It's Thursday. Do you know what is growing behind that curtain?????

Is it Thursday already???????  For those of you know me, you know that I don't mind to clean.  I find it calming.  However, I despise any type of Power Cleaning, Spring Cleaning, Holiday Cleaning, Unexpected Guest Cleaning, Last Minute Dinner Party Cleaning, After Cooking Cleaning and Craftermath Cleaning.  Hmm....I think I just ruled out all types of cleaning.

OH YES....back to Thursday!

Let's talk SHOWERS and TUBS!  If you have any type of dwelling, you most likely have a shower or tub, and most likely use a Shower Curtain and Liner.

Showers are damp, warm places which is the perfect environment for mold and mildew to cultivate!  Not to mention, they are situated among bacteria, hard water, body oils, soap scum, and possibly pet dander.

To make you feel better, mold and mildew are not indicative of a dirty shower.  However, they do not make for a clean looking shower when your in-laws take a peek behind that curtain.

Here are a few steps to curtail the grunge from the shower curtains, liners and tub mats.

Things you will need: 

1. Laundry detergent
2. 1 cup of baking soda
3. Washing machine
4.  2-3 towels (ideally light coloured or white).
5. Optional: 10 drops of tea tree oil (which can kill mold and mildew).

What to Do:

1. Carefully remove the plastic shower curtains from hooks and peel up shower mat, take them to your washing machine (pretty easy so far).
2. Place them in your washing machine, along with the 2 towels.  Add regular detergent and a cup of baking soda and tea tree oil (optional).  The towels will act as a buffer between the washing machine and the delicate plastic curtain.  They also help with scrubbing away the dirt and mildew during the washing process.  Baking soda works as a mild abrasive that will further scrub away the moldy grunge.
3. Wash on the gentle cycle
4. Re-hang the plastic shower curtain to air dry, and hang the shower mat to allow all the water to dry off.  The towels can go in the dryer.

Yes, it is probably easier to head over to the store and pick up a new liner.  I get it!  However, this is meant to be a simple Reuse, Reduce and Recycle project.

Still plan on chucking that shower liner for a new one??  Check out Curbly and their 12 Uses for Shower Curtain/Liners.  http://www.curbly.com/users/diy-maven/posts/8787-12-new-uses-for-shower-curtains-liners


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Wednesday Chore List

Tip of the Day: Use your Fabulously Clever made Dry Erase or Chalkboard picture frame in the kitchen to keep track of what you need and where you buy it along with any stops for bank, bills or whatnots. On Weds, you can make a quick travel map/schedule of where you need to go. I always suggest going to the furthest place first, and working your way towards your home.

Follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Fabulously-Clever/317923044966148
or Join our Group and post your Fabulously Clever stuff!!  https://www.facebook.com/groups/394125210634279/

Dry Erase Message Center

Here is a quick picture of my Picture Frame Dry Erase Board that I keep in the kitchen. I write down whatever item I am out of or running low on and the store I purchase it from. I compile my list on Tuesday night and head out on Wednesday to shop. Also, works great for leaving messages/reminders to family members!

To make your own board you will need the following supplies:

1 Picture Frame.  I used a 11x 13.
Burlap, Fabric, or Scrapbook Paper to fit inside the picture frame cut to size of your frame
Embellishments for your frame.  I used silverware I found at a thrift store.  You could use just about anything or go minimalist and leave your frame plain.
Glue if you are attaching embellishments.  I used E600 glue to hold down my heavier silverware.
Tape or regular glue to tack down your background.
Dry Erase Markers

This project only took a matter of minutes to make!
I applied my silverware using a smoosh of E600 glue at each end of the flatware piece.  For the fork and spoon, apply glue at the underside of the fork tong and base of the spoon. Basically, the area that would lie flat if placed on a table.
While my silverware dried, I pulled out the backing of the picture frame and cut my burlap to size.  Tacked it down with a little double sided sticky tape, and slid it back into the frame.  

All done! Don't you feel highly accomplished and super crafty now??  I know I was beaming from ear to ear when this was done.  Felt like I finished the Mona Lisa.  Okay, who am I kidding?  I'm crafty....not an artist!!

Crafty Tip:  Buy a bunch of 4 x 6 frames from the thrift store or the dollar store.  Use light colored holiday scrapbook paper to fit frame backing.  Write the name of each dish, cheese, wine, whatnot and place near each item on your holiday buffet or table!!

