Beauty of Autumn

It is Autumn, so why is there snow outside!!! Seriously, 2" of snow fell yesterday. That isn't too bad when up north 6 to 9 inches fell. But it is too early for snow. I want to enjoy Fall a little longer.

To put me back into the Autumn season, I would like to share a few of my Autumn articles and gifts.

Beautiful autumn posters show the transition between Summer and Winter. The leaves begin to change color from green to colors of gold, brown, orange and red. It is a beautiful time of the year. Taking a brisk walk along an autumn trail is invigorating.

We love to drive up north (north eastern) where the leaves first change color. It is also there where there are an abundance of trees lining the water of Lake Michigan. The colors that reflect off the lake are nothing short of spectacular. Read more and see the beauty of nature on Autumn Posters and Prints.

Autumn colors in psychedelic, funky, soul, art deco, pop art, vintage, retro, music of the 60s and 70s, are the theme for these posters. Go back in time where being a hippie meant free love, sex, drugs and living off the land.

Psychedelic colors were the art form and has revived itself in present time. History repeats itself with fashion and artwork. We love vintage and retro. It takes us to a more carefree and happy place in our mind. Read more and get your grove on at
Autumn Psychedelic and Funky Posters

Autumn recipes that are delightfully delicious and the right time of the year to include the Autumn Rise Cheesecake and Old Fashion Brownies. Add an Autumn Caramel Glaze to the brownies and enjoy the chocolate and caramel goodness that will keep a smile on your face. These recipes make great gifts to send from house to house in my recipe card collection on Zazzle. Read more and check out the cool recipe cards on
Autumn Recipes and Cards

Personalize Recipe Boxes to hold your recipes. These gift boxes come in two sizes. The 6x6 inch box holds 3x5 cards or the postcards from Zazzle. Create your own recipe cards. Many recipes on postcards already made in the Zazzle Marketplace and some on Sandyspider Gifts too. Buy several of these for desserts, main dishes, appetizers and more. Change the "RECIPE" word on the box to your own. Add your favorite recipes in these decorative recipe boxes. The 6x6 recipe box will fit your recipe postcards. Read and see more of these unique gifts for your kitchen on
Personalized Autumn Recipe Boxes.

Thanksgiving clothing on Zazzle has never been more fun. So many different styles and sizes available of t-shirts, sweatshirts and hoodies to choose from, with just a few clicks you can change the design you like to any of the 65 different styles of women, men, kids, toddlers and baby shirts, not to mention colors to choose from. All without having to leave the product page which you had selected. How many sites can you say have that option? See and read more of
Custom Thanksgiving Clothing on Zazzle.

Squidoo Will Get Rid of the Page Break Module

Getting an email yesterday for Giant Squids, it broke my heart and turned it blue. Why is it that every time I like something it is taken away?

More than a year ago, Squidoo introduced the Page Break module for the Giant Squids to try out. Since I am one of those lensmasters who tend to write very long lenses, this was ideal. I started with my ever-growing lensography and broke it down into pages. Since then I have done a number of lenses with page breaks. My latest one with my Squid Angel of Zazzle lens, with the idea for this one to have the main information of being a Squid Angel and what I would be looking for. Then the following pages would be those who I blessed for certain months.

Now Squidoo is doing away with the Page Break module. In the information given, we have a week to change our lenses or create new lenses. That really doesn't give much time.

The Squid team stated that nothing would be lost on these lenses. The page breaks would be turned into text modules. Of course, where I have throughout links to the other pages won't make any sense and will have to be taken out.

Last night I decided to start making new lenses, starting with the one I thought would be the easiest. My Squid Angel of Zazzle has two additional page breaks for the months of Feb./March and April/May. I created a new lens for Feb. and March blessings. If it was going as easy as transferring the information from one lens to another, that would be great. However, it is not, modules need to be recreated, though the information can be copied into those modules. After two wasted hours with my new lens and foreseeing many more hours of work involved, I deleted the new lens.

I think I will just let them be for now and fix them or break them off into other lenses if need be down the road. It is not like these lenses are getting heavy traffic as is anyway.

These are some of the lenses. With over 260 lenses, if is hard to find all of them. Read them before they are changed. Give me suggestions on how to break these up into smaller lenses too.

nternet addiction disorder (IAD) is excessive computer use that interferes with daily life. It becomes a compulsive behavior that completely dominates the addict's life. Internet addicts make the Internet a priority more important than family, relationships, health and work. Just like gambling, excessive gaming, a growing sexual addiction or compulsive shopping. Read more, take the test and add to the plexos at: Are You an Internet Addict?

