I miss you, nothing more, nothing less. I just freaking miss you so much now it hurts. I'm trying to get into the spirit of Christmas for your Grandchildren but this year it's harder and I'm not sure why. I don't want to wrap their stocking stuffers, I don't want to remember what I was doing Christmas Eve 2003 when Chris called me to tell me you'd "gone". This year I hate stocking stuffers, I think Marc needs to take over the job of wrapping them up, wrapping them brings back memories of that phone call and I don't want to remember it. I want to remember Christmas Eves of years past when Chris and I were younger and you and Mum would take us to the sweet shop next to where you worked and we would go into that back room and just walk up and down the aisles looking at all the sweets, the chocolate Father Christmas's and chocolate baubles that you would buy us to hang on the tree, the mini Christmas crackers that we would put on the boughs and the sugar mice that we were always allowed to eat when we got home. I want to remember walking home, you pushing your bike, Mum pulling her trolley filled with all the goodies and then we would get to Harris's where we would choose our perfect tree, once we'd picked one out you'd load it up onto your bike and we'd take it home and get it decorated just in time for Father Christmas's visit in the night. Thank you for always letting me put the fairy on top. I want to remember the times of just you and I together taking the holly wreathes around to the cemetery to put on your parents grave, that time we spent just the 2 of us meant so much to me, I guess I never really thought about or wondered why that became our tradition. How come Mum and Chris never came too ?
I want to remember the letters that Father Christmas would write to us, always via a type writer and how his signature always looked so much like your handwriting.
How about when you played Father Christmas for Mum's Mother's group Christmas party ? Remember me sitting on your lap, looking down at your feet and exclaiming for the whole world to hear "You're wearing my Daddy's shoes" ? I always wondered why Mum would get a smooch from Father Christmas under the mistletoe at all the Christmas parties, it wasn't until years later that I found out it was you, damn you played the part well, Clement C Moore could have been talking about you in his book "Twas The Night Before Christmas" Your eyes twinkled, you had the dimples and rosy cheeks, the little round belly, you were chubby and plump, you were perfect for the part, thanks for being that Dad that all the other kids wanted,I was the lucky one, you were mine.
Well, after that little trip down memory lane I don't hurt quite so much you left a lot of good memories,you may not be with me physically but you are still very much alive in my memories, it's just working through what I want to house and what I want to discard, I'll keep Christmas, that was the best. From now on Marc gets to do the stocking stuffers and I'll write the Santa letters just like you used to.
I love you Dad, Merry Christmas !!!
Friday, December 11, 2009
Tuesday, December 8, 2009
The Starfish Story
Reading through the list of comments left below on my Giveaway post I learnt a lot about fellow bloggers and casual readers alike and just what this time of year means to so many and how everyone has some kind of tradition, it got me thinking about our traditions and boy, do we have a lot ?
One that I started a couple of years ago was to give Christmas ornaments to friends, I really enjoy making something special and symbolic. One year I started painting starfish in Santa designs, snow flake designs and snowmen (Didn't like the snowmen so much) I would wrap each one up and put in with it a copy of the Starfish story telling them what a difference they have made in my life. It's still a favorite for teachers and this year a very special neighbor will be receiving one.
Making these ornaments especially the star ones are so easy a little one can make them. Simply go to you craft supply store and pick up a starfish, white acrylic paint, sparkle glaze and some red ribbon.
Paint your starfish white, wait for it to dry and then glaze it, the more glaze the more sparkles. Wait for that to dry and then using a hot glue gun or white Elmer's glue attach the ribbon and voila a very pretty sentimental ornament.
Note: Some starfish may smell a little fishy still, if you have a cat keep it away from your ornaments or it may decide to eat it, see what happened to poor Santa's arm ?
Here's a copy of the story for you to print out and add, I generally make it a lot smaller and add it to the ribbon hanger
The Starfish Story
adapted from The Star Thrower
by Loren Eiseley (1907 - 1977)
Once upon a time, there was a wise man who used to go to the ocean to do his writing. He had a habit of walking on the beach before he began his work.
One day, as he was walking along the shore, he looked down the beach and saw a human figure moving like a dancer. He smiled to himself at the thought of someone who would dance to the day, and so, he walked faster to catch up.
As he got closer, he noticed that the figure was that of a young man, and that what he was doing was not dancing at all. The young man was reaching down to the shore, picking up small objects, and throwing them into the ocean.
He came closer still and called out "Good morning! May I ask what it is that you are doing?"
The young man paused, looked up, and replied "Throwing starfish into the ocean."
"I must ask, then, why are you throwing starfish into the ocean?" asked the somewhat startled wise man.
To this, the young man replied, "The sun is up and the tide is going out. If I don't throw them in, they'll die."
Upon hearing this, the wise man commented, "But, young man, do you not realize that there are miles and miles of beach and there are starfish all along every mile? You can't possibly make a difference!"
At this, the young man bent down, picked up yet another starfish, and threw it into the ocean. As it met the water, he said, "It made a difference for that one."
One that I started a couple of years ago was to give Christmas ornaments to friends, I really enjoy making something special and symbolic. One year I started painting starfish in Santa designs, snow flake designs and snowmen (Didn't like the snowmen so much) I would wrap each one up and put in with it a copy of the Starfish story telling them what a difference they have made in my life. It's still a favorite for teachers and this year a very special neighbor will be receiving one.