Don't forget to follow us on Facebook at Fabulously Clever!!  

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Black Friday: Toys"R"'Us

Black Friday: Toys“R”Us, Inc. today announced a series of exciting loyalty incentives shoppers can take advantage of this holiday season.

In its first-ever, Pre-Black Friday Offer, Existing Rewards“R”Us members, or those who sign up for the loyalty program before November 24, will receive a special email offer, granting them access to select Toys“R”Us Black Friday deals beginning Wednesday, November 27. 

You can sign up to become a Rewards "R" us member here...http://www.toysrus.com/rewardsrus

Read more about on the ToysRUs and exceptional ealues to loyal shoppers here:  http://www.toysrusinc.com/press-room/releases/general/2013/toysrus-offers-exceptional-values-to-loyal-shoppers-this-holiday/

Pinterest Success!!

I've been #Pintesting again. #YoGabbaGabba #Brobee took a hit with a permanent marker. Brobee sad. :(

I decided to search Pinterest and look for the best pins on removing the ink.

Here are the results.

Black Friday 2013

Is it too early to mention #BlackFriday??  It is only 46 days away!!!

Check out this fun  Black Friday Countdown!!  

Today, Macy's announced it's Spectacular Black Friday Deals.  The Doorbuster specials and spectacular discounts throughout the night and weekend plus Macy's will donate $2 to Make-A-Wish, up to $100,00 for any One Direction "Our Moment" fragrance purchase on Black Friday.

Most stores will open at 8 P.M. on Thanksgiving evening.

Here is a sneak peak at Macy's top Black Friday Doorbusters, available while supplies last.  Shop for the following limited-time deals 8p.m. Thursday, Nov 28th through 1 p.m. Friday Nov 29th and Saturday, Nov 30th from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m.

1. $19.99 Rampage Boots
2. $39.99 Charter Club Cashmere Crewneck
3. $9.99 Your Choice Coffee Maker, Griddle, Waffle Maker, Rocket Blender, Toaster, Slow Cooker, Deep Fryer, Panini Maker, Pressure Cooker, Blenders, Toaster Oven and Skillet from Bella, Black & Decker and Westinghouse (After $10 Rebate)
4. $169 3/8 ct. t.w. Diamond Studs in 14k White Gold
5. $49.99 Tag Fairfield III Five-piece Luggage Set
6. 60 percent off -- plus an additional 10 percent off -- all Martha Stewart Collection Collector’s Enameled Cast Iron Casseroles
7. FREE 8-piece Deluxe Mini Scent Sampler with any $95 Fragrance purchase
8. Buy 1 American Rag Junior’s Sweater, Dress, Jean, Top or Coat and Get 1 Free of Equal or Lesser Value Than Purchased Item
9. $49.99 Sharper Image Action Camera
10. 30 percent off Impulse Contemporary Apparel from Kensie, Lucky Brand, Miss Me, RACHEL Rachel Roy, Bar III and more

Black Friday shoppers can also get a first look at select specials by checking Macy’s Pinterest page at pinterest.com/macysofficial or macys.com/blackfriday.

Dollar Store Craft Ideas

It is one of my favorite times of the year.....HALLOWEEN!!  When I was younger, my sister and I used to spend every Halloween decorating macabrely and devising our next wild costume.  Now that I am older I still enjoy decorating.  Just in a more toned down fashion.

Have you heard of the Dollar Store Craft Challenge?  O-M-GEEE  IT IS SO MUCH FUN!!  I went a little crazy and did multiple crafts.  I could not help myself.  Sometimes you can find the most amazing things at the Dollar Tree!!  Okay...moving on.  So, I started with a couple storage jars, candle sticks.  Broke out the E600 glue and made apothecary jars with chalkboard paint  labels.  I went with a basic ivory so I could change out the decor from holiday to holiday. Quickly added some scrapbooking Halloween labels and a couple cute little spiders.  Finished up with little electric tape to make the stitches. Voila!

Next up......the adorable little pumpkins!! Grabbed a few of these cuties from Dollar Tree.  They do have a hideous seam around the middle of the pumpkins, so I had to devise a way to hide that mess!  Quickly covered them with a paint of black latex paint.  When it dried I was disappointed that I did not notice I used the matte finish paint.  DRATS!  Found a bottle of black glitter paint and went over with a quick sloppy coating.  Once dried I applied some adorable googgly eyes to one pumpkin and some glittery spiderwebs with spiders on the two others.

