, this method would yield 100 small cookies. By rolling them into a ball the size of a walnut, you will yield about 50 larger cookies; if you want 100 cookies, double the ingredients.

I had a small bag of cashew pieces at home, so I threw them into this batch that I made for the MSU vs. UM office tailgate party we had today.

© 2007 BarGal Photography
all rights reserved
All photographs may not to be used without my written permission.
DSCF2522

Snaps!

2008-02-21T20:17:00.000-08:00

Welcome to the World!

2008-02-16T11:17:00.001-08:00

This is Alyssa Jo, my grand daughter. She arrived at 7:29 am today (02/16/08). She's 8 lbs 9 oz and 21 inches long. She has a bushy head of hair. She must have gotten that from her Dad's side of the family....we were all bald!

Grandparents in Waiting...

2008-02-15T14:13:00.001-08:00

A Sign...

2008-02-14T23:44:00.000-08:00

This photo is part of my 365 Project I did last year and posted on Flickr. You can see the entire project here.

Day 9 of 365 (January 9, 2007)

Feathers mean a lot to Native Americans. Although, I and my children are not full blooded Cherokees, we are very in tune to our heritage and its spirituality.

To us a feather isn’t just something that falls out of a bird, it means much more. To us the feather symbolizes honor, strength, wisdom, power, freedom, trust and more.

In Native American cultures, eagle feathers are given as an honor. The person chosen is selected because they have done a brave deed, such as fighting off a bear or going up against the enemy.

Although this feather is not an eagle feather, I am taking it as a sign, a profound sign...

I found it laying in my front yard, right there, obvious, almost as though someone put it there on purpose. I saw it as soon as I step out of my car...and I was stunned.

My husband and I had just returned from seeing our son off on his second deployment to Iraq. My son is very proud of his Native American heritage and very proud to serve his country, so this is a gift, it is a sign, it is a symbol...and I am displaying it on my wall proudly.

© 2007 BarGal Photography
all rights reserved
All photographs may not to be used without my written permission.
DSCF1302

(Update: Our son returned home safe and sound on March 5, 2007. You can see the 365 Project photo on that day in the link for the complete project set at the top of this posting.)