Making these ornaments especially the star ones are so easy a little one can make them. Simply go to you craft supply store and pick up a starfish, white acrylic paint, sparkle glaze and some red ribbon.
Paint your starfish white, wait for it to dry and then glaze it, the more glaze the more sparkles. Wait for that to dry and then using a hot glue gun or white Elmer's glue attach the ribbon and voila a very pretty sentimental ornament.
Note: Some starfish may smell a little fishy still, if you have a cat keep it away from your ornaments or it may decide to eat it, see what happened to poor Santa's arm ?
Here's a copy of the story for you to print out and add, I generally make it a lot smaller and add it to the ribbon hanger
The Starfish Story
adapted from The Star Thrower
by Loren Eiseley (1907 - 1977)
Once upon a time, there was a wise man who used to go to the ocean to do his writing. He had a habit of walking on the beach before he began his work.
One day, as he was walking along the shore, he looked down the beach and saw a human figure moving like a dancer. He smiled to himself at the thought of someone who would dance to the day, and so, he walked faster to catch up.
As he got closer, he noticed that the figure was that of a young man, and that what he was doing was not dancing at all. The young man was reaching down to the shore, picking up small objects, and throwing them into the ocean.
He came closer still and called out "Good morning! May I ask what it is that you are doing?"
The young man paused, looked up, and replied "Throwing starfish into the ocean."
"I must ask, then, why are you throwing starfish into the ocean?" asked the somewhat startled wise man.
To this, the young man replied, "The sun is up and the tide is going out. If I don't throw them in, they'll die."
Upon hearing this, the wise man commented, "But, young man, do you not realize that there are miles and miles of beach and there are starfish all along every mile? You can't possibly make a difference!"
At this, the young man bent down, picked up yet another starfish, and threw it into the ocean. As it met the water, he said, "It made a difference for that one."
Monday, December 7, 2009
Grandma's Cookies
AKA Swedish Cookies.
These cookies have become a new Christmas tradition around here. The kids love them, Marc gets all sentimental when he talks about them and I get all warm and fuzzy when he tells me "These are good, they taste just like Grandma's" Is there any better compliment ?
Unlike my Grandma, Marc's 'Mammoo' was not stingy with her recipes, she loved to share them with everyone, so I thought I'd share with you.
One little hint, unless you like to feel/taste bits of nut in your cookies throw the nuts into a blender and make them super fine, BUT, don't do what I did and walk away, you may end up w/ Walnut butter (gaggle)
SWEDISH COOKIES
----------------
1/2 Lb butter
1/2 Cup powdered sugar
1 3/4 Cup Cake flour
1 Cup chopped nuts, chopped very fine (I use walnuts or pecans,use what you like)
1 tsp Vanilla
Dash of salt
Mix together and put in a roll (wax paper). Chill overnight in fridge. (I was in a hurry one day and put the roll in the freezer until it got hard and that worked just fine)
Slice thin. Bake 12 mins at 350 degrees (I find 12 mins to be a bit too long, start off at 10 and see how they look)
Cool cookies, when completely cooled roll in powdered sugar.
ENJOY !!!
The lighting was horrible today and I could not get them to look right for love nor money, but here's a glimpse
These cookies have become a new Christmas tradition around here. The kids love them, Marc gets all sentimental when he talks about them and I get all warm and fuzzy when he tells me "These are good, they taste just like Grandma's" Is there any better compliment ?
Unlike my Grandma, Marc's 'Mammoo' was not stingy with her recipes, she loved to share them with everyone, so I thought I'd share with you.
One little hint, unless you like to feel/taste bits of nut in your cookies throw the nuts into a blender and make them super fine, BUT, don't do what I did and walk away, you may end up w/ Walnut butter (gaggle)
SWEDISH COOKIES
----------------
1/2 Lb butter
1/2 Cup powdered sugar
1 3/4 Cup Cake flour
1 Cup chopped nuts, chopped very fine (I use walnuts or pecans,use what you like)
1 tsp Vanilla
Dash of salt
Mix together and put in a roll (wax paper). Chill overnight in fridge. (I was in a hurry one day and put the roll in the freezer until it got hard and that worked just fine)
Slice thin. Bake 12 mins at 350 degrees (I find 12 mins to be a bit too long, start off at 10 and see how they look)
Cool cookies, when completely cooled roll in powdered sugar.
ENJOY !!!
The lighting was horrible today and I could not get them to look right for love nor money, but here's a glimpse
Thursday, December 3, 2009
Time to start on those ornaments
If you haven't started making your Christmas ornaments yet you might want to start now before it gets too late.
This ornament has become one of my favorites and a favorite of my 6 y/o, in fact last year she gave one to each of her classmates, and guess what ? Her new classmates are getting one this year along with a coloring book of the Gingerbread Man.
I made one change from the tutorial and that was to add wiggly eyes instead of sewing or gluing on little felt eyes.
Thank you Elsie Marley for posting that tutorial and giving my 6 y/o her first little Christmas giving tradition.
Don't forget the Giveaway is open until Sunday, so if you haven't left a comment yet go on over and do so.
This ornament has become one of my favorites and a favorite of my 6 y/o, in fact last year she gave one to each of her classmates, and guess what ? Her new classmates are getting one this year along with a coloring book of the Gingerbread Man.
I made one change from the tutorial and that was to add wiggly eyes instead of sewing or gluing on little felt eyes.
