Eightymillion

A DIY craft and photography blog. Dogs included.

News Bulletin for Eightymillion Blog Subscribers

We all love to be organized.  Right?  When everything is in sync all goes well.  
With the news of Google Reader shutting down on July 1st, myself, along with other readers, are searching for options.  When things change I find myself getting a little frazzled.  I’m the Queen of Procrastination, so I don’t want to wait until the last minute before Google Reader vanishes.
Here’s a few suggestions to help you out.
Bloglovin
Feedly
NewsBlur
I appreciate those who subscribe to my blog.  As well as those who stop by to read.  Be sure to find yourself another alternative to follow your favorite blogs.  If you have any other suggestions please leave them below in the comment section below.  Thanks!
 Until the next word…
~Jennifer

Message From the Dog

My mom already went to bed.  She didn’t have enough energy to put up a post today.  So, I thought I would handle the blog for her.
Today was a busy day.  My parents went to the local farmers market and came home with a lot of goodies.  They took a lot of photos and I helped with the editing as much as I could.  She said that we will be sharing those photos tomorrow.
I’m kinda tired myself.  My nails were recently trimmed so typing isn’t very easy.
“Goodnight”
From the dog named Disco  

DIY Recycling Inspiration: Instant Flower Pot Using a Vintage Beverage Crate

I can honestly say that this recycling project is my favorite (so far)!  My Mom found these awesome vintage beverage crates at a garage sale and gave me three of them.  I wish I had more of these because they would make an awesome gift.  My eyes will be wide open on my next picking adventure.  Remember the other two I used to create an end table in my living room?  If you missed that post, click here.  
Supplies that I used for this project:  One crate, polyurethane, foam brush, disposable gloves, cardboard from the recycling bin, and a plant. 
The box clearly has a “vintage look” in it’s natural state.  It’ll go outdoors, so that’s where the polyurethane comes in. I wanted to add some additional protection for the crate itself.  You can see from the picture below that it already has a built in drain on the bottom. I sanded it down a bit first before painting it.      
I went with the Fast-Drying Semi-Gloss.  Worked like a charm.
I was surprised to find these pink double impatiens at 50% off already.  Scored two plants for $5.49 each.  I used the other one for another project. Full of color and lots of buds ready to bloom.
I pulled a box out of the recycling bin to use as my work surface.  Using a foam brush and disposable gloves I applied two coats of the polyurethane.  Highly recommend doing this outdoors due to the fumes.  I applied extra to the interior bottom of the box, since this will be where the plant will rest.
I painted the box in the morning and by the time I got home from work that afternoon is was dry and ready to go.  I snipped the wire hanger off that was on the plant.  The container fit perfectly down into the box.  Who measures anything?  Not this girl.  Usually I just eyeball it.  
I thought about replanting in the box, but after some consideration this way works just fine.  And there’s no mess.
LOVE IT!
Enjoy what is left of this comfortable and cool Friday evening.  Excited to be heading to the local farmers market tomorrow.  Perhaps I’ll have another “What’s On My Plate” recipe to share with you. Due to my previous work schedules I was unable to attend last year. Rain or shine, I will be there in the morning!

One Funny Commercial

Saw this commercial for the first time last week.  It’s the McDonald’s advertisement for their fruit oatmeal.  Being a technology geek I find myself laughing hysterically at what the woman says!  Have you seen it?  Click the link below.
Any more I should know about?
~Jennifer

I Love Bacon!

Three facts about me:

1.  I collect vinyl (classic & new).
2.  I am a vegetarian (since 1985).
3.  I love bacon (in reference to vinyl).

If there are any fellow vinyl collectors out there who are reading this, you’ll know exactly what I’m speaking of. When I say that I love bacon, I’m referring to the sounds you hear when an old record is playing.  They resemble a pan of frying bacon.

A couple of weeks ago I was in Best Buy and saw that they carry vinyl.  Cool, but then I read the manufacturer label and it said………….the classics, digitally remastered for excellent sound quality.  The album cost $19.99.  The same record is in the used record shop up the street for $15.00.  I will be going back for the used one.  Not because it’s cheaper, because I want the original version.  I want the bacon!

Alright, back to fact #2.  The garden is growing so fast.  I’m compiling my photos to share the process with you.

P.S. One more fact.  It is Tuesday, but still feels like a Monday.

~Jennifer

“Hot” Dog Day

I’m not sure where you live, but here in the Midwest today the temps got up to 96 degrees.  We spent most of the day relaxing in the air.  During potty breaks we had a mini photo session.  This shot was our favorite.

Our Memorial Day will be the same.  Relaxing in the air conditioned house.

Have a good night.

~Jennifer

DIY Wedding Gift Inspiration: Vintage Flashcard Decor

I just got back from a wedding.  Adam and I were providing the music for the reception.  It’s been a very long day.  Where I found the second wind to even power up the computer is beyond me, so I’m taking advantage of it. 
Awhile back I pulled out my vintage flashcards and came up with this combination (pictured above).  We currently have a wedding theme window at my Mom’s shop in Galena, IL.  So it fits in well.  Not exactly the kind of gift that the bride and groom registered for, but you can be sure that they won’t get three of them.  A nice piece of decor that they can hang in their house.
Until the next word…
~Jennifer

The Photo That Explains Everything

My cousins and I
Continued from “Guess What I Found” post~
I came across an album of old photos and look at what I discovered.  A true classic!  It was from my second birthday party.  It clearly shows that my love of photography started at a very young age.  You can see I put the fisher price camera to good use right away.  This photo cracks me up.  If it wasn’t for me cleaning out the garage I may of never found it.  At least not when it meant the most. 
I will be sending this photo to the lab because it deserves to be in a frame in my office.  
Finding this photo also brings back a sad memory regarding another camera.  I’ll share that story later.  Don’t want to pee on my own party!
~Jennifer