Kitschy-Koo

Make Your Ratty Shoes Rad Again

2007-04-16T17:58:00.000-07:00

now for new laces... stay tuned for a pic of these babies on!
Oh, my blog-reading friends, how I have missed you! I'm back with another craft and several more posts just waiting to be shared. Have you met Robin yet? Those are his shoes after one afternoon of boredom bustin'. He is my oldest son and a rather crafty guy. Follow along and you too can make your ratty shoes rad once again...

1. Gather Supplies

ratty shoes you still love

spray varnish (we used the heavy duty kind for sealing street markings but clear spray paint works, too)
acrylic craft paint
paint brushes, one will do the trick but more gives you more options

2. Craft!

wash rubber part you plan to paint and dry completely

paint a base color, let dry

paint another coat if the sole is showing through (once worked fine here)

make a medium size oblong dot, let dry
add a small accent dot in a different color or outline the dot in black as shown

7. spray with clear, acrylic spray

8. rock and roll

Or...paint polka dots, skulls, one solid color, your initial, hello kitty, the lyrics to 99 Red Balloons, whatever comes to mind!

Common Confusions About Massage Therapy

2007-02-20T09:13:00.000-08:00

Did you get a massage gift certificate but haven't made your appointment yet? Maybe you've heard how great massage is but are not sure what's expected. As a massage therapist myself, I'm familiar with some of the issues and questions that come up. My friend and fellow crafter, Maggie Ragatz, Rolfer and massage therapist, has over 750 hours of training. I recently heard her share a few of these tips and asked her to share them so we can all rest assured.

Common Confusions about Massage Therapy and Snippets from The World According to Maggie, CMT, in Rebuttal
Myth 1: All Massage Therapists are trained in all forms of bodywork.

WAM: There are hundreds of bodywork schools out there and as many forms of bodywork. Because we’re all so different, it is helpful to communicate what you like and don’t like. Also, “bodyworker” is a blanket term commonly used to categorize most touch-based, movement-based and energy-based healers and Body Therapists. Here is a brief (and loose) example--keep in mind there are many other subcategories:
Bodywork
Structural Integration
Rolfing Structural Integration*

Guild Structural Integration
Massage Therapy
Skillful Touch Massage Therapy*

Deep TissueSwedishShiatsu
Energy Work
Reiki Energy Balancing

*These are the two that Maggie does! Yay!
Myth 2: Your CMT knows your body better than you do--after all, s/he’s the one with the training, right?

WAM: You are the expert on your body! If you feel hot, cold, bored, sad, or fidgety; pain, numbness, tingling, discomfort, or anything else, it is okay to say something. Your comfort is what is important! If you want more or less pressure at any point during your massage it is okay to communicate that. You won’t hurt our feelings!
Myth 3: Massage Therapists care about body odor, yellow toenails, lunch breath, cellulite, stubble or hairy legs, etc.

WAM: It’s normal to feel shy or uncomfortable when a stranger is looking at you. However, I got into this work because I think human beings are pretty interesting, and I’m aware that “pretty interesting” comes with its set of smells and rough spots. It’s no big deal. I promise.
Myth 4 A: You need to be quiet during your massage.WAM: If you want to talk for the whole sixty minutes, feel free. It’s common to want to get stuff off your chest as someone is helping to relieve physical stress.
Myth 4 B: You need to talk and/or entertain your massage therapist during your massage. WAM: If you want to be totally silent during your massage, it’s fine. There is no need to keep up a conversation with the person working on you. Your session is about you and helping you relax.
Myth 5: You have to get totally naked to have a massage.

WAM: Before a massage it is suggested that you disrobe to your comfort level. If you would like to be completely clothed, it’s fine (your massage therapist won’t use oils on your clothes!). If you would like to take off everything, it’s fine. If you want to leave on your underwear, it’s fine. The massage is about you feeling at ease, so do what makes you feel comfortable!

Myth 6: You need to help the CMT move your arms and legs during the session.

WAM: I move your arms and legs from beneath the sheet to be able to work on them, and you are not obligated to help. It’s useful for me to feel the flexibility of your limbs to know how much work I need to do in that area.
Myth 7: If it hurts it’s good for you.