Thank you Elsie Marley for posting that tutorial and giving my 6 y/o her first little Christmas giving tradition.
Don't forget the Giveaway is open until Sunday, so if you haven't left a comment yet go on over and do so.
Tuesday, December 1, 2009
Giveaway Day
Sew Mama Sew is sponsoring a Giveaway Day and today is the day it starts, go on over there and see the whole list of wonderful crafters who have some wonderful giveaways for you today.
I'm giving away this 'Whooville' inspired Christmas stocking.
All you have to do is leave me a comment telling me your favorite Christmas memory, a favorite tradition or what you like the most about this time of year.
Be sure to leave me an email address or a link as to how I can contact you and tell you "You're a winner"
This giveaway is open to ALL of you, yes if you live overseas I'll mail to you too, just be aware that I'm not the postal service and it may not arrive in time for Christmas, though fingers crossed it will.
Contest will close December 6th at midnight west coast time.
Good luck, have fun and go check out all the other crafters
I'm giving away this 'Whooville' inspired Christmas stocking.
All you have to do is leave me a comment telling me your favorite Christmas memory, a favorite tradition or what you like the most about this time of year.
Be sure to leave me an email address or a link as to how I can contact you and tell you "You're a winner"
This giveaway is open to ALL of you, yes if you live overseas I'll mail to you too, just be aware that I'm not the postal service and it may not arrive in time for Christmas, though fingers crossed it will.
Contest will close December 6th at midnight west coast time.
Good luck, have fun and go check out all the other crafters
The first day of Advent
What better way to start off the month of December than a super quick and easy recipe that you can have cooking in the crockpot all day and come home to after standing out in the cold, watching the first of many Christmas Parades.
Crockpot Pulled Pork
---------------------
I made this over the Thanksgiving break. The last thing I wanted to do on Black Friday was cook. My BIL claimed it to be the best pulled pork he's ever eaten, so there you have it.
4lb pork roast
1 onion, sliced
12 oz root beer
1 bottle of your favorite BBQ sauce
Place pork roast in your crock pot
Place onion rings on top of the pork
Pour root beer over the pork
Cook on low for 8 hrs or high for 4 hrs
In the last hour drain off the root beer and add 1/2 bottle of BBQ sauce
Pull pork, and serve in hamburger buns along with baked beans and coleslaw.
Doesn't get much easier than that.
Come back tomorrow for the 2nd day of Advent and a great list of Giveaways. Win something for yourself or jump start your Christmas gifting
Crockpot Pulled Pork
---------------------
I made this over the Thanksgiving break. The last thing I wanted to do on Black Friday was cook. My BIL claimed it to be the best pulled pork he's ever eaten, so there you have it.
4lb pork roast
1 onion, sliced
12 oz root beer
1 bottle of your favorite BBQ sauce
Place pork roast in your crock pot
Place onion rings on top of the pork
Pour root beer over the pork
Cook on low for 8 hrs or high for 4 hrs
In the last hour drain off the root beer and add 1/2 bottle of BBQ sauce
Pull pork, and serve in hamburger buns along with baked beans and coleslaw.
Doesn't get much easier than that.
Come back tomorrow for the 2nd day of Advent and a great list of Giveaways. Win something for yourself or jump start your Christmas gifting
Monday, November 30, 2009
Soft and Chunky
So what do you think of when you hear those 2 words said together ? My youngest was talking about Applesauce, I think of peanut butter or the Nestle candy chunk bar, my husband on the other hand thinks of ME !! Yes, that's right, me. As we sat around the dinner table last night Reagan was talking about how she ate some applesauce and described it as soft and chunky, to which Marc replied "Like Mommy." Uhm excuse me ? He tried to wriggle out of it, spewing some crap about it being complimentary, uhm, no, those 2 words used to describe a person are not complimentary no matter how you look at it. Fast forward to tonight. I mentioned how I desperately needed to shower I had been sat in a hospital waiting room a good part of the day and felt gross, plus my legs were getting itchy because I hadn't shaved them in the last month, this past month has been full of Dr appts, sick kids and getting things ready for a family visit,shaving my legs has not been on the top of my priority list... it's Winter, not like anyone will see them, so what the heck right ? But they started getting itchy, so I mentioned to my dear sweet husband, that I was not only soft and chunky but hairy too, to which he responded "Well, you can take care of hairy." What the hell ?? Seriously.
I know that somewhere along the evolution chain I somehow evolved from the polar bear, that come Fall an extra layer of fat starts to form under my skin to keep me warm for the Winter. But soft and chunky ??? I don't think so. I'm thinking someone will be getting a stocking full of coal for Christmas this year.
I know that somewhere along the evolution chain I somehow evolved from the polar bear, that come Fall an extra layer of fat starts to form under my skin to keep me warm for the Winter. But soft and chunky ??? I don't think so. I'm thinking someone will be getting a stocking full of coal for Christmas this year.
Cyber Monday
I'm offering free worldwide shipping in the store today only. Valid on everything but pillows.
See you over there
See you over there
Sunday, November 29, 2009
All she wants for Christmas
Are her 2 front teeth.
After about the 5th time of asking if I could get a picture of her with her missing teeth this is what I got. My little toothless goof ball.
After about the 5th time of asking if I could get a picture of her with her missing teeth this is what I got. My little toothless goof ball.
