Bind-it-All 2.0 Bummer

Remember the post I made on January 7 - about how excited I was to get the new Bind-it-All 2.0? I was thrilled to receive it - and the whole thing was even sweeter due to the deal I got. I couldn't wait to use it.

I've pulled it out several times since then, not totally sure what I was going to bind - but knowing I wanted to bind something. Each time was the same, though - the owner's manual didn't arrive with my machine, and I can't watch the DVD. I don't know why...but it doesn't work. So I would pull the machine out every other week or so, apparently expecting faries from the Land of Owner's Manuals to silently fly in and slip one next machine. But that never happened. Every time I pulled it out to "play", I would inevitably return it to the shelf, both sad and frustrated that I couldn't use it. This sequence of events occurred nine or ten times since the Bind-it-All 2.0 moved in. (I told you I was evidently expecting faries to bring me a manual or something!)
After receiving the awesome 120 pages from the Technique Fat Book Swap I participated in lasst month, I needed a way to organize the pages for easy reference and viewing. Which prompted me to bring out the Bind-it-All 2.0 yet again. This time, however, I was "bound" (lol) and determined to use the machine. I emailed the owner of the store to let him know about my problem - and received a response stating he would "look around to see if one can be located". Hmmm That doesn't seem like it will clear up my problem anytime soon. So I sucked it up and away I went.
Rather impressed with myself - but not having a clue whether I did it "right" - I created 4 small books out of the pages. After binding the first 2 books it dawned on me that I should have just made one long book - but by the time that thought crossed my mind, I didn't want to waste the binding rings I had already cut up and used. Something I will definitely keep in mind after the next swap wraps up. (Which, incidentally is another 120 page swap - this time focusing on "quotes". YAY! Should be fun!) So take a look at what I came up with. I wish I could show you every page I received - it was highly successful with only a few pages that were just "thrown" together without much care. Most are gorgeous and incredibly inventive.

There is a sampling of a page from each book. I categorized the pages into similar techniques - there is a wide variety of things to try...YAY again! The writing (on the far left) is the instructions for the technique on the previous page. There isn't one technique I won't attempt - they all look interesting! I'm glad I participated - and stoked I got the pages organized and bound. Woot!

Credits:
Middle picture: 1st: Getting Creative Using Washers from the Hardware Store by Theresa 2nd: String Paper by Lee 3rd: Homemade Alcohol Inks by Margie 4th: Transformed "Colour Catcher" Sheets by Lyn
Last picture: UL: Fabric Paper by Judy Whitehead UR: Pamela LL: Tyvek + Paint + Heat by Linda LR: Aluminum Can Embellishments by Martha Rose

Back to Bed with Ya!

I pride myself on keeping this blog (relatively) child friendly. Not that I think kids are reading my blog...but I know I don't want to be reading along, one of the beasts looking over my shoulder, and get THWAPPED! with an adult comment, picture or word. (You know the Queen appreciates adult humor...it's the questions about why I'm laughing - or worse, what it means - the Queen doesn't appreciate so much.) That said, I will tone down my initial reaction to avoid offending one of my dear readers.

The background: I'm in the middle of a "cycle", making life hard to begin with. To give you an idea, it's about all I can do to take a shower...and that wipes me out for the rest of the day. I can't stay awake and feel miserable in general.

The scene: I wake up a little before 3am, mountain time. I sleepily make my way to the computer, stepping over toys and backpacks with a keen "mom sense". The flicker of the computer light begins to fill the room. I check my email.

NOTE:

And at this point, it would behoove the WORLD to know I am in my mid-thirties. NO OLDER. I am NOT Oprah. I do NOT think turning 50 will be "THE BEST" year of my life. I am NOT Jennifer Anniston. I am NOT 40 years old. I do NOT look good in a bikini. Never have I proclaimed, "I can't wait to get old enough to qualify for the senior discount!". NEVER. And I defy anyone to prove me wrong. The childebeasts are aging me quite fast enough, thankyouverymuch.

The Offending Article IN My Inbox:
If you can't read it due to size, you so have to click on it or you'll miss the full effect.

My Reaction:

From this...

To this...And it's amazing how quickly I got to this.

Considering I got this from a site who has loads of information on me - INCLUDING MY AGE - it didn't start my day off well.

Is this age-related group - which coincidentally only accepts members who are AT LEAST 50 YEARS OLD - in cahoots with the 'beasts??

