I just had to reblog this...as a testament to the things people put up with :)
Courtesy of http://fyeahnursingthings.tumblr.com :)


The reality about nurses

Written by a husband of a nurse…….

Ah, such mysterious, wondrous creatures are nurses. What treasures lurk beneath those crisp, white uniforms….What young man doesn’t have fantasies of discovering those secrets for himself?

SCREEEEEECH!!!!!!!!!!!!! Reality check! I’ve been married to a nurse for a quarter of a century, and let me tell you, nurses are not what you expect (and I don’t even care what you expect, because you are wrong!). Let’s begin by tearing down some of the more famous assumptions about nurses right off the top:

The Nurse as Sex Kitten: Any man who lived through the early seventies or has made it a point to rent such famous videos as “Night Duty Nurses” or “Student Nurses” or “Night Duty Student Nurses” or any one of several dozen nurse-centric skin flicks will immediately believe that all nurses have heaving bosoms, just millimetres away from popping out of skin tight white uniforms. You will also believe that nurses always wear white garters, fish-net hose, and stilettos. This, of course, is a handy dress code because movie nurses spend *a lot* of time hopping in and out of patient’s beds.

The reality is that most nurses wear scrubs - shapeless, draping hunks of cotton that could cause you to breeze past Pamela Anderson without a second look. Shoes are white and chunky with blobs of things on them better left unexplored. Socks replace white hose and garters, and when is the last time anyone saw a nursing cap? Graduation, perhaps?

The Nurse as an Angel: If you want to hear the latest gross jokes, just find a nurse. Some uninformed males seem to think of nurses as angelic creatures: demure and loving, a cross between a nun and their mom. Well, hate to bust your bubble, guy, but as a group, nurses are some of the rawest folks you’ll ever run into. I don’t care how sweet and demure they may look on the outside inside is someone who has seen things that would gag a maggot, break your heart, or drive a normal person nuts. So most nurses develop a very wicked sense of humour squarely lodged in the black-to-sick side of the scale.

Also, in case you are looking for angelic sympathy for the little boo-boo you had in the shop, forget it! Let’s say as a typical male klutz, you manage to saw your finger off. You go running to your nurse wife who is on the phone with a nurse friend of hers. As she continues to talk to her friend, she gives the stub a good eyeballing, slaps a towel on it, takes out a baggie to put the severed digit in, and tells you to get some ice while she is explaining to her friend that her dummy husband just sawed his finger off. As you stand there bleeding profusely for 15 minutes she calmly finishes her conversation as though nothing is going on until finally she says, “well I guess I better get him to the hospital.”She hangs up the phone, looks at you, sighs and calmly says, “let’s go.” You have just learned an important lesson. On the nurse scale of emergencies, yours is about a minus 9! As my wife has told me, “when you are on a ventilator, with six drips running, your head down and your feet up, then you’re sick. Anything less than that isn’t worth getting excited over!”

The Nurses Mutual Benefit Network: As a male either dating or married to a nurse, you should realize one important thing. There are nurses everywhere. That, in itself, is no big deal. The fact is, every nurse knows other nurses who know more nurses, so that by the time you are finished, a nurse on the Island Nation of Chuuk who observes you doing something you shouldn’t has the immediate capability of getting word to your wife. This system is way more reliable and efficient than the Internet and has existed for a much longer time. Take it for granted that your nurse wife will know about anything you have done, good or bad, before you get home!

Your Social Life with Nurses: Nurses hang out with other nurses and soon you may find that all your friends are married to nurses. The reason this happens is because in situations where nurses mingle with nonmedical folks things can get ugly. For example, you are out to dinner with your nurse wife, another nurse couple, and two civilian couples. The nurses sit and chat, discussing fun things like bleeding bowels, open sores, how much fat was sucked out of some patient, projectile vomiting, traumatic amputations, etc., all over a nice pasta dinner. The nurses carry on talking as the civilian couples turn funny colours, make faces and suppress their gag reflexes (and this is if the nurses don’t have any really gross things to share like the homeless guy with maggots in his bleeding sores!) After several dinners and gatherings like this, you will soon find your circle of friends has shrunk significantly.