Friday, November 20, 2009
Pumpkin cheesecake
This is by far the best Pumpkin Cheesecake, ever. Personally I can't stand the taste of pumpkin and so when my friend Renee made it I was learey to try it, but one bite and I was hooked.
I made it yesterday for my wonderful play group Mommies for our annual Thanksgiving Brunch and I'll be making another next week for our Family Thanksgiving.
Give it a try, you won't be sorry.
Note: I garnished with big chocolate chips, my pecans had gone a little funky.
CRUST
3/4 C Graham cracker crumbs
1/2 C Finely chopped pecans
1/4 C Firmly packed light brown sugar
1/4 C regular sugar
1/2 stick butter, melted and cooled
Combine everything into a buttered springform pan, raising the edges about 1/2 inch.
Chill for 1 hr
FILLING FOR PUMPKIN CHEESECAKE
1 1/2 C solid packed pumpkin (NOT Pumpkin pie filling)
3 Lrg eggs
1 1/2 tsp Cinnamon
1/2 tsp Nutmeg
1/2 tsp Ground ginger
1/2 tsp Salt
1/2 C Firmly packed light brown sugar
3 x 8 oz packages cream cheese cut into pieces and softened
1/2 C Granulated sugar
2 Tbs Heavy cream
1Tbs Cornstarch
1 tsp Vanilla
1 Tbs Bourbon (optional)
In a bowl whisk together 1st 7 ingrediants
In a seperate lrg bowl cream, cream cheese, gran sugar.
Beat in cream, cornstarch, vanilla, bourbon, and pumpkin mix until smooth
Pour onto crust
Bake in the middle of preheated 350 degree oven for 50 - 55 mins, or until center is just set. Let cool for 5 mins
TOPPING
2 C Sour cream
2Tbs regular sugar
1 Tbs bourbon
Whisk together, spread over top, bake for 5 mins. Cool on rack. Chill overnight. Garnish w/ pecans
I made it yesterday for my wonderful play group Mommies for our annual Thanksgiving Brunch and I'll be making another next week for our Family Thanksgiving.
Give it a try, you won't be sorry.
Note: I garnished with big chocolate chips, my pecans had gone a little funky.
CRUST
3/4 C Graham cracker crumbs
1/2 C Finely chopped pecans
1/4 C Firmly packed light brown sugar
1/4 C regular sugar
1/2 stick butter, melted and cooled
Combine everything into a buttered springform pan, raising the edges about 1/2 inch.
Chill for 1 hr
FILLING FOR PUMPKIN CHEESECAKE
1 1/2 C solid packed pumpkin (NOT Pumpkin pie filling)
3 Lrg eggs
1 1/2 tsp Cinnamon
1/2 tsp Nutmeg
1/2 tsp Ground ginger
1/2 tsp Salt
1/2 C Firmly packed light brown sugar
3 x 8 oz packages cream cheese cut into pieces and softened
1/2 C Granulated sugar
2 Tbs Heavy cream
1Tbs Cornstarch
1 tsp Vanilla
1 Tbs Bourbon (optional)
In a bowl whisk together 1st 7 ingrediants
In a seperate lrg bowl cream, cream cheese, gran sugar.
Beat in cream, cornstarch, vanilla, bourbon, and pumpkin mix until smooth
Pour onto crust
Bake in the middle of preheated 350 degree oven for 50 - 55 mins, or until center is just set. Let cool for 5 mins
TOPPING
2 C Sour cream
2Tbs regular sugar
1 Tbs bourbon
Whisk together, spread over top, bake for 5 mins. Cool on rack. Chill overnight. Garnish w/ pecans
Sunday, November 15, 2009
Our week in pics
Ever sit back and think "Wow,what happened to the week ?"
Well here's what happened to part of ours and it was quite a mixed bag
Reagan lost her top front tooth
Ben decided to show the male folk that it's not only girls that can sew
We had lots of rain
And lots of wind
In the midst of the storm Reagan got Strep
Within 24 hrs she bounced back and became the healthiest sick person I know and requested we bake a pumpkin pie, she was still in the contagious stage so we weren't taking chances
Ben and I took a trip to Annapolis to see a cardiologist, but the highlight of his day was a trip to Borders, he could have spent the whole day in there
I got to finish up a couple of sewing projects.
A baby blanket for a friend
A new pillowcase for Reagan to use on Christmas Eve in which she can leave her letter for Santa and an extra fabric envelope in case he writes her back (Debating whether to add a couple to the store, thoughts ?)
We conclude the week with Reagan just losing that other top tooth but I'll spare you the photo, it's a bit of a bloody mess
Well here's what happened to part of ours and it was quite a mixed bag
Reagan lost her top front tooth
Ben decided to show the male folk that it's not only girls that can sew
We had lots of rain
And lots of wind
In the midst of the storm Reagan got Strep
Within 24 hrs she bounced back and became the healthiest sick person I know and requested we bake a pumpkin pie, she was still in the contagious stage so we weren't taking chances
Ben and I took a trip to Annapolis to see a cardiologist, but the highlight of his day was a trip to Borders, he could have spent the whole day in there
I got to finish up a couple of sewing projects.
A baby blanket for a friend
A new pillowcase for Reagan to use on Christmas Eve in which she can leave her letter for Santa and an extra fabric envelope in case he writes her back (Debating whether to add a couple to the store, thoughts ?)
We conclude the week with Reagan just losing that other top tooth but I'll spare you the photo, it's a bit of a bloody mess
Layla Grace blanket set giveaway
How incredibly sweet are these blankets. I can think of one special little someone who would look so snug in one of these when s/he arrives in February.
Have a special little someone in your life that you'd like to see wrapped up in one ? Then go on over to Grosgrain Fabulous, leave a comment and link up to this Giveaway, simple as that.
Have a special little someone in your life that you'd like to see wrapped up in one ? Then go on over to Grosgrain Fabulous, leave a comment and link up to this Giveaway, simple as that.
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
It just kept on growing
Ever started a project with a very basic idea in mind and then it just keeps growing and growing ? Well that happened to me today. My plan was to make a simple baby blanket, you know, one side plain the other side patterned, well that changed rapidly to 4 panels all different colors for the front, once that was done it looked cute, but it needed something more, enter the moon and a sprinkle of stars. Looking good. Back cut out and ready to stitch to the front, but wait something's missing, should I bind ? Nah, how about that yummy jumbo ric rac ? Perfect. Put them altogether and what do you get ? A super cute baby blanket that I can't post pics of, JIC. As I sat and looked at it and looked out the window at the rain that wouldn't let up today my fingers got itchy to do more, so a smaller version with a couple of tags was born and I've a feeling that before the weekend is here there will be a whole ensemble going on, providing Reagan is feeling better in the morning and goes to school. She went to bed tonight with chills, sore throat, itchy, watery eyes and a tummy ache. My sewing may actually be done for the week *SNIFF*
What to do do ?
This is what I see when I look outside today .. Blech, it's cold too
So I have deicided to spend some quality time with this
And tackle this
Any ideas what I'm making ? I'll update tomorrow with any and all finished projects.
So I have deicided to spend some quality time with this
And tackle this
Any ideas what I'm making ? I'll update tomorrow with any and all finished projects.
Tuesday, November 3, 2009
Christmas is coming
Well now that Halloween is out of the way,Thanksgiving is just around the corner and before we know it it'll be Christmas. This year, just like last year I'm hoping to make it a Handmade Christmas or at least a mostly handmade Christmas, doesn't matter whether it's made by me or another Etsian, what I'm pretty sure of is that I don't want to keep throwing my money down the drain of the big corporate giants that are sucking the little person dry w/ their expensive shoddy and impersonal items.
I've been busy sewing and am gradually getting around to adding more items to my store on a daily basis.
I have my favorite oven mitts ever. Double handed, no more searching for the 2nd one,doesn't matter if you have little hands they work pefectly, no more bulk and the really nice thing ? They protect even your boobs from burns when you lift out your Thanksgiving turkey.
Here's a pair along with a co ordinating kitchen towel, just in time for Thanksgiving
My own personal favorites
Looking for something for the person that has everything ? Photo pillows, perfect gift for the Grandparents. Just email me a high resolution picture of what you want on your pillow or send me the original (I promise I'll return it)
Tissue cozies for the kids, send them off to school prepared this cold and flu season. They'll never lose or crumple up their tissues at the bottom of their book bag again.
And my ultimate favorite ? My very own "On The Go Cozy" A nifty little cozy to keep all of your essentials at your fingertips instead of rummaging around at the bottom of a purse, diaper bag or make up bag. Use it as a First Aid kit in the car, a compact make up bag. House hunting ? load it up with a notepad, pen, tape measure and Tylenol. I found mine most useful when going on a field trip w/ Reagan's school. She had to go potty and the only available bathroom was the nastiest porta potty I've ever seen. (Makes the bile rise up in my throat just thinking about it) BUT, I was equipped, I had my cozy with me and inside it were anti bacterial wipes... perfect to wipe the seat and door handle, hand sanitizer to squirt on our hands afterwards, tissues to cover our noses to hide the stench and Benadryl for when she got bitten by a mosquito while out playing, I also had bandaids, anibiotic ointment, sunscreen and a lollipop loaded up just in case.
The teachers on my list this year will all be receiving one.
I've been busy sewing and am gradually getting around to adding more items to my store on a daily basis.
I have my favorite oven mitts ever. Double handed, no more searching for the 2nd one,doesn't matter if you have little hands they work pefectly, no more bulk and the really nice thing ? They protect even your boobs from burns when you lift out your Thanksgiving turkey.
Here's a pair along with a co ordinating kitchen towel, just in time for Thanksgiving
My own personal favorites
Looking for something for the person that has everything ? Photo pillows, perfect gift for the Grandparents. Just email me a high resolution picture of what you want on your pillow or send me the original (I promise I'll return it)
Tissue cozies for the kids, send them off to school prepared this cold and flu season. They'll never lose or crumple up their tissues at the bottom of their book bag again.
And my ultimate favorite ? My very own "On The Go Cozy" A nifty little cozy to keep all of your essentials at your fingertips instead of rummaging around at the bottom of a purse, diaper bag or make up bag. Use it as a First Aid kit in the car, a compact make up bag. House hunting ? load it up with a notepad, pen, tape measure and Tylenol. I found mine most useful when going on a field trip w/ Reagan's school. She had to go potty and the only available bathroom was the nastiest porta potty I've ever seen. (Makes the bile rise up in my throat just thinking about it) BUT, I was equipped, I had my cozy with me and inside it were anti bacterial wipes... perfect to wipe the seat and door handle, hand sanitizer to squirt on our hands afterwards, tissues to cover our noses to hide the stench and Benadryl for when she got bitten by a mosquito while out playing, I also had bandaids, anibiotic ointment, sunscreen and a lollipop loaded up just in case.
The teachers on my list this year will all be receiving one.
Saturday, October 31, 2009
Have a Boo-tiful day
I think Halloween has become one of my favorite holidays to celebrate, it's just 'FUN' You get to be a kid and play dress up again and for one day of the year you can walk around as a pirate, a kitty, a ghoul, whatever your little heart desires and nobody thinks you're whacko and need to be carted off in a straight jacket. You get to make fun treats, hand out fun treats and just have a darn good time.
Growing up in a country where Halloween wasn't celebrated I think that maybe I'm making up for lost time.
Have a spooktacular day and be safe.
Thursday, October 29, 2009
All about pretty
When I was pregnant with Victoria and found out the baby was going to be a girl I was a little concerned, I always imagined having a boy and never thought I'd know what to do with a girl, well then she was born and I dressed her up a little but she soon grew to be a tomboy and that was ok though I wished she were a little more girly at times. Then Ben came along, nothing girly in that area. Finally I was blessed with the girly girl and oh boy, can they get more prissy ? Tonight she told me "Mom, I've decided not to go to the Fall dance" Yes she is only 6 and yes her school is having a Fall dance, providing they earn enough tickets, well she's been saving tickets specifically for this dance, even forgo ed an ice cream social yesterday, so to hear her say she no longer wants to go was a little puzzling, when I asked her why she'd changed her mind she told me "We have to wear the silliest socks we have and I don't have silly socks." So I told her, no problem we'd go buy a pair. She shrugged her shoulders and said "Nope, I don't want to wear silly socks, I want to dress pretty, it's a dance." and that was that, if she can't dress up she doesn't want to go and somehow that doesn't surprise me. About 1hr after that conversation we had this conversation.
REAGAN: I can spell pretty
ME: You can ? How ?
REAGAN: P.R.E.T.T.Y
ME: Good job
REAGAN : Or R.E.A.G.A.N
OMG, humble is obviously not her middle name
Monday, October 26, 2009
Make Some Art Monday
Chrissie Grace was having a 'Make Some Art Monday' blog party and I decided to join in and have some fun. I do so much 'business' sewing that it was fun to sit back and do something fun that was both a little different than what I would normally do and it MIGHT just stay in my home, though it may also become a Christmas gift, haven't decided yet.
Anyway this week the challenge was to makes something using your favorite quote, well what I made didn't so much have a quote on it, but just a word, but a powerful word "Believe" and it must really mean something to me because as I look around my home I find little things from small plaques to glittery hangings all stating the same thing, so it only seemed appropriate that my piece state that one worded phrase.
I've been wanting to do some RedWork for a long time but just never got around to it, then last week while out at the fabric store I found a MCCalls Pattern for 3 pieces of Redwork,I was a Happy Camper.
Now my piece is far from finished, I still have the French Knots to do, (Bean I'm almost tempted to fly you out here to do them for me), and then I have to add a red border and quilt it, the finished piece will be a small quilted wall hanging, I'll post when it's finished, but for now, here's what I have. And now I've got to wrack my brain for the next challenge, I've a feeling I might have Reagan help me with this one, at only 6 y/o she has a wicked eye for mixed media and makes collages all the time.
Chrissie, thanks for hosting these "Parties" They're a lot of fun and the last one gave me something to do while sitting in the car line at school.
Anyway this week the challenge was to makes something using your favorite quote, well what I made didn't so much have a quote on it, but just a word, but a powerful word "Believe" and it must really mean something to me because as I look around my home I find little things from small plaques to glittery hangings all stating the same thing, so it only seemed appropriate that my piece state that one worded phrase.
I've been wanting to do some RedWork for a long time but just never got around to it, then last week while out at the fabric store I found a MCCalls Pattern for 3 pieces of Redwork,I was a Happy Camper.
Now my piece is far from finished, I still have the French Knots to do, (Bean I'm almost tempted to fly you out here to do them for me), and then I have to add a red border and quilt it, the finished piece will be a small quilted wall hanging, I'll post when it's finished, but for now, here's what I have. And now I've got to wrack my brain for the next challenge, I've a feeling I might have Reagan help me with this one, at only 6 y/o she has a wicked eye for mixed media and makes collages all the time.
Chrissie, thanks for hosting these "Parties" They're a lot of fun and the last one gave me something to do while sitting in the car line at school.
Monday, October 19, 2009
And then he turned 12
Seems like just yesterday that I was in the Dr's office and had found out that the baby I was pregnant with was a boy, now 12 years later that little blob on the screen is one of the nicest boys I've ever had the privilege to meet and I'm not just saying that because he's my son.
Ben is one of those kids that everyone describes as "A good kid" When people ask me how Ben is doing I respond with "Great, Ben is Ben." There's really nothing more to be said and for those who know him they know exactly what I mean.
He's not a mommas boy by any stretch of the imagination but I love that when we go somewhere if he is the first to the door he holds it open for me, if he walks to my side of the car before me he opens the car door for me, for him it's just instinctual and it makes me happy and proud.