The print on demand shop, Zazzle has been an addiction for me since 2009. Living in the snow belt of Wisconsin where the weather can be harsh, can warp the mind! That is why my designs look a little twisted. I started my Zazzle site when we were having a record-breaking snowfall for the winter of 2008-2009. I envisioned this snowflake with a wicked face. It is how I felt about the weather. Read more on the product lines in this article of Sandyspider Gifts Zazzle Showcase

Have you seen a spider crawling around? Perhaps a creature that is a little unusual, offbeat or twisted. How about one with a gray body and a human face? If so, then you have seen a sandyspider; a strange but virtuous spider. She will not tangle you up in her web of deception. Nor spin you around and around with strands of her fine threaded silk. Even if it is only to help feed her little ones. No! There is no reason to be afraid. This spider won't even bite...MUCH! See most on my lenses featured here on the worlds longest article. Sandyspider on Squidoo

Blessed by many angels since being part of this wonderful Squidoo community back in July 4, 2008 and I have often thought what it would be like to be a Squid Angel. The confirmation came on Feb, 12, 2011. Now I am ideally an Angel for: the neighborhood of Internet > Ecommerce Tips > Zazzle Sellers and Tips.

If you have Zazzle lenses that really didn't have a place to fit, now you do. See the lenses for the months of Feb., March, April and May that have been blessed. Also read what it takes for me to find your Zazzle lens. Squid Angel of Zazzle

If you have stumbled on here and don't know what Squidoo is, it is a Social Network where you can write about almost anything and get paid royalty. It is free to join and extremely addictive. Don't take my word for it!
Join Squidoo here!


Squidoo books to help you get started:

Squidoo Clean up Month and New Lenses

March is clean up week on Squidoo. The Squid Team is encouraging everyone to go through their older, lower ranked lenses and clean them up to what they have learned on how to write better lenses.

Plus, just like another social network that I know of, the Squid Team will be on the look out a little more so for spam take and substandard lenses. I believe my lenses are safe. But I have to admit that out of my 250 plus lenses, more than half of these can be fixed up or broken up into smaller lenses. I tend to overdo and overkill, not knowing when to stop. This even applies to my latest lenses. Well, some dogs are hard to train!

I have cleaned up several lenses, but these below had major overhauls and probably took more time to clean up then it was to write the first time around. In addition, the last two are new lenses, which I also cleaned up. You will see some long lenses here. I am not good at using the KISS System.

All comments, bookmarking, sharing and giving thumbs up are welcome on these lenses. One of my goals this year is to get a LOTD. Only you can make this happen. (Note: If you are not a Squidoo member, you can still comment and give a thumbs up.)

Gifts for All Occasions
The print on demand shop, Zazzle has been an addiction for me since 2009. Living in the snow belt of Wisconsin where the weather can be harsh, can warp the mind! That is why my designs look a little twisted. I started my Zazzle site when we were having a record-breaking snowfall for the winter of 2008-2009. I envisioned this snowflake with a wicked face. It is how I felt about the weather. Read more and find some great custom gifts on Sandyspider Gifts Zazzle Showcase

What is Internet Addiction Disorder?
Internet addiction disorder (IAD) is excessive computer use that interferes with daily life. It becomes a compulsive behavior that completely dominates the addict's life. Internet addicts make the Internet a priority more important than family, relationships, health and work. Just like gambling, excessive gaming, a growing sexual addiction or compulsive shopping. Read more, take the addiction test and add your links to this page on
Are You an Internet Addict?

Chocolate Gift Ideas
This is a collection of my Chocoholics Unite! product line on Zazzle and Sandy Mertens on Amazon. Additonal chocolate on Zazzle is found in Chocolate with Sandyspider. Anyone who appreciates the taste of this luxurious treat, will enjoy seeing these creamy, rich, mouth watering products. But be careful! The major side effect of viewing this Zazzle shop is weight gain. Share some love and give the gift of chocolate found in this article Chocoholics Unite Gallery of Gifts

These are the two newer lenses but have already been cleaned up since first published.

Bi-Winning, Rock Star and Tiger Blood Apparel
The online print on demand world of Zazzle and CafePress has gone wild with Charlie Sheen inspired quotes. Amazon and other shopping sites have gotten in on the bandwagon. He was fired from "Two and a Half Men". It is sad to say goodbye to this show that first aired in 2002. Nevertheless, no one can take Sheen's place. See some wild Charlie Sheen t-shirts from his own quotes and some of mine on Inspired Charlie Sheen T-Shirts

For the Love of Green
Green is a nice tranquil color, but reference to green does not always mean the color green. When we think of green, we see money, emeralds, living green, hippies, using recyclable bags, St Patrick's Day, green beer, green animals and feeling at peace. See all the green products on
Green Gifts and Articles

If you are a Squidoo Member,these and any of my other lenses can be nominated by you for a Purple Star and LOTD. If you are not a member you are still welcome to add you comment in the guestbook and give it a like up. Squidoo is free, fun and a wonderful place to write. If interested you can
Join Here!

Travel Seattle, Super Bowl, Chocolate and Toys

My latest lenses on Seattle, The Super Bow Champions, Zazzle Gifts and My Little Pony, are featured below. To read more, go to the links to the articles.

Everyone can leave a comment on these Squidoo lenses. Squidoo is the best place to promote your business, shops and more. Free to join here!