Lastly, the large pumpkin.  Yes...YES...I know, that did not come from the Dollar Tree.  I did find the grosgrain black ribbon there.  Wrapped the pumpkin with a bow.  Added some scrapbook trim to make the pumpkin pop.

There you have it.  An adorable Halloween spread that your children would love for less than a Venti Frapaccino from Starbucks!!!

Hope this inspires you to head to your local Dollar Tree and take on the Craft Challenge.  BTW...I would love to see what you made.  Feel free to post it to my Facebook Page:  Fabulously Clever.  https://www.facebook.com/pages/Fabulously-Clever/317923044966148?hc_location=timeline

Yarn Bombing

Yarn bombing is taking over the Heights neighborhood of Houston.  Police are currently searching for the person or persons responsible for the vandalism. Crime Stoppers is even offering a $500 reward for information leading to an arrest.

What do you think about this vandalism....Art or Graffiti?

Highlighting: DEBBIE & Her GOLDEN BLANKETS 2/13

https://www.facebook.com/groups/315536971805661

Debbie Golden & Her Magical Comfort Blankets
Debbie Began creating these blankets in 2012
I am sharing my Personal Photos of the Blanket I purchased from her.
I'm Not much of a big baby, but when I or anyone else in my household
Wraps up in her blanket
Time, Warmth & Cares seem to melt away
The blanket I bought has been through many orphans, crying babies, My Grandaughter, my husband etc

Orphaned kitten on hand made blanket
Debbie Golden

Kelleys Living area w/ debbie goldens magical blanket

 My front room is pretty well brown, The blanket I bought brings that bit of energy
to spark that area

A debbie golden hand crochet beanie hat

 My Daughter Loves Debbies hats
In fact her friends all loved debbies hat's as well.
But with everything I have got myself mixed up in,
The orders were never taken
Hey, I've been Busy!
and I always do what I can
Except for when I'm wrapped up in debbies blanket
Then I'm sleeping

Oh Look here's the kitten again a few more days older
Still nestling in HIS blanket

the baby kitten still on his blanket now older (comfort)

 Debbie does sell Bundles of the Yarn she says her Comfort Angel prayers over
She fully intense to use most of the yarn she buys
But sometimes, When a special custom order comes through
She'll sell a few of her blessed materials to help supply her with the
Needed colors

Loads of Yarn for sale by debbie golden

 Heres a ladies golf cap
I have one almost Identical to this one I had purchased at the store
The hat I have DOES NOT Provide the same comfort feeling
That debbies gifts provide
I Never shop for blankets or hats anymore except through her.
If you believe in Angels, You will understand why

Ladies Good Luck Golf cap debbie golden

Another Debbie design Just to give you an idea of different styles that can be ordered

Magical blanket by debbie golden

 Remember when I said crying babies up at the top of this post?

Well the dog, Zues is the biggest baby I know! 

He literally howles until someone puts the blanket on him

He's so spoiled, the big baby laying on zues is my husband

He LOVES the blanket even though it's girly and pink

A comfy man w/ dog magic comfort blanket by debbie golden

 One of Debbies Sweet Cherubs modeling a sold together Keep Warm & Safe Set

Hat & scarf set by debbie golden

 Another scarf design for those windy days. 

I love this color and how it hangs in the front

It fits perfectly inside a jacket and never has a loose end like a regular scarf

Neck scarf by debbie golden

More Yarn for sale by debbie golden

 This is the baby day 1 on debbies blanket
I made sure to keep baby near, he needed all the prayers he could get

Baby orphan kitten drinking formula on the magic blanket by debbie golden

custom made w/stuffed bear magic comfort blanket by debbie golden

in the works white & Pink by debbie golden

Debbie can be contacted via facebook or on bonanza

If you would like to provide a Magical blanket to someone you know for those prayers

Please let her know the colors etc.

She'll come through for you.

~Kelley

January 25, 2013 MOVING TO TEXAS!

OMG I'm Ready to Pull out my Fabulously Styled Hair!

The house finally has a closing date!

A List of MUST Get dones is finally Shrinking to DIDS and DONES THAT!

I'm Also Keeping a List of contractors NOT TO EVER REFER OUT!

OH Good Lord!

I am Qualified to repair the few quirks that have been asked to be fixed before the actual closing

1) Cupboard hinge

2) French Door hinges

3) A dryer vent I did not even know existed

4) A Sprinkler head (that has been my nemsis since we moved in here)

5) A 2x2 Hole in a fence I had been asking the neighbors to Repair, considering It's on their property

6) An application of Grout ~~~~ Um... REALLY!

These issues are going to hold up a closing?

Give me a break!

But it is what it is

We are Now Moving into Texas!

Tonight we are flying into Houston and tomorrow we will be travelling through the burbs 

To view homes!

I've done several listing write ups on homes the realtor has sent, I hope we aren't highly disappointed in what we will actually be shown. That's a lot of travelling to get a load of maybe's and fixer uppers.

This past week on top of calling contractors, I've dealt w/banks, papers, tax preperations, packing, packers and the EVER CHANGING WEATHER!

I am Snapping Loads of Pictures of everything so we can bring to you a fabulously exciting blog post.

I'll keep you updated with every blister I gain while wearing my SCORE of the WEEK!

Watch OUT 2nd hand stores! I'm coming at cha!

Let's do some Networking & Proceed in Marketing!

CHA CHING!

~ Dawn

Over the Religion of Dieting ~ OMG~ BabyCakes Donut Recipe!!

BTW~~~ I Am Sooooo Over the Religion of Dieting

Whole Wheat Pumpkin Spice Donuts

Makes 12 donuts

Prepare the Donut Maker with non-stick spray, and heat the Donut Maker according to the instructions.
...

Put in mixing bowl and combine:
1/2 cup whole wheat flour
1/4 cup sugar
2 Teaspoons baking powder
1/4 Teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon pumpkin pie spice
Add and blend just until the ingredients are mixed well and dough is creamy:

1/4 cup half and half
1 large egg
1 Teaspoon vanilla extract
2 Tablespoons butter
2 Tablespoons of canned pumping (optional)

Immediately scoop the batter into each of the molds. Close the lid and bake for 3 to 5 minutes. Remove from the Donut Maker and rest on a wire rack. Top with icing, confectioner’s sugar or cinnamon sugar.

Tip: It is suggested you should put the mixture in a piping bag & pipe into the molds, this prevents crispy edges which I happen to Like!

Buy this Plate, Menu or other Items I have for sale by clicking on the photo or by visiting
http://www.ebay.com/fabulouslycleverbydawn

Visit, browse, window shop
Network and show us what you are up to!

Let's Talk Time Management Vs. Attention span

Since today happens to be errand day, Let's discuss some time management tips for running errands

 1. Have a plan before you run errands.

Start with having a list.  I was terrible about this!  I  zigzag through the city, 

I did not have a plan of action on where I needed to go, I would just go.  

Recently, I started a errand driving Routine & Reward system.

At certain times of the day there is less traffic, more green lights, and DISCOUNTS!

Did you know DONUTS Go on sale at the grocery store bakeries after NOON!

~~ Map it out~~ No Backtracking ~~ Work out your driving in a circle base & save Gas!

**Appointments should be set according to Your sleep cycles!

If you know You are normally up and running at 10am, 

Do not try to kill yourself stressing out trying to get there by 9am. 

Always start your daily schedule at 10am!

*Appointments First,, Banks Second,, Miscellanous running after the important stuff

Then a Quick Donut Pickup on the way Home no later than 3pm!

Find what works for you and then set it as your routine.

2.  Keep Tabby's

(No not the cats, but you can keep those as well)

If you have a routine set, tabbies on the fridge has always been a friendly way for reminding me, first that I am Fabulous, 2nd that I have Things to get accomplished!

Without those reminders, well, let's just say I'd pry forget!

Keeping an ongoing list of the places I need to go, what I need to buy, and what I need to return. 

 The best place to keep this list is in a central location. 

COFFEE Anyone? Well of course! (a tabby is spotted~ Hum I wonder what it says)

I use three magnetic backed list tear sheets that you find at Michaels or Dollar Tree.  

I attach them to the refrigerator, since that is where I keep the left over cake pops!

One page for Groceries/Things to buy.  

With Coupons from the weeks in a baggie (for cross checking stores)

The second one is for Things to do. ( thrifting, blogging, networking, my nails etc)

I also use this list for "random" things I need to remember. (who to call back, etc)

 Last list is places I need to go. (doctors, returns, car washings, dog groomers etc) 

 I Take these Tabbies with me as I'm out running my errands so I can stay on track.

The backs have sticky tabs, so Sticking them on my forehead helps out while I check my rear view mirror as the guy behind me rides my bumper!!

 3. Make it Fun!

Since this is something I only do once a week, I make an event out of it.
I mean Seriously!
This is WHY I buy My Vintage and Chunky Jewelry!

I will dress up cute in one of my favorite sassy outfits.  

Splash on a little makeup and be ready to flash my smile. 

While I am out, I pick up my favorite beverage and treat.

In fact the other day I juggled My McDonalds Iced Coffee & Discount Donuts
While Wearing my Little black Dress, a pair of heels,
I Happen to SCORE BIG TIME
On some Faux Corner Trees for Home Staging!
It was rather Humourous Thinking of what The other shoppers may have Witnessed!
BUT I MADE IT WORK!
Those 6ft tall ficus DO FIT IN A SEDAN!
I did not lose a tree, a heel, the coffee or a donut in the fiasco!

I’m in a great mood while dealing w/ cranky sales people,
Because I know I can come home & Spend some time Blogging about my own adventures!

Wait
What?
Carry on~

~Dawn

HIghlighting Artist Krafty Kathleen March 2013

Stop by and say Hey to Kathleen at The Glass Garden

https://www.facebook.com/TheVintageGarden

~Kelley
I have not offically met Kathleen
But I have  had the pleasure of viewing some of her artwork
I found myself falling in love with some of her pieces

This is the type of stuff I Simply Love
So Much heart and soul is poured into handcrafted pieces
I would Not be surprised if her pieces actually helped the garden grow.

I have highlighted some of the pieces that I found fun and amusing
Along with uplifting and whimiscal
You judge for yourself
If you find a piece you are interested in
Please visit her facebook page above

Very Sweet hanging garden tree gnome
I can imagine this swinging in my fairy tree on a breezy Arizona day

 Some Autum designs

 Such A Spunky little candy conversation piece!

So Sweet!

This Piece is my Ultimate Favorite
If I was to see it in a boutique down here in Scottsdale
I'm sure I'd see a price tag on it for over $150 Easy
EASY
It's a shame she can not ship some pieces
What I love about this piece

It's like 100% MilkGlass!
Look how gorgeous that thick milky white is against the greens & earthy tones
all around it
It is just a wonderous creation that brings a feeling to my mind
And that IS what Art IS

Something manifest from an idea the sparks an emotion or stillness in another
Kathleen You are a true Artist

I Love this one

Kathleen was one of the very first followers of the Fabulously Clever on facebook

And she has an amazing following of her own!

I find her absolutely entertaining and a crafty creature by nature

Give her a Milkglass, marble and a strange little ceramic character and she'll make you

One of the Most Brillant Garden Birdbath's You've ever seen

She sets up her weekend booth at the craft fairs every weekend

The craft fair is located in Oklahoma

(I'll have to provide the exact location after I talk w/dawn)

She prices her items to sell and sometimes Personally I don't think she asks enough

I  has her item selected ~ The Gargoyle birdbath

You can find all of her world of wonderous dreams at: https://www.facebook.com/TheVintageGarden

If you ever decide or drive past the fair (Once I figure out where it is), Please stop in, it's free & let her know Dawn Sent you!

~Kelley

Cherry Tuffle covered Taxes?

I intend to spend 15 minutes working in my office. 

 Which room are you going to tackle today?

Yes Yes Yes today is a day of Massive organization of Office Equipment and filing systems!

Tax Season is here & our tax guy deserves accurate book keeping as well as I deserve a Cherry Truffle.

Well, He'll get Organized records 

But I'm not sure I'll get that Truffle reward!

I've got to keep in mind, 15 mins to organize my papers just is not enough time

SO Thankfully, I invested a few dollars in a Ledger Work Book!

Availible at Office Max stores everywhere!


Computer keeping is One thing
But when Your hand is doing the actual writing of your daily or weekly transactions
You tend to keep better score of your Winnings & Losses



Computers are great, but one crash,
You've lost it all!

Keep a Hand Ledger
It may be more work
But the budget will Thank You for taking the time 

~~~~~~~~

Some Little tax tips?

Oh Sure, The season calls for it!

~~~~~~~

1) Keep business a way from Personal, I mean Far Away ~ So Far it's NOT in the Business room!

2) Keep business bank statements All in one file! ~ Bank Statements are the vital records to back up all those nasty receipts! Easy enough right!

3) Make sure, You Never EVER EVER Eat a Cherry Truffel IN THE BUSINESS ROOM!

~ Just saying~

~Dawn