Thanks, AARP.

A Featured Contest & Updates

Whew! Lots of craziness going on around the palace - and I've been dying to post. I even have 2 posts half done - which I will finish and post tonight, I hope.

I had to take a quick break from the insanity and give you, my sweet friends, an alert.

BEEP! WEE-OH! BEEP! WEE-OH! BEEP! WEE-OH!
My sad attempt at an alert

Jennifer, the owner of The Dirty Shirt blog, is one of the many bloggers celebrating "Pamper Mom Extravaganza", running from March 1-31. Prizes galore are being given away - but I'm partial to one contest. I sent Jennifer TWO watches I made - one for her to review and one to offer as a prize. She featured the watches and me this past Sunday - and I wanted to let you all know that by visiting her blog, you can enter to win one of the watches. That's almost like having TWO Woot Loots this month!

Here is the watch I sent to Jennifer to be reviewed:
And now...here is the watch she is giving away, made by the Queen. I don't think she has a picture of it on her site...so this is a special sneak peek just for you!
The watch is made with a Geneva watch face, AB crystal Swarovski crystals, sterling silver accents, and an antiqued sterling silver toggle clasp. It is on the larger side, as it is intended to be worn a little like a bracelet.

All the watches she has pictured on her website, as well as the one above, are available for purchase. The same thing goes for all the handmade jewelry offered as Woot Loot. I thrive on making custom orders - so if yuo like the style I create, or a specific piece, just email me. My prices are reasonable and I work and ship quickly. I would love to work with any one of you!

That said, rush over to The Dirty Shirt and get your entries in - the contest ends March 30, with winners announced the morning of March 31.

The Queen Speaks is presently a disaster area. I'm redoing the cosmetic side. Since I know absolutely nothing about HTML, CSS or whatever it is, it's taking me awhile. Just this morning, I accidentally erased a few things - and can't find them in my backup copy. Oops! Hopefully I will have it all figured out soon...and a great new design - fit for a Queen - will be in place. Thanks for your patience!

Beginning at the bottom of this post, my new signature will be at the bottom of every post. I can't wait to tell you about that - but I will save it for the next post. xo

Fort Thompson: Wilibleu Giveaway!

I've never had this happen to me before when I've gone to add a link to a site - but oookkk. :) I guess it's a reason for me to post this fantastic giveaway again. I wouldn't do this for just any post...and now, with all the links to Fort Thompson, you have tons of ways to get over there!

Fort Thompson: Wilibleu Giveaway!

I'll Be Your Best Friend!

I have, for you my very awesome, sweet, kind, fabulous, stylicious, creative, over-the-top, unique, inquisitive, nice, friendly, just-all-around-wonderful readers...sorry, got side tracked. I have, for my lovely readers, two giveaway announcements - and a little assignment to go with them.

Before we get to those, however, I am officially reminding you to enter Woot Loot if you haven't yet. Why turn down the chance to win a beautiful handmade bracelet?

And now onto the regularly scheduled programming...

I have to admit that I love it when people have "special dates" (birthdays, blog-a-versaries, etc) - and they give you presents! Isn't that the best?? That is just what Adrienne is doing to celebrate her blog-a-versary. Look what you can win - and if you click on the picture, you'll be magically transported to her post. Go over and check out the giveaway - it's easy to win, just leave a comment. And if you enter, please leave my name in your comment. If I win because of your comment, I'll split the loot with you. How cool is that? Hurry - this ends March 14th at midnight!

And the second giveaway...

Is this not perfect for the Queen?

Fort Thompson is a cool blog I try to visit often. I was shocked when I visited yesterday and found their latest contest - the absolutely adorable mini tiara pictured above.

Fort Thompson is hosting a giveaway for that little gem - and I want it soo much. The mini tiara is from the very generous Tania Wood at Wilibleu. I fell in love as soon as I saw it!

Now, I am willing to do just about anything to win this adorable tiara...including begging you guys to please enter the contest and mention my name. I will beg, plead, and offer to be your best friend. Imagine...soon, you could be telling your friends that you're friends with royalty! We just won't mention I'm only royal in my own sick reality...

Please head over there and meet Tania. Then enter the contest for the mini tiara here. And please don't forget to mention my name in your comment. Hurry on this one, too - it ends March 14th at midnight.

I will send you baskets and baskets of love, kindness and friendship! xo