Planning on a Seattle family vacation?
Seattle has electrifying energy. A big city filled with life. Easy to sightsee on foot and by monorail to see many of the main attractions that this city has to offer. Be prepared for walking up and down steep hills. Read more on things to do in Seattle here Seattle Attractions

The Green Bay Packers Won the Super Bowl
National Football Conference (NFC) champions Green Bay Packers defeated the American Football Conference (AFC) champions Pittsburgh Steelers at Cowboys Stadium in Arlington, Texas on February 6, 2011 for the Super Bowl championship. Read more on this great victory on Super Bowl Champions XLV

The Amour of Chocolate and Hearts
Being a chocoholic, I admit on eating too much of this delightful, sinfully, delicious candy. I am in heaven with chocolate truffles. Give me a box of chocolates in a heart shaped box and I will love you forever. Read more on this yummy lens on Chocolate and Hearts

My Little Pony is a Great Toy for the Imagination
My Little Pony was one of my daughter's favorite toys when she was little. She was a collector of every single one out there. Then there were the Little Pony accessories. She would often get together with her best friend from day care, both ready to play an adventure with their little ponies. See more of these colorful ponies on My Little Pony for Girls

New Squid Angel of Zazzle

On Feb. 12, 2011 I became a Squid Angel. My neighborhood being in Internet > Ecommerce Tips > Zazzle Sellers and Tips.

I am one busy person and taking on such a task confirms the fact that I am crazy after all. However, I decided to take on as many as I can each day. Not every single lens with Zazzle has to have me visit it all in one day. For anyone who knows me, this is a hard challenge for myself to not overdo. I tend to go full force online.

Flying around on Squidoo, I have seen many fantastic Zazzle lenses still in a different topic category than the above mention topics. This is new with the topic and subtopic that recently has been added. I am thinking that not too many people are aware of it yet or feel their lens is better suited elsewhere.

I have blessed many so far in the Zazzle Seller and Tips area for subtopics, however when I see a great Zazzle Tip lens or Zazzle lens elsewhere, this Angel will be there to bless the lens. I have even few outside of my neighborhood for a blessing here and there.

As I take it, this neighborhood that I am blessing is Zazzle lenses and Zazzle tip lenses. So for everyone who is reading this, please check to see if your lens is a good fit and make the changes in your lens setting. This way, I can find you.

You never know when a "Squid Angel of Zazzle" will be hovering over your masterpiece lens.

My Angel lens has been divided into page breaks. The second page shows the lenses that I have blessed for the months of Feb. and March. Right now, the lenses are shown as featured lenses, but I will probably have a combination of both (featured lenses and plexos) in order for the page not to get too long.

Zazzle and Squidoo go hand in hand. The best site to brag endlessly about your Zazzle. Join Squidoo for free and start bragging today.

Read more about this on Squid Angel of Zazzle

(Note: If you would like to be a guest writer for any of my blogs, send me a message.)

2011 Print on Demand Calendars and Mouse Pads

2011 Print on Demand Calendars
Custom made print-on-demand calendars make wonderful gifts. Zazzle is one of the best customized online shops. The quality of the products can't be beat. I know! Not only do I have two free shops on Zazzle, I have also bought some of there products.

2011 is just around the corner. Photo calendars are the type of gift that does not need to be returned for a smaller size or too tacky for one's taste. Calendars are something that we all need. The best way to keep track of the days of the week, month and year. We need calendars to keep track of Birthdays, Anniversaries and other special occasions. It is a place that we write down important appointments too. (Read more by clicking the link above.)

2011 Custom Calendar Mouse Pads
What better way to keep track of the days in the month than having a custom calendar mouse pad right there at your fingertips.

With the newer computers, mouse pads are not always needed. However, a mouse pad still gives that extra cushion for one's wrist to rest on. For those who use a mouse while computing, a mousepad allows the mouse to glide over the surface more easily. It protects the surface underneath the mouse from scratches. I personally will never get tired of using a beautiful customized mouse pad. on Sandyspider Gifts on Zazzle, I have created 12 mouse pad calendars. (Read more about this by clicking on the link above).


Though this is a Squidoo blog, these are two Hubs that were just created for my wall calendars and calendar mousepads on HubPages. Find these and other great products on Sandyspider Gifts on Zazzle.

Rich Chocolate Raspberry Cheesecake

Rich, creamy, mouth watering, sinfully delightful, chocolate raspberry cheesecake. A pleasure for a chocoholic's taste buds. Slowly savor this guilt ridden desirable dessert of ecstasy. Blend together raspberries, chocolate and cream cheese for pure delight.

Raspberries are healthy, delicious and packed with vitamin C. Dark chocolate is full of flavonoids, which act as antioxidants. Cream cheese is a dairy product with vitamin D and calcium. Though high in fat and calories a light cream cheese or cottage cheese are both alternates to this savoring recipe.

Find this recipe on Rich Chocolate Raspberry Cheesecake

Chocolate Raspberry Cheesecake by Sandyspider
More Chocolate raspberry cheesecake T-Shirts