Raige Creations

YUM. 'Nuff said.   Featured Artist - The Sticky Wrapper This week's Featured Artist on Share the Love, Blogger's Unite is The Sticky Wrapper! A world of delight for all you "Sweet Tooths"! Wonderful treats for your special some one, parties and more! Come to your senses with The Sticky Wrapper, where we spend our time reinventing classic flavors. We love to push the envelope to bring you new and creative treats that are sure to become fan favorites. You will always find creative and classic treats that will bring you back for more. My candy is made to order and in small batches. I can customize any order and would love to make favors for weddings, showers, or any party. You can find the Sticky Wrapper On: Craft Cafe   Etsy   Facebook Twitter   Pinterest   Blog Are you On Fire for Handmade? http://onfireforhandmade.com Grab the code for your blog HERE

I think I am officially in the 'Runner' camp now. I totally relate to this card here. In fact, that is all I asked for for Christmas. All I asked for was related to running. I asked for new running shoes, I asked for new running clothes, I asked for fun socks to run in (specified that the clothes should show off said socks as well), and I even asked for my son (the music encyclopedia) to make me a running playlist.  I could not think of anything else I really wanted. I tried to think of other things, but these are all I could honestly say I really wanted. (Ironically, I repeatedly requested these things over the week before Christmas, the week I ran only 2 days.) Christmas came, and I got all these things, feeling guilty that I didn't even run Christmas day.  But I ran today. My new clothes, my new music, saving my new shoes for a drier day (I have a thing about soaking new shoes when I first get them) , and ran farther than my normal 2 miles. My goal now to reach 3

The Loopy Chick - Who doesn't love Sock Monkeys?? This weeks Featured Artisan is Stacy Lynne - The Loopy Chick ! You will find darling Sock Monkeys and "Snuggy" Baby Blankets in her shop!  All made by hand and all made with love by Stacy! Beautiful Crocheted and Knitted Gifts!  You can find the Loopy Chick on: Artfire   Blog   Website   Facebook   Twitter Are you On Fire for Handmade? http://onfireforhandmade.com

All of a sudden, people think my name is Rachel. Never before have I been called Rachel, until about a week ago. Then, day after day, I have been greeted as Rachel, people ask if Rachel is there when I answer the phone at the shop, even 5 minutes after introducing myself as Rebecca, I hear 'Nice to meet you Rachel'. Well people, That's Not My Name. If I were to change my name, it wouldn't be Rachel. Not sure what it would be....probably something poetic and unusual, since when naming our own children, we leaned towards names that were not so common.  What would it be? Something people would REMEMBER. Or, come to think of it, I often don't remember REALLY unusual names, especially ones I can't pronounce.  Maybe I should just give in. Call me Rachel then. Rachel Raige.  (even tho that is NOT my last name - I do wish people would stop writing check with that as my last name too) No, just kidding. That's not my name!

Enjoying my coffee this morning, checking in on the computer and preparing for my normal routine of running, showering, getting in as many chores as I can before going to work, I was just about finished with my one cup and heard a heavy rain falling. No hesitation today - not running in this downpour. Okay, that doesn't look like a downpour, but it is enough to convince me not to run today.  Besides, there is the laundry.....and dishes....... Got plenty to do anyways. And I should probably cook dinner tonight so gotta figure out what to take out of the freezer to cook. At lease our tiny tree is getting a good watering before we bring it in to decorate. Yes, this is our tree this year. My youngest started growing this about 5 years ago, and we decided this year to save the money and not buy a tree, but to use this one. Charlie Brown , eat your heart out.

Perfect time to dream of the sea (it was 32 degrees this morning) ...meet Cindy of The Sea Of Dreams, today's featured artisan.  The Sea of Dreams - Featured Artisan This weeks Featured Artisan is Cindy Anderson Wilson - The Sea of Dreams! At the Sea of Dreams you will find Beautiful Creations from the Sea! In all of her pieces you will find The beauty and mystery of the sea...there is nothing like it in the world and there are really no words to describe the feelings evoked by the sea. You can find the Sea of Dreams on: Etsy Facebook Blog Twitter Grab the Code for your Blog HERE