I love how he loves his sisters and looks out for them, even Victoria who is 6 years older than him. A couple of months ago Ben got into his first real fight, it wasn't because he and a kid his age were in disagreement about something it was because a guy cussed out Victoria, not once but twice, the first time Ben said"Come on man, that's not cool." to which in true Victoria fashion she retorted something else to the guy who once again cussed at her, this time Ben didn't hold back but clocked the guy square in the mouth, I really wish I had seen it. I don't condone fighting but when it's done to someone older and bigger than him and because he was standing up for his sister I have a hard time punishing him, in fact I high fived him when I found out :-)
I love the relationship he and Reagan have, sure they have their moments but for the most part they are best buds, she looks up to him and he watches out for her, often letting her tag along on play dates if he knows there might be someone there her age or just because.
Right now he's having a few health issues, nothing serious I hope, but he's been getting shots more often than normal, like his father he has a fear of needles, he grabs my hand every time, it's always cold and clammy *ICK*, then he'll get stuck and he gets mad at himself, today he was heard muttering under his breath "Man, I'm such a wimp, why do I let myself get so worked up ?" Hopefully he'll remember what it was like today, tomorrow when he goes for blood work, it might be interesting.
For his Birthday party this year he had his first boy/girl party since he was about 5
The kids had the best time, to sit in the kitchen and listen to all the crazy giggling going on outside you couldn't help but smile. At one point someone ran in and asked for a bottle, they wanted to play "Spin The Bottle" I asked how that was going to work seeings as there were only 2 girls, to which I was told, "We just hug" Phew, sounds good to me.
Just as I thought things were winding down they got a mad hair to go swim, the water was freezing, 62 degrees to be precise.. crazy kids. They didn't stay in long, maybe 5 mins, but the hard core ones stayed in long enough to get their picture taken.
Many times since his party he has come up to me and stated, "That was the best party ever." And in my book that spells success.
Happy Birthday Ben, I'm one lucky mom to have you as her son. Love ya much !!!
Friday, October 16, 2009
From Ben
It seems that quite a few of our friends have been diagnosed with Swine Flu, Ben thinks they all need a little comic relief, so here's his joke for the week.
What's the difference between Bird Flu and Swine Flu ?
Bird Flu needs a tweetment, Swine Flu needs an oinkment.
Ha De Ha Ha.
Have a good weekend folks, I'm off to show at my first craft show, wish me luck !!
Stay warm and dry.
What's the difference between Bird Flu and Swine Flu ?
Bird Flu needs a tweetment, Swine Flu needs an oinkment.
Ha De Ha Ha.
Have a good weekend folks, I'm off to show at my first craft show, wish me luck !!
Stay warm and dry.
Wednesday, October 14, 2009
Today I choose...
To no longer let ignorant people annoy me, to just brush them off and continue on with my day.
One of my biggest pet peeves is when I am in a parking lot or in a car line and I'll stop to let someone cross in front of me or I'll let another car out in front of me and the person I've just yielded to walks off without so much as a smile let alone a thank you, or the person in the car pulls off in front of me like they own the road, common courtesy is really not that hard people.
I have been heard to say "That's the last time I'll do that." but of course it's not.
Today I was driving past the local hypermarket when an elderly man who was looking pissed off at the world came out of the store with a loaded shopping cart, he stood waiting for all the cars to pass him by, I stopped and waved him on, he looked, he stared, he grimaced BUT then the smallest of a grin spread across his face and he crossed in front of my car, smiling all the way to his car.
He made me smile, he made me feel light in my heart, I drove a little further and another elderly man was waiting to cross, I slowed down, he walked in front of me, not even acknowledging me, at the last entrance to the store a woman walked out strode in front of my car, again no acknowledgement just "Grumble, grumble, grumble"
So 2 out of 3 people ignored me and that's ok, the twinkle I swear I saw in that first elderly mans eyes made it all worth while. I think about him and he makes me smile.
Today I could have chosen to have driven on making those people wait for me and my day would have been no different, but I chose to stop and for one old man, I don't know what thought process it sparked off, but it was something and you know what ? That makes me happy, I could have missed out on that and on a day like today where I have felt like nothing has gotten accomplished and it has been one frustration after another I think back to him and for a minute those frustrations go away.
A minute of kindness really takes nothing out of your day, but it sure can add a lot.
One of my biggest pet peeves is when I am in a parking lot or in a car line and I'll stop to let someone cross in front of me or I'll let another car out in front of me and the person I've just yielded to walks off without so much as a smile let alone a thank you, or the person in the car pulls off in front of me like they own the road, common courtesy is really not that hard people.
I have been heard to say "That's the last time I'll do that." but of course it's not.
Today I was driving past the local hypermarket when an elderly man who was looking pissed off at the world came out of the store with a loaded shopping cart, he stood waiting for all the cars to pass him by, I stopped and waved him on, he looked, he stared, he grimaced BUT then the smallest of a grin spread across his face and he crossed in front of my car, smiling all the way to his car.
He made me smile, he made me feel light in my heart, I drove a little further and another elderly man was waiting to cross, I slowed down, he walked in front of me, not even acknowledging me, at the last entrance to the store a woman walked out strode in front of my car, again no acknowledgement just "Grumble, grumble, grumble"
So 2 out of 3 people ignored me and that's ok, the twinkle I swear I saw in that first elderly mans eyes made it all worth while. I think about him and he makes me smile.