WAM: During a massage, many people enjoy what they call “a good kind of pain.” This is okay. However, it is important to remember that just because you’re feeling intensity, this does not automatically mean it is doing good things to you! Pain is a way for your body to give you information, and sometimes that information is that your body is being damaged! If you feel nauseous or have to grit your teeth, if you think, “Well, it’s not as bad as labor or the time I broke my leg,” then it’s probably too much! Again (and again), communication is key!!
Myth 8: Everyone who gets a massage knows all of this stuff already.
WAM: If you have questions about massage (about male Massage Therapists, essential oil in your hair, hypoallergenic oils, etc.,), it’s great to ask.

maggie.ragatz@gmail.com office (805) 543-8688. I love questions about massage, Rolfing, and bodywork in general. I communicate with several bodyworkers in town and I refer clients to them regularly. If I can’t meet your needs or answer your questions, I will try to find someone who can!

Lollipop Flower Valentine

2007-02-10T17:02:00.000-08:00

In a burst of enthusiasm for the upcoming paper crafting extravaganza known as Valentines Day, I volunteered to make Valentines for the staff at Liam's elementary school (yes, the entire staff) on behalf of PTA. Loving paper, crafts and Valentines Day, it seemed like a good idea at the time. But handmaking that many without getting burned out? Lollipop Flower Valentines to the rescue. Here is an easy and quick craft that is perfectly cheery & not too smooshy sweet. They were fun to make down to the very last one.

I clipped an image of a similiar Valentine from an old Martha Stewart Kids magazine, a stash I received thanks to Freecycle. Martha probably did it differently, but this is how I made mine:

Gather Supplies:

patterned or colored paper

scissors

glue stick

small lollipops

Xacto knife

cutting mat

Craft:

1. Fold strips of paper lengthwise (about 1.5" wide when folded)

2. Draw four heart halves or just eyeball it like I do. Cut out.

You'll need four hearts per Valentine.

3. Dab heart corner with glue and layer four hearts to form flat flower.

4. Wait till dry. Cut tiny X in center with Xacto knife and push lollipop through center.

Voila!

You can write your Valentines name on one petal. Or write things you love about them on each petal and attach a lable to the 'stem'.

Weiner Dog Valentines

2007-02-06T11:33:00.000-08:00

The season of Valentine Makin' is officially upon us! Here is the first of many little Valentine projects I hope to make and share in the next two weeks. I chose weiner* dogs for reasons I can't quite explain. You could use any shape, ofcourse. These craft up quick, once you decide on shapes and quotes. First off...
Gather Your Supplies:
see Resources at bottom of post
cardstock in colors and white for quote bubble
blank cards or postcards
googly eyes
sharp scissors
Yes! paste or glue stick
quotes
weiner dog shape from cookie cutter, childrens coloring book or freehand
Shrinky Dink charms would be sweet hanging from his collar. Shown is the Clear Sugar stamp set from Paper Candy. They shrink to perfect paper doggie collar charms!

Craft!

1. Choose shapes, colors, and quote. Sometimes I have it all in my head and just make it. Other days I cover the entire kitchen table with paper bits, vintage childrens books, cookie cutters, fabric and everything else to come up with a plan of attack. Take time to plan it out before gluing!
2. Use a cookie cutter to trace the shape of your chosen little beast. Cut out. Cut out a strip of paper for the collar in a different color. Glue on googly eye. Assemble this all together with glue but don't glue to card just yet.
3. Hand draw a comic style speech bubble on white paper or draw lightly with pencil first, then cut out. Write something witty or sweet. Find quotes online or, even better, from a favorite book or take a saying your Valentine is fond of.
4. Hand print your quote in speech bubble.
5. Play with your pieces until you are happy with the layout. Finally- glue!

6. Inside, write "Three Things I Love About You:" Obviously followed by three things you really do love about your Valentine.

Now that you have a design you like, crank out dozens more with ease, changing the quote to suit the Valentine. Or...stay tuned for more Valentine ideas in the coming days.

Resources:

Quotes:

The Quote Garden

Valentines Day Quotes

Supplies:

Yes! Paste at the Paper Source

Paper Candy rubber stamps

*while we all remember the "i before e except after c" song, Weiner (Germanic root) and Wiener are both still correct.