I am a fan of Jeff Foxworthy's Redneck Jokes . They have seeped in to our culture, and we find ourselves referencing them when the slightest opportunity arises. I even uttered the phrase yesterday, on our road trip to pick up our son from college, when the conversation ended up discussing hubby's dream truck after passing a beefed up pickup truck. He spoke with that dreamy longing. "I wanna get the biggest diesel truck, raise it up on the biggest tires, get those KC lights and a bar to put them on...."  Hello.... KC headlights , totally cheesy 80's hun. Wait a minute. 80's. That is over 30 years ago. ugh. This screams redneck to me. I married a redneck wannabe. I should have realized this when I kept buying him flannel shirts, but I rationalized the grunge fashion sense was really what was going on here . But alas, the phrase that kept running through my head was, You might be a redneck if.....you want a pickup truck with KC headlights on it and dream

I am starting to think I should rename Walking on Wednesday - I have not been very good at actually posting on Wednesdays. Plus, I am running now for most of the route. So maybe Running on Thursday?  I measured my route last week, before the Jingle Bell run (my first public run!) and found the distance was 2 miles. So this is now my standard workout, and I am concentrating on keeping it as much 'run' as I can. Yesterday (Thursday), I noticed that the run didn't hurt as much as it had the previous 3 days. The 5K run did have it moments of pain, so I treated myself with a day off Sunday. Then on Monday I went for my normal run, or so I thought, but when I actually ran it was not smooth, it was HARD! I ended up walking most of the time. Tuesday, a little better, but still much walking. Wednesday, I ran almost the whole time, but it was not easy. At my turnaround spot in the middle of the run, I gladly walked a wee bit until I could catch my breath. Then I took up to

My dear friend, Frauke, is the featured artisan today. She has THE BEST little mice , and unique Stethoscope Socks/Covers . She is always expanding her lines as well, so stop by and she the vast array of fuzzy, and not so fuzzy, items she creates with loving hands. Share the Love, Blogger's Unite Featured Artisan - Frauke Avent -  Handmade Fuzzy This week's Featured Artist is Frauke Avent of Handmade Fuzzy! A wonderful artisan and Lady! At Handmade Fuzzy you will find Unique handmade Gifts for everyone. She makes wondeful, personalized Stethoscopes and her Mice are just way too cute! All of her items are truly works of art and made with Love! Knit, Crochet, Felt... you will find something for everyone! Her one-of-a-kind items are ready to ship from my smoke-free home. Find Handmade Fuzzy On:      Zibbet     Facebook     Blog       google+ You can grab the code for your blog HERE

It's the first Monday in December.  That about says it. December ~ Collective Soul Poetic, beautiful, a bit mellow, a  nice song for a Monday. Hope your day is beautifully mellow and poetic.

Well I did it. I ran in my first public race - for a good cause. The Arthritis Foundation's Jingle Bell 5K Run . When I heard of this 5K run, I thought 'that really isn't much further than my usual route' so I thought this was quite do-able. I wouldn't say I have been working up to this, in fact it was a spur of the moment decision to enter. I never really thought of running with a huge group of people with bells on my shoes.  I only discovered a few days before the exact distance I had been running, well and walking mixed in. It was right at 2 miles. A 5K is 3.14 miles. I was nervous - would that extra mile really do me in? Just one more mile really, not bad, right?  A very festive walker! My 'festive' feet,  complete with bells and number. My Festive Ears So I joined, and day of race got my Christmas Spirit going. I wasn't the only one - in fact I was dressed rather conservatively. Just my festive feet and Santa Hat. Oh yes, and candy

I have not been one to be very good at creative solutions. It is generally not my strong point. If you think of a solution, I can certainly get it done for you! I can help you, I can encourage, and maybe perhaps add to that idea, but creating one myself, all by myself - not so good at.  Even the solution to this problem. This is not a new problem. Nor are there many solutions to this problem. A paperclip is the common one. Unless you opt for the PROPER solution and go to the eye place and have them properly fix it. But me? Well today I HAD to find a fix and fast. The kids missed the bus, and at 7 a.m. I am not ready for contact lenses. And of course, I DID need to see when I was driving. (I won't tell you about the time in high school when I tested this hypothesis) So I resolved to find a quick fix. Upon investigation, it became clear that the screw hadn't just fallen out, it broke and there was still some left in! UGH. And I had brought ALL the paperclips t

Featured Artisan - Share the Love, Blogger's Unite BreitWerk  is this week's  Featured Artisan ! You will find Unique & One of a Kind Handmade Accessories and Gifts in her shop! Deni Breitenbach,creates accessories, crafts, gifts and revalued items! She does EMBROIDERY and bead-work. Deni is incredibly creative ~ with a huge variety of items in her shop. Plus she is so helpful to us other creators ~ she is the first to promote YOUR items and help you in any way that you may need.    Mini Clutch Necklace ~ check out the bead work!! This is one of the items that is so great - of course it is purple (my fave) and a necklace! How cute it that?? On my wishlist.....  Please check her shop and see the many talents she has. You can find BreitWerk on: Zibbet       Facebook       Blog       Google+ Grab the code for your blog HERE! Are you On Fire for Handmade? http://onfireforhandmade.com

I am searching for a good playlist for my runs, which now I can call them because I run for the entire distance, well minus the warm up and warm down. I also measured the distance, and found I do run 2 miles on this path that I have been taking for the last several months, walking and running.  I need a playlist good for 3 miles now though, as I am joining the Arthritis Foundation this year for their 2012 Jingle Bell Run - my first public race. (And now I am only $35 away from my humble goal for the cause) It is a 5k, 3.1 miles. One more mile than my regular workouts. Hubby started the search, and somehow we got lost in the 1980's. (something that happens with regularity it seems....) With great songs like Dexy's Midnight Runners (get it? runners... heehee) , and The Proclaimers and 500 Miles . With a good beat, and a running theme, I think we were on to something. But when he played this song , I knew it had to be on the list AND today's Music Monday! It

Wow. I did it. I ran non-stop today. No middle of the trail walk because I was so out of breath, no "I'll just walk for a little bit then run again" . I did my normal walk down the long driveway and up the first hill ~ this is my everyday warm up.  Then I ran. I did not slow to a walk at the road with the hill, I went straight, to the second school.  Then I turned and went down that road, and back up that hill, all at a run .  I dealt with others walking ~ meaning I had to reel LadyJ in and keep her from trying to greet each person as we passed. All at a run . This is not really an easy task when running, as she always seems to try to run right in front of me, tripping me. OR runs behind me tangling us up in the leash.  Then there was the other runner with his dog. He must have the same problems because he quickly got off the sidewalk and into the road so we could run past each other not too close, as both dogs seemed to want to get near each other. This meant I

One Organized Person - this is NOT my list.... There is much talk about 'how to handle' Thanksgiving:   How to deal with extended family , how to cook the bird, how to make the pies, how to make certain side dishes ahead , the secret to carving breast meat , how to set the table , what to wear on Thanksgiving , and there are even playlist suggestions for Thanksgiving music !  Now THIS could be fun to try to do..... Just reading all this stresses me out! Our game plan this year is much simpler. The big thing for me is I took today off, meaning 3 days in a row off for me. Ridiculously huge. So did I choose to spend today running around preparing home made desserts and prep-ahead side dishes?  NO. WAY.  I am sitting with my entire family, hubby and all three kids, enjoying the banter of video game talk, joking about being so hungry but everything to eat involves work (! - like getting a bowl and cereal out is tough...oh yeah, milk too...oh the effort!), Dad

A Name. W hat's in a name?    Sometimes a whole lot, sometimes absolutely nothing.  Looking for some inspiration from my 2 kids while taking them to school yesterday (missed bus), the car ahead of me had a license plate with BCK in it. This reminded me of my name - Beck. Most of you know me as Rebecca, but really this is a more recent preference of mine. I spent my whole life being Becky or Beck. (Sometime  Bekkage, Beckarooni, Roo, and even  Beth-a misunderstanding of Beck ). Not Rebecca. But here - and now - I am Rebecca.    The radio kept me thinking about names by playing 2 different songs with women's names on the ride - Allison , and MaryAnn (well, the song is Tree By the River ). And then there is the famous Peggy Sue or Delilah . There is a song Beth, and even one for my sis, Sandra Dee (except she is Sandra J, close enough), and my other sister Suzie Q , (tho she is simply Susie).    Names. Shakespeare really got it right: A rose by any other name would smell

Continuing on the difficult task of shopping for men, I have found a bunch of things that I think my own men might like. All found on Zibbet! Cigar Design Coffee Mug  by Mug Quotes Large Ceramic Mugs –  Black and White Starry Night   by River Rock Arts La Cafe Gift Basket  by Gifket Irish Breakfast Tea  by Brush Creek Wool Works Men's Leather Dragon Cuff  by Juju Bee Jewelry Designs Recycled Skateboard Custom Dog Tags  by All Deckd Out on Zibbet Men's Organic Eyes in the Dark Shirt  by The Mighty Squirm DNA Tshirt Graphic Science Tee MENS Shirt  by Nonfiction Tees Large Wet Shaving Lather Bowl Mug  by The Mud Place Shaving Soap For Men, Made with Natural Clays  by Scumsoaps If you have any ideas that you haven't seen here - please share in the comments. I know I can't be the only one who has difficulties. Happy Shopping.