Today I could have chosen to have driven on making those people wait for me and my day would have been no different, but I chose to stop and for one old man, I don't know what thought process it sparked off, but it was something and you know what ? That makes me happy, I could have missed out on that and on a day like today where I have felt like nothing has gotten accomplished and it has been one frustration after another I think back to him and for a minute those frustrations go away.
A minute of kindness really takes nothing out of your day, but it sure can add a lot.
Saturday, October 10, 2009
Cupcake Heaven
Ben requested cupcakes for his Birthday today instead of a traditional birthday cake. He was wanting Oreo cupcakes with a filling, well the only ones I could find had a cream cheese filling, that didn't appeal to the Birthday boy at all. So we compromised on an Oreo type cupcake, he couldn't decide whether he wanted chocolate or vanilla cake so I made both.
The vanilla cake I made w/ chocolate filling,
the chocolate cake I made with vanilla filling.
These were the easiest cupcakes EVER, just make a batch of your favorite batter and bake it as you normally would. Once the cakes are cooled completely, fill up a piping bag with your favorite frosting, again I cheated and used canned frosting. Using a thin icing nozzle poke a hole in the top of the cake and squeeze your frosting in.
Once you've done this comes the best part, the glaze. This totally makes the cakes.
No cheating here though, sorry.
Chocolate Glaze.
-----------------
1/2 cup heavy cream
1 Tbs light corn syrup
1C semi sweet chocolate chips
Heat the cream and syrup on medium, bring to a boil, take off heat and stir in chocolate chips. Stir until melted, set aside for 5 mins, once it has cooled down a little whisk until smooth, set aside for 10 mins to thicken.
Dip cupcakes into the glaze, set aside for 10 mins to set and then frost the tops if you desire.
I'm warning you now the glaze is decadent, I made a double batch and have some sat in the refrigerator to heat up and pour over ice cream... YUM
The vanilla cake I made w/ chocolate filling,
the chocolate cake I made with vanilla filling.
These were the easiest cupcakes EVER, just make a batch of your favorite batter and bake it as you normally would. Once the cakes are cooled completely, fill up a piping bag with your favorite frosting, again I cheated and used canned frosting. Using a thin icing nozzle poke a hole in the top of the cake and squeeze your frosting in.
Once you've done this comes the best part, the glaze. This totally makes the cakes.
No cheating here though, sorry.
Chocolate Glaze.
-----------------
1/2 cup heavy cream
1 Tbs light corn syrup
1C semi sweet chocolate chips
Heat the cream and syrup on medium, bring to a boil, take off heat and stir in chocolate chips. Stir until melted, set aside for 5 mins, once it has cooled down a little whisk until smooth, set aside for 10 mins to thicken.
Dip cupcakes into the glaze, set aside for 10 mins to set and then frost the tops if you desire.
I'm warning you now the glaze is decadent, I made a double batch and have some sat in the refrigerator to heat up and pour over ice cream... YUM
Sunday, October 4, 2009
Fabulous Fall
I'll be honest with you, Fall is not my favorite season, in my little mind it means earlier dark nights, cooler temps, leaves falling off the trees making everything bare and that Winter is just around the corner. I am so not a Winter person, how I lived through 4 winters in MN still amazes me, I'm more of a S.CA gal, Summer and blue skies all year round w/ the option of snow if I choose to go to it.
But then we have days like today, when the sun shines gloriously, there is no humidity in the air, the sun casts longer shadows and everything seems to sparkle, it's days like today when you say to heck with what has to be done, we're going to do what we want to do, and that meant Reagan and I packing up the van with a picnic blanket, picnic and board games and off we went.
Our original plan was to go to a State Park a ways from here, have our picnic, play a game or 2 and then walk the trails, but 10 minutes into our adventure and Reagan asked if we could just go to City Park instead and so that's what we did.
We got lucky and met friends there, Mr Kevin took the kids out on the paddle boat
30 mins on the river will make a gal hungry, so we sat beneath the trees
and enjoyed a picnic... Pudding in the park, does it get any better ?
Even the squirrels were thinking it was time for a picnic
With full bellies it was time to skip some trails and visit with the ducks
Before we took a detour back to the van and headed home, we walked along the river
Fall may not be my favorite time of year, but it certainly leads to lazy Sunday afternoons, where we can leave the drudgery behind and enjoy all that Mother Nature lends us.
But then we have days like today, when the sun shines gloriously, there is no humidity in the air, the sun casts longer shadows and everything seems to sparkle, it's days like today when you say to heck with what has to be done, we're going to do what we want to do, and that meant Reagan and I packing up the van with a picnic blanket, picnic and board games and off we went.
Our original plan was to go to a State Park a ways from here, have our picnic, play a game or 2 and then walk the trails, but 10 minutes into our adventure and Reagan asked if we could just go to City Park instead and so that's what we did.
We got lucky and met friends there, Mr Kevin took the kids out on the paddle boat
30 mins on the river will make a gal hungry, so we sat beneath the trees
and enjoyed a picnic... Pudding in the park, does it get any better ?
Even the squirrels were thinking it was time for a picnic
With full bellies it was time to skip some trails and visit with the ducks
Before we took a detour back to the van and headed home, we walked along the river
Fall may not be my favorite time of year, but it certainly leads to lazy Sunday afternoons, where we can leave the drudgery behind and enjoy all that Mother Nature lends us.
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