Mi Corazon: My Heart Art Show for Heidi Harmon

2007-02-01T09:06:00.000-08:00

‘Mi Corazón’

(My Heart)

When: Feb 3rd 5:00pm-8:00pm (PST) 2007
Taste awarding winning wines and hors d’oeuvres

Where: Per Bacco Cellars
1850 Calle Joaquin San Luis Obispo, CA 93405

Showing: February 3rd – March 26th

Artist: Heidi Harmon
Mixed Media Painting & Sculptures

sacredheart9395@yahoo.com

Heidi Harmon, local artist, of San Luis Obispo, creates a show inspired by love for the month of February. Heidi’s three dimensional pieces mirror her desire to capture the essence of love in all of its forms.
Her oil paintings utilize the color that most inspires her appreciation of the passionate life, red. With several successful shows behind her, San Luis Obispo County looks forward to seeing more shows with this rising new artist. Her work will inspire those who embrace all that love encompasses: pain, joy, sorrow, passion and truth.

Grab your Valentine and come enjoy the show! I'll be there with bells on! -Miss Amy O

Paint Chip Samples Bedazzle Me

2007-01-27T14:25:00.000-08:00

As a part of O'Kane Construction, I spend a fair amount of time at the hardware store. The neat rows and rows of paint chip samples (those colorful little cards in the paint section) always catch my eye. Postcard size, long strips, short strips, tiny squares- some are even actual stickers! And with names like Sugar Plum, Bridesmaid, Appletini, and Snow Whites Song, who can resist? I can't! Here are a couple of quick and easy projects I've been working on. There are endless projects already out there. What will you do with your stash?

1. Let the title get you thinking. How many stories can you think while holding a gaudy pink card titled, 'Bridesmaid'? Or Appletini...or Shy Little Piglet...

Write it down, preferably on the back of the paint chip sample, and send it to a friend who would appreciate it.

2. Use the huge selection of colors for punches. Some come on a sticker paper and make perfect, well, stickers!

3. Hangtag or bookmark? It can be both! Write your gift-getters name down the front with your favorite Sharpie and tie to your wrapped present. Choose colors they like with titles that befit them or the occasion. Muttering to myself...is 'befit' a word? Punch a hole in top center, gather scraps of ribbon, poke loop through hole in card, pull ribbon ends through loop and tug tight.

3. Enlarge a favorite at the copy shop to make a poster. $1.98 on cardstock. I chose this particular sample because the color square on the bottom is titled, Sweet William. A little name I called my William when he was tiny. Sometimes I still do. Now I'm hunting for a "Robins Egg Blue".

4. Stitch on Shrinky Dink charms! Next week I will be posting Shrinky Dink tips and tricks with another project tutorial. Rubber stamps of a tiny bird, mod girl walkin', and Mary were used. The tiny girl is from a Dover Publication $1 book of Family Stencils.

5. I have one more project using paint chip samples I want to share with you. Come back February 1st to see the first of Seven Days of Valentines!

Resources:

Papercandy for mod and retro style rubber stamps

Stamp Luis Obispo 1036 1/2 Chorro St, San Luis Obispo CA 93401 805/541.5198

for local artist stamps, papers, ribbons, scrabble tiles, and every supply you could think of

More Paint Chip Sample Projects:

Make Your Own Card Holder

Paint Chip Wallet

Embroider Them! (scroll down)

Send me your paint chip sample projects at missamyo [at] charter.net

Little Birds and Chinese Fortune Plaque

2007-01-19T13:05:00.000-08:00

Little birds and Chinese fortune cookie slips* go quite well together, don't you think? I found a few of these dandy little wood plaques at the hobby shop and knew they had wonderful things in store for them. Liam and I made an XTC altar-like plaque for our Jeremy and I just couldn't stop making more. They can be quick and easy or decadent and elaborate. What would you do with a little wood plaque? Here is one way to get started. Send pictures of your lovely (and not so lovely) creations my way when you're done craftin'.
Gather Your Supplies:

tiny, sharp scissors
pencil
Xacto knife
ruler
cutting mat
paint brush
acrylic craft paint
Yes! paste or Elmers glue stick
wood plaque
papers: printed and plain
fortune cookie slip

Craft:
1. Sand plