Blogging 101 Class Re-Cap

We had such a great time on Thursday night at our Blogging 101 class.  I was a little nervous about our content before we went.  We had a lot of information to share and I didn't want anyone to feel left out.  We had a little bit of a rough start trying to get everyone connected but I think each person that came took away something from it.

Here are some of the blogs (some of them brand new!) of those that attended:

Wendy

Karen

Liz

ShaRee

Audra

Corinne (private blog)

Taught by: 

Deb from Mumbo Jumbo and Fresh Nest

Me at christynelson.net

I'll be posting some of the information from this class in the next few weeks at Toolulu.com.  As usual, I'll keep you posted here and let you know when it is up and running!

Blogging 101 Class Re-Cap

http://craftyconservative.blogspot.com/2009/05/blogging-101-class-re-cap.html

Girls Weekend 2009

My Girls Weekend this year is turning into about 10 days worth of work/fun.  I will be jet-setting all over and if you want to join me, YOU CAN! 

Here is my tentative itinerary and if you'd like to fill in some of the blanks with suggested activities, I'd love it!

July 23rd- leave for Chicago

The BlogHer conference is the 24th and 25th.  I'll be pretty busy with that.  I have a hotel room booked and no roommates so if any Indiana peeps want to come up and hang out that is an option.  But, I won't be around much during those days. 

I'm planning on flying out of Chicago on the 27th in the evening.  That means I'll have all day the 26th and most of the 27th to play.  The 26th is a Sunday so this could prove tricky.  I'll try to find a ride down to Lafayette (maybe?) so I can hang out for a day but then I'll have to get a ride back.  I don't know if I'm worth the trouble. 

Otherwise, I'll just stay in Chicago and live it up at IKEA or something like that. 

July 28th- leave for Orlando

I got a press pass to go to the CHA trade show.  That runs for 3 days from 9am-5pm.  I don't think I'll necessarily want or need to be in the building that whole time so I'll have some free time during the day and every evening to mess around in Orlando. 

There is a Craft Supershow (think mega craft fair w/ vendors like Joann's and Michaels) on the 31st and 1st.  I have tickets to that as well and the general public can get into it.  I'll be staying to attend that.

I'll leave to come back on Aug 1st.  I don't have any travel plans made for this trip yet so I'm open if anyone wants to come to Orlando and hang out for a couple of days. 

What do y'all think?

Girls Weekend 2009

http://craftyconservative.blogspot.com/2009/05/girls-weekend-2009.html

Blogging 101 Class

Toolulu will be making its professional debut by offering a free Blogging 101 class tomorrow night at Panera (66 & O).  Deb and I are really excited for it and we're going to have some very beginning bloggers there as well as some that have established blogs but want help making them a little better.  We will have time for specific questions to be answered so come ready to learn!  We have 4 spots left.  If you'd like to attend, comment here or send me an email. 

Topics to be covered: 

How to link

How to add pictures and videos

Updating your sidebars

Tracking--how to know how many people are visiting your blog and from where

Some quick tips and tricks

Other fun sites that can help your blogging

 

You'll go home with a handout outlining what we talked about.  More importantly, it's an evening out with fun people!

Blogging 101 Class

http://craftyconservative.blogspot.com/2009/05/blogging-101-class.html

Summer Lovin'

I think Eva is having withdrawals today.  Caleb is at school.  Leith isn't coming to visit today.  At least she has the memories of this glorious afternoon of playing outside. 

Summer Lovin'

http://craftyconservative.blogspot.com/2009/05/summer-lovin.html

Caleb Plays High School Musical 3

Yesterday Caleb started playing a new song on the piano.  It is Can I Have This Dance from HSM3. 

Here's the original song in case you aren't familiar with it.

 

And here is Caleb's version.  I realize he has no shirt on.  Sometimes I have to catch him playing the piano when it happens because he doesn't always play what we ask him to on command. 

 

This kid constantly amazes me.  He does it in the correct key and even can get most of the harmonies...in ONE DAY! 

Caleb Plays High School Musical 3

http://craftyconservative.blogspot.com/2009/05/caleb-plays-high-school-musical-3.html

Craft Fail = Success

I started to make a cute spring top last night.  I wore it today.  As a skirt.  Want the details?  Check them out over at christynelson.net. 

In other news, Eva doesn't really need me to push her on the swing anymore.  She's a pumping fool!  GO EVA!

Craft Fail = Success

http://craftyconservative.blogspot.com/2009/05/craft-fail-success.html

Dilemma.

I contacted the winner (Shelby) of the Yanni Voices concert tickets and she told me that she will no longer be able to attend. 

 

TAKEN!

The tickets are available to the first person that emails me at

                            christy @ christynelson.net

and says that they want them.  Should be a fun time! 

The concert it May 31st at the Omaha Qwest Center.

Dilemma.

http://craftyconservative.blogspot.com/2009/05/dilemma.html

Exhibit A

Just one more reason why we don't have a pet.

Exhibit A

http://craftyconservative.blogspot.com/2009/05/exhibit.html

Just an American Idol Observation

This post does not include an American Idol winner spoiler.  Although, you'd be hard pressed to avoid one if you are online.  Anyway, while watching the show tonight I noticed something.

Adam got to sing a medley of songs with KISS.  That was freaking amazing. 

Kris sang one song with Keith Urban.

Danny got to sing a medley of songs with Lionel Richie. 

Do you think the producers thought that it would be Danny and Adam in the end?  You know they have to set these performances up ahead of time.  I bet they didn't count on Kris making it to the end.

Oh yeah, and I love Jason Mraz.  A lot. 

Just an American Idol Observation

http://craftyconservative.blogspot.com/2009/05/just-american-idol-observation.html

Some Self Indulgent Links For You

1.  Toolulu is open for business!  We will be adding to our website soon but we are starting to solicit clients and schedule training classes.  We're super excited! 

2.  How to Use Flickr.  I wrote up a post talking about some basic instructions on how to use the site.

3.  Teacher Gift Ideas.  I wrote posts about this at both the Lincoln Handmade Team blog and Type A Mom. 

4.  Want to sign up for the craft challenge in June?  You can find your packets at my shop.  

5.  The Yanni Ticket giveaway.  So far there is only one valid entry so if you want to win, your chances are very good.

 

Want to add your own self indulgent links?  Go for it!

Some Self Indulgent Links For You

http://craftyconservative.blogspot.com/2009/05/some-self-indulgent-links-for-you.html

Win Yanni Concert Tickets Here!

Yanni is coming to the Omaha Qwest Center on Sunday, May 31st and I have TWO TICKETS to giveaway.  Did I mention those tickets include a pass to the MEET & GREET? 

I've blogged about Yanni Voices a couple of times already (including a picture of me with Nathan-one of the Yanni Voices).  The PBS special was amazing!  The CD is great.  My favorite is Deseo sung by Ender.  I can't wait to meet them and I'd love for you to have the chance as well.

Would you like to win? 

This contest is open to ANYONE that can get to Omaha for the concert or would like to gift the tickets to someone that will be able to enjoy it.  You can enter more than once!  Here's how:

• Comment on this post.
• You can comment each time you tell someone about this giveaway (blog, facebook, twitter, email, etc...).  Include the link.
• Do you subscribe or follow my blog?  Comment and you've got another entry!

That's it!

You have until Thursday, May 21st to enter.  I'll draw the winner on Friday (using random.org).  If the winner fails to respond or contact me by Sunday, May 24th I'll draw another winner. 

Win Yanni Concert Tickets Here!

http://craftyconservative.blogspot.com/2009/05/win-yanni-concert-tickets-here.html

Caleb's Video

Here's a link to the video of Caleb on the news*.  It is on the right and it is labeled Special Boy with Special Gift. 

Once I get back home I'll be able to embed a captured video in this spot, but for now this will have to do. 

Enjoy it. 

*Caleb's still only 6. 

Caleb's Video

http://craftyconservative.blogspot.com/2009/05/caleb-video.html

Caleb Makes News

Caleb was filmed today at school for a special interest news story that will appear on Channel 8 at 5pm and 10pm tonight. 

He played the piano for his classmates, was very bossy, and told the reporter I taught him how to play the piano (not quite, but thanks!). 

He loves to be the center of attention and has us in tears laughing at how he controlled the class.  He kept telling them to raise their hands and that he wouldn't call on them unless they followed directions. 

I'm pretty sure there will be video available online after tonight and I'll be sure to share it with all of you that are out of town and would like to see it.  I'm glad I brought Carl with me this morning so HE could get interviewed and not me! 

Caleb Makes News

http://craftyconservative.blogspot.com/2009/05/caleb-makes-news.html

Intense Debate

I just installed a new commenting widget called Intense Debate.  This should be the first post that uses it. 

 

What do you think?  Try it out for me and tell me if I should keep it or not.

Intense Debate

http://craftyconservative.blogspot.com/2009/05/intense-debate.html

My Little Quincy.

We love The Little Einsteins at our house.  Caleb loves for us to pretend to be the characters.  He is always Quincy (with the trumpet).  Carl is Leo (the conductor), Eva is June (the dancer), and I'm Annie (the singer).  He loves for us to act out certain scenes from the show.  Last night Caleb did a little impersonation of his own.  What do you think?  Quincy or Louis Armstrong?  

My Little Quincy.

http://craftyconservative.blogspot.com/2009/05/my-little-quincy.html

Pathetic.

This is the blog post where you all realize how pathetic I really am (if you haven't already).  I should also mention that there will be bosom talk later in this post so if you'd rather not read about them, close this browser now.

Usually I watch The Biggest Loser and I eat chips or ice cream.  I'm a rebel, I tell ya.  Something happened to me this morning and I decided I was going to do the Couch to 5K program.  I hop on the treadmill and start off really well.  I've got my tunes blaring in my ears.  Eva is cheering me on. Then I get to the running part.

Egads.  My bosoms are too huge for this.  Even with my industrial strength, Oprah approved bra, they weren't made for this sort of movement.  What the heck was I thinking?  In my defense, I lasted 10 minutes.  I was supposed to go for 20.  Then I read the warning on the treadmill that you should get off if you're short of breath.  Um, isn't that the point of a treadmill?  But I digress.

I think I'll just have to stick with my (self-titled) Yoga for Fatties.  Although, even then they get in the way.

My dream: somebody with a lot of patience (a la Bob Harper) wants to take me on as a client (for free) so I can blog about the experience, get skinny, or die trying.  OR someone invents a breast reduction surgery that doesn't scare the crap out of me.

Pathetic.

http://craftyconservative.blogspot.com/2009/05/pathetic.html

Black Thumb

I try to be crafty in the great outdoors.  You can read more about it at christynelson.net.

Black Thumb

http://craftyconservative.blogspot.com/2009/05/black-thumb.html

An Outfit a Day

I don't remember the last time Eva just wore one outfit a day.  She is quite the fashion plate.  I decided to take pictures of all her outfits in one day. 

This is how she was dressed when she came up from bed.  Mismatched princess slippers, a corduroy jumper, a pink tank top underneath, a princess crown, and a pink backpack. 

Not long after, she traded accessories. She ditched the crown and slippers for a more conservative "shawl". 

Did you notice her straight hair?  She wanted me to straighten it after she saw me using my hair straightener one morning.  I think she looks much better with curly hair but she was proud of her new look.  Here she is sporting her green ruffly dress.

A short time later she changed into her Dorothy dress and a brown t-shirt underneath. 

Here she is in her last outfit of the day.  I'm sure there would have been at least a few more but on this night she left the house to go camping with Carl. 

I can't turn around for a minute without risking Eva changing her clothes.  Never a dull moment with that one.

An Outfit a Day

http://craftyconservative.blogspot.com/2009/05/outfit-day.html

My Mom is Awesome.

I whine and complain a lot about how I hate Mother's Day.  This is mainly because I am selfish and I think everything is always about me. 

I shouldn't forget that I have an awesome mother that deserves some kudos. 

 

Here you go!  I'm pretty sure none of you have a mom that is as awesome as mine.  Seriously.

Happy Mother's Day, Mom!

My Mom is Awesome.

http://craftyconservative.blogspot.com/2009/05/my-mom-is-awesome.html

I WON!

I couldn't have done it without all of your support.  For sure.

To see the video announcing my great news, click here. 

I promise you will not be rick-rolled if you click on that link. 

Big thanks to whichever one of you hooligans nominated me for this prestigious award.

I WON!

http://craftyconservative.blogspot.com/2009/05/i-won.html

Kicking the Clutter

I got a large amount of fabric gifted to me and it was overtaking my house.  I knew I had to get it in order.    

I wrote a bit about it over at christynelson.net and if you'd like the specific details on how I fold the fabric or my color inspirations, I suggest you go and read that post. 

 

 

Organizing by color is starting to take over my life.  I took this second picture before I started cleaning out my yarn.  I have that organized by color now, too.

My Clutter Diet has really been beneficial-when I work on it!  I can't wait until my craft room is finished (again) so I can show it off!

When I first organized my craft room I only had enough fabric to fill less than 1/2 of a cube.  As you can see, my priorities have shifted.  Less yarn.  More fabric.  More general craziness. 

I'm going to be clearing out my stamps next so keep an eye out.  I'm going to sell my retired stamps in the next few days.

Kicking the Clutter

http://craftyconservative.blogspot.com/2009/05/kicking-clutter.html

Lucky.

Today I get to see Jason Mraz in concert.  Again.  Did I mention I love him as much as Neil Diamond?  I do.

Lucky.

http://craftyconservative.blogspot.com/2009/05/lucky.html

Ballas Hough Band

I totally skipped out on the opportunity to preview the CD from the Ballas Hough Band and now I'm regretting it.  Good thing you can get a free download of their song from Amazon.com.  I have the widget on my sidebar.  It wasn't working for me earlier today but it may be fixed by the time you read this post.  At any rate, enjoy the video.  If you're a fan of Dancing With the Stars, you'll love it!

Ballas Hough Band

http://craftyconservative.blogspot.com/2009/05/ballas-hough-band.html

Caleb's Room Re-do

A neighbor had a garage sale.  I drove by not planning to stop.  Then I saw something totally awesome.  This is made out of carpet and plywood.  It is almost 4 feet tall and over 5 feet wide.  I absolutely fell in love with it and knew I had to have it.  It is now MINE, all MINE! 

I did a whole post about the before and after over at christynelson.net.  Go and check it out!  I'm also competing in a design challenge and could use your vote.  Some professional interior designer entered!  Oh, the horror!  I need at least a few votes (besides my own) so I don't feel like a complete loser.  Just leave a comment at Fresh Nest Designs for room #3.  

Caleb's Room Re-do

http://craftyconservative.blogspot.com/2009/05/caleb-room-re-do.html

Walking on Water

You'll remember that not long ago I  blogged about scripture charades.  It is really difficult to tell how much the kids actually get from my acting skills. 

When we were down in Kansas City last month, Caleb proved to me that he listens.  He wanted me to take a picture of him being Jesus.  I asked, "Jesus?" 

Of course!  He's walking on water.

Walking on Water

http://craftyconservative.blogspot.com/2009/05/walking-on-water.html

You Know You Want To

You know we don't need a reason here at the Nelson house.  But, today we have one! 

It's No Pants Day!

Care to join us?

You Know You Want To

http://craftyconservative.blogspot.com/2009/05/you-know-you-want-to.html