The key to avoiding this is to do the following: Never go out in mixed groups with more than one nurse. A lone nurse is ok. The trouble starts when you have more than one, and when that happens, keep the regular folks away. Also get used to the idea that some friends and neighbours will take advantage of the fact that your wife is a nurse by calling at all hours of the day and night for advice. This may include male friends “dropping by” to show your sweetie his rash. The best advice I can give is to just deal with it and hope it isn’t contagious.

The Health Ramifications of being with a Nurse: Most nurses have been described as having the constitution of horses which isn’t true because I’ve been around horses and they get sick more often. The reason for this is pretty simple. After about 3-5 years on the job, nurses have been exposed to so many bugs that they either end up dead or full of every antibody known to mankind. (If you want the ultimate booster shot, just get a blood transfusion from a nurse who’s worked in a hospital for 20 years!) You don’t have all these antibodies, though, so when she does come home with mild sniffles, a week later you’re flat on your back with the worse case of the flu of your life!! Oh, and if you are the least bit squeamish, don’t even think about the bugs she brings home on her clothes. It will mess with your mind as she talks about her resistant TB patient, the patient full of body lice, or the one with poison ivy in his mouth! so don’t ask.

Conclusion: Ah such mysterious, wondrous creatures are nurses.




 
 
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I've had a really wonderful past couple of weeks. I know that sometimes it's difficult to portray a real life on these "interwebs", as most people post the highlights and low lights on facebook and co. 

Something that I'm really coming to treasure is what I've experienced recently. The sigh of relief when I pull up to the house with four beautiful trees outside (still need to rake leaves!!), and walk into a home in which serenity is sacred. After I get back to the house after work (which I love, and am SO privileged to be a part of!) I sometimes take for granted the beautiful quiet, peacefulness, and freedom to be just who I am.

I find it difficult to create boundaries of "no"..and harder still when the request is one to do something at which I excel. However - this chica is learning!  This weekend was a special one for me - simply because I made it a point to stay home. I even shut my phone off! (I NEVER DO THAT!) I created some new product when I felt like it, (see above!) and watched Lie To Me when I didn't. Relaxed, cooked, and tried really hard to separate myself from what I thought I "should" do, in relationship to others.

It was wonderful. :) Now, here it is, Sunday night - ready to go to work this week again...but I feel more rejuvenated than I have in a long time. I challenge you this week to be a guardian of your solitude. We all feel as though we should be available to the world, in case it needs us. Well, sometimes it's really nice to realize that it doesn't stop turning when I turn my phone off. :D

Have a wonderful week!

 
 
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This last weekend was a beautiful one, albeit VERY busy.  I was privileged to join several of my co-workers at Hospice of Missoula at a gala benefit hosted at the ZACC - Zootown Arts Community Center. The theme to the festivities was {mini} - and the art, food, and fashion reflected that.

Several amazing artists were featured in the gallery upstairs, and foodies around the city rejoiced in tiny bites and mini desserts!

I've also been very busy this weekend working on some new product! I have a few new items listed - with more coming!! Several of my new pieces will be on sale soon - as a benefit to Hospice of Missoula - Wear your heart where the world can see it!  

These blue earrings are a pair that I've recently posted on the shop - and I just love them - SO blue, so cute, and they are so light to wear!!

What do you think of them? :D

Have a wonderful day!





 
 
It has been awhile since I have posted anything on this blog, and I have felt a loss of sorts.

My life has changed immensely in the past half a year. Who among us though cannot say the same!?  :D

Flair for Fanciful is still up and running, although due to the moves recently - it has lain a bit dormant.


I have moved from Loveland, Colorado - to Missoula, Montana. Many reasons encouraged this change of scenery, and all of them together provided too many positive options to ignore, although I miss my old job at Lemay Avenue SO much...and the people I work with there.  

I will be redesigning Flair For Fanciful in the next month or so - hopefully streamlining the posting process, and allowing for some new product! :D

I've also begun knitting furiously - maybe some socks will appear on the site soon! Thank you to the wonderful people who follow this blog - I appreciate so much that you are encouraging!

More soon!

~Hilary
 
 
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So, the last month of my life has been a whirlwind. A week long relaxation trip to Montana over the fourth of July turned into a month spent in Goldendale, WA. While the circumstances that brought me here were less than ideal - the actual time spent here has been much better than I anticipated. 

