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

Quick Cookie Cover Your Eyes

The Worlds BEST PEANUT BUTTER COOKIE RECIPE

BUDGET AND BE A STAR!

Kelley shared this recipe with me the other day

I had to hurry and get something pulled together for the house showing

And we are told COOKIES help sell the house!

The Aroma, The Lure, The Capture & The Closing!

This is a recipe found all over the internet!

I can't believe I missed it!

But that's what this blog is all about

Finding those easy peesy and sometimes cheesy ideas and keeping them going.

3 INGREDIENTS!

3 

I did not think they would ever work!

But I am Sometimes
(Sometimes, hardly ever, but sometimes ummmm Not so Correct)

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

1 cup peanut butter

1 cup Sugar

1 Egg

~~~~~~

Mix them together 

~ Roll into Balls

~ Set on cookie sheet (ungreased)

~ Bake 350 for approx 10 mins

~ Let sit for a few minutes

Put them on a Lace Doilies on one of your
Fabulously created display dishes

AND WAL LA!

No flour mess to clean up!

No mixing dishes

And they actually taste Better than the 20 Ingredient ~ Back breaking ~ Do all the dishes afterwards Cookies!

You can Still add anything you want to them
OMG Try these cookies with Banana!

Oh Shoot I'm thinking a Raisin Nut Peanut butter coming on
CALM DOWN DAWN!

For the time saved w/less ingredients
The more time you have to add what ever you want to the mix!

~For Christmas~
My favorite Reese Piece Miniature cups Squished flat and put in the CENTER
of 2 cookie dough balls... Squish down again
~Bake~
The sprinkled or Covered in Snow (powdered sugar)
(DROOLING)

You know Kelley, She can't bake worth a darn 

(rumor has it, Her No bake cookies Never set ~ She burnt water once & actually clogged a toilet w/spagetti ~ Long story)
I'll have to see if she still has the pictures from that event

But She can pull these off!

Christmas Trees & Ugly Sweaters

Christmas Easy to do decorations

Best hand crafted gifts ever

** Craft Images found on Google Search**

Here's a Cute little Idea!
You know those Smaller glass candle Jars w/lids
We just never know what to do with after the wick is burn to the bottom!
Well Dollar Tree has MINATURES!
Minature Snowmen, people, dogs playing in the snow!
My girlfriend Kelley actually made something similar to the Snowman in Jar picture below

She Used 6000 series glue, added a Mini snowman to the inside bottom
Of a cleaned out baby food jar
Then added White Powdered LAUNDRY SOAP & Gold Glitter
To play as the snow
Easy as Pie to do and the Kids Love picking out their own people to use in their jars!

NOSEW GLUE!!
I Love NoSew Glue! Easy as Pie Felt Stockings!
If you have tons of old pillow cases, Torn shirts, Ready to Toss Blue Jeans
STOP NOW!

Do Not Throw them away
Run do not walk to WALMART
In the sewing section they have the GLUE
That takes the OUCH out of Stitching
1)Cut your Stocking pattern,
(remember to cut the pattern about 1.5" bigger than what you really want it)
2) Apply the glue, to the edges and press together
(I use a heavy book on top)
3) Let sit about 20 mins.
4) MEANWHILE Cut your Fun applications from a fun contrasting fabric
5) The turn the stocking Inside out so the seam is on the inside
Your stocking should have No seam holes
This glue is amazing even on the most fragile of fabrics
Apply your applications & Ta Da!
Just fill with fun stuff and hang!

I love this cute sidewalk greeting
I the idea is pretty obvious
You can Pick up the dow rods at walmart for about 25cents each

White is always beautiful for Christmas Elegance!
Silver toned piller style candle holders can be picked up at any thrift for Under $1
The Big craze is NOT to have uniform or Matching candle holders
Mixing up the styles Is THE THING.
You can repaint them a high gloss Silver or Gold,
Or perhaps You really want to go all out on the Red green & white Christmas Theme
I'm Telling ya,
There is a Spray Paint for that!
 

I found this wreath by going through tons of Photos
It is So Holiday
So I chose it to give an idea on how easy Wreaths can be thrown together
If you have a vision and a dollar store / thrift close by

The Wreaths Oh Goodness Let me tell you
Even if you find the beat up old bones of a wreath at the thrift (49cents),
The dollar stores sell Garland
GRAB 2 or 3 ($3)
1 Box of individually Sealed candy canes ($1)
The Red balls can be found in packages for ($1)
Never use spray paint on foam products ~ The spray paint literally reduces the foam to a liquid!
USE that Fab 6000series glue (2.49)
1 Metal over the door hanger ($1)
Total Under $10
and you have a wreath Someone who is not so crafty would have paid $30 for.

The fireplace ipod video in a sweater pouch

Now I thought this was hilarious!

Take an Ugly christmas sweater and your no sew glue! 

Add a pouch to the center of your sweater, cutting out a rectangle center

(to create a type of fabric picture frame)

Add Your Ipad ~ Set it to Fireplace, family photo slideshow or anything representing the season

Got more Ideas?
Let's Jingle Them around
~Dawn