I haven't, however, been able to keep up with the shop on Etsy as much as I would like (not being there with my product is difficult) - so when I get back, I have some organizing to do.

Meanwhile, I've been enjoying a bit of time to learn new recipes, new ways of looking at portions, food balance, all that jazz that everyone talks about (and SHOULD do) but...honestly doesn't. Well - I've been doing that, and here are some of my solutions to portion control!

Let me tell you - If you don't have a tartlet pan, you should invest in one. 

Here's one for ten dollars: 


These little pans - are the perfect portion size management tool. Note the tiny muffins in the above picture? Not only are they TWO ingredients (count em, 2!) but - they are bite size! For those of you counting carbs or managing fat/cholesterol, these are perfect! See below:

Two ingredients for those muffins - 

Cake mix (my favorite is yellow, although devils food is tasty with a sprinkle of cinnamon..)
1 15 oz can of pumpkin. 

Mix pumpkin and cake batter into bowl (do NOT prepare cake via box instructions!)
The batter will be fairly thick - this is okay :)

Spoon about a tablespoon of batter into each cup - bake according to box directions - (350 for twenty minutes)

Easy peasy! They're deliciously sweet (but not too cakey!) No oil, no eggs - and oddly enough, not pumpkiny. The best thing about them - because of the nature of the pumpkin - these do NOT dry out! Not crumbly, not fall apart all over your best suit-y - just delicious, moist bites of breakfasty goodness.



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One more quick breakfast solution that keeps really well and is easy on the go - 

Mom and I dislike pancakes. However, with your little pan, you can bake pancake bites to go!! I used banana, macadamia nut pancake mix (you just add water) - but you could use regular mix, and accessorize how you like. 

Lightly spray pan with cooking spray
Prepare pancake mix either following your grandmother's recipe, or the way the box tells you to :P
Spoon appx a tablespoon of batter into each cup. 
350, for ten/fifteen minutes (I stuck a banana slice on each of mine for taste and cuteness factor)
Pop them out, and you have delicious little easy BAKED bites. Six of these little guys are approximately equivalent to two four inch pancakes..and are so much easier to pop and run if you're busy. These keep quite well in the fridge!

Coming soon are some savory recipes for breakfast/lunch - all bite size and easy to make/store/and eat! 

 
 
Ladies and Gents, it's been about two months since I last posted on a fabulous artist Tuesday. My apologies for slacking on the "bringing you new ideas and things to buy" front!

Life is what happens when we make other plans, as someone tells me often, and I"m learning that first hand. I'm currently living in Colorado, however I've decided that in the fall, I'm returning to school to work towards finishing my degree - moving Northwest. 

I'm very excited, I would be a student all my life if I could, however, I've been out of school since I graduated as a nurse. It will definitely be a change - moving, (complete with cats!) and re-establishing myself in a new community and environment. :D

Meanwhile, my focus is narrowing to work, my shop, and now, returning to my blog and the ideas that I can find and share. For one thing saving money is easy when you don't go anywhere!

At any rate, my next project is learning bookbinding. Thanks to this amazing tutorial, it looks fairly easy! :D Going to give it a try, and return to my journaling. :) 

*Here is the site for the tutorial: 

http://jamesdarrow.deviantart.com/?offset=0#/d4tznw2

*Here is a step by step process for making your own books in pictures! :D 
 
 
Happy Fabulous Artist Tuesday! :D Lets take a look at five amazing artists from Etsy. Remember, to see more from their shop - click a picture or a link. This week we really have some amazing items! Please leave some comments to encourage these amazing artists!

First, let me introduce Jayne and Courtney, from "themodpurplecow" - http://www.etsy.com/shop/themodpurplecow
" A lovely toddler or baby quilt pieced in random strips for a simple modern look. I have used lovely shades of grey, aqua and lime green. Fabrics range from classic floral to modern geometric shapes and solids. It is bound in an aqua print, and backed with white and a pieced strip the same as the front. I have quilted it in straight vertical lines for a simple but beautiful texture. My quilts are made to be used!" - themodpurplecow

Next, is Chasa Cochran, from "behindthegardengate".   http://www.etsy.com/shop/behindthegardengate
"This gift set is a great way to treat yourself or someone you love. 
My Honey Oat and Calendula Soap is made with a Goat's Milk Base and is great for sensitive skin. There are absolutely no added fragrances or colorants.
The 100% pine soap dishes age beautifully and are made to allow excess water to drain away from your soap, preserving your soap.
The knitted washcloth is made of 100% cotton yarn and is great for gentle exfoliation.
You will receive one, all-natural, untreated soap dish, one yellow, knitted washcloth made from 100% cotton yarn and bar of soap weighing approximately 5oz. Each bar of soap is hand wrapped in biodegradable cello and will be stacked with the washcloth and pine soap dish and wrapped with ribbon and a charm.
Each washcloth is made by hand so please allow for variations. " ~ Behind the Garden Gate

Next we have Staci Egan from "ContempoJewels" -  http://www.etsy.com/shop/contempojewels
"Copper hand wire wrapped African Turquoise beads - the perfect combination for stud earrings. Simple and classic design, can't live with out them!
I started with 6mm round African Turquoise and hand wire wrapped with copper wire. An antiqued copper ear clutch completes the earrings.
I love using copper in my designs, it's a truly beautiful metal." ~ ContempoJewels 

Next, is Amanda Hodges, from "In Love Designs" -  http://www.etsy.com/shop/InLoveDesigns
"This beautiful necklace includes a heavy gauge 1 inch sterling silver square that is carefully and beautifully stamped with "my mother, my friend". I then lightly hammer the edges around the square, carefully cup it, then polish it beautifully. To finish it off, two dainty Swarovski pearls are attached on top of the sterling silver square. This necklace makes a perfect gift for mom! " ~ In Love Designs 

Finally this week, Goddess Of Jewelry -  http://www.etsy.com/shop/GoddessOfJewelry
"This is one of my most favorite necklaces because it's so easy to wear in so many different circumstances. It can dress up jeans-and-a-tee, it goes beautifully with a Little Black Dress, and can easily go under your work suit! The bead changes color based on how the light hits it, and when I'm wearing it, people seem to be naturally drawn to me to ask "What IS that necklace?" :)" - Goddess of Jewelry
 
 
I am having so much fun revisiting the ideas and skills of my family's recent past. 

My family has Mennonite heritage, and I grew up with a mother who was Martha before Martha knew she was Martha. Quilting, cooking, a lovely home, dignified and gorgeous entertaining parties, perfect gifts, etc etc...my mother does it all to this day. I"m learning so much from her, and loving how incredibly satisfying it is to revert back to the old way of doing things.

Convenience has its place - to be sure. However, so many young girls are growing up without valuable skill sets that don't (contrary to popular opinion) limit who we are as women, but instead, open up amazing new avenues for creativity, business, social networking, and even entrepreneurship. 

Learning how to cook from scratch, sew a straight seam, make your own clothing, jewelry, gifts, and even refurnishing items in your home is not just for the 1950's housewife - frugality is almost a necessity in this day and age. 

I've recently purchased a sewing machine, and with the help of my encyclopedic mother, I'm gaining some really valuable knowledge about creating my own wardrobe. Not only does it fit much better than boughten clothing - it's in the colors and patterns that I like. 

I cook from scratch, using organic (when I can) and locally grown foods. We still go through the drive through every so often, but I've made a habit of paying for the person behind me when I do. Not only does it bless them, but it really makes you think before you spend money that way. Knowing that you must pay for someone else as a "price" for your convenience limits the amount of money that you spend without thinking. :)

Taking time to create, make, and avoid "must have it now" attitudes not only blesses you, but others also. When you receive something beautiful that someone has created just for you - it is so much more special than a prepackaged and last minute gift. 

I would encourage everyone - those of you who already create - HURRAH! :) Those of you who don't, but wouldn't mind learning - take a step and do something this week that challenges you, and your time management. 

Find a new recipe here:http://allrecipes.com/  and try it without short cuts. Find a fabric that you love, and make yourself or your little one a circle skirt! Pattern is here:http://www.danamadeit.com/2010/09/the-circle-skirt-tutorial.html 
or even just take a few minutes on  http://pinterest.com/  - and pick one of your pins to try in real life, rather than just the imagination. If you have to schedule your time for creating, that's okay - just make sure that what you make is the best you can make it! It's okay to try and fail, that's how we learn - just don't be afraid to actually try it. You'll find that taking time away from things that make your life seem so hectic, brings you to a point where you can better prioritize, de-stress, and rearrange. 

Best of luck to you all! Share some of your "I tried it this week!!!" items! I"d love to see what you come up with!

 
 
Well, welcome back to Tuesday's Fabulous Artist Day! I'm featuring five amazing artists from Etsy - You may find something you can't live without!

Please click on any picture to see more from that shop, or to contact the shop owner. :D
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First, I'd like to introduce:

 Donna from "dkfdesign"http://www.etsy.com/shop/dkfdesign 

"D.K.F.DESIGN offers hand-crafted pottery & bags imbued with the heart and soul of one who loves to create special pieces for everyday use. Each piece that I create is a unique item, whether thrown on the wheel, hand-built, sewn or hand-painted....each piece is one of kind. "



Next is Ivana Watkins, from "Istriadesign"http://www.etsy.com/shop/Istriadesign

"Here's an item for a fun and stylish kitchen experience. It comes in several different designs."


Andrea Lee from Seattle brings us "Letterswithflair" http://www.etsy.com/shop/Letterswithflair


"Letterswithflair is authentic, handcrafted Letterpress from Seattle... I love fancy lettering and whimsical designs. Enjoy! "



Sandra Ananda from "ChikkVintage"http://www.etsy.com/shop/ChikkVintage

"I really admire the lady that started this company in the 1940's. She turned her grieving into a success story. If you want to learn more about her and her work, follow the link." ~Sandra

Ariella Kirtley from "HausofAriella"http://www.etsy.com/shop/HausofAriella

"I'm a law student by day, but an avid crafter by night. My other obsessions include Doctor Who, music, books, penguins, and cats."
 
 
Well, lets get started! I have five artists from Etsy that touch several different scopes of creativity Lets meet them and one of their products!  Click on any picture to visit their shop for more similar items.
Enjoy! ~Hilary Johnstone


Clair Ashley, from ClairAshleyJewelry -  http://www.etsy.com/shop/ClairAshleyJewelry  

http://www.etsy.com/listing/93205797/monogram-necklace-embossed-clay-free 

"I make these pendants out of clay, impress, bake, texturize, paint with high quality acrylics and seal with a glossy varnish that is water based. " - Clair
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Monogram Necklace

Gela Smith, from GelasRaineBows - http://www.etsy.com/shop/GelasRaineBows 

http://www.etsy.com/listing/96109778/aqua-dragonfly-bow-sheer-glitter-spiral 

"This bow's vibrant color combined with the shimmer and glitter of the fabric makes it look fabulous outside in the sunlight, and just in time for Spring weather!" - Gela

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Aqua - Dragonfly Sheer Glitter Spiral Bow

Jane Fenwick, from Baguette2Phone - http://www.etsy.com/shop/Baguette2Phone 

http://www.etsy.com/listing/93264656/mobile-cell-phone-chain-purple-grey

"This item is functional, keeps your phone close and easy to find, and comes in many designs." - Jane


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Mobile Cell Phone Chain - Purple and Grey

Lizzy and Jane from LizzyandJanes -  http://www.etsy.com/shop/LizzyandJanes 

http://www.etsy.com/listing/91793884/25-satin-flower-clip-with-crochet-bead 

" This flower clip is one of my favorites...to me the only thing that gives away that it is a fabric flower is the pearl & rondelle beads that are crocheted in the center. It is classic, elegant and matches practically anything! " - Lizzy and Jane

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Satin Flower Clip with Crochet Bead

Dana Palmie from theSSSeamstress -  http://www.etsy.com/shop/TheSSSeamstress 

http://www.etsy.com/listing/92739581/the-rainbow-dots-apron-stripe-red-orange

"I make one-of-a-kind aprons designed to actually be used every day. I love that there are so many retro-inspired aprons on Etsy, but I saw a gap between cute costume and practicality. I'm trying hard to fill that gap and help everyone have stylish kitchen experiences." - Dana

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The Rainbow Dots Apron
 

    Hilary Jo Johnstone

    Nurse, Jewelry Designer, Bibliophile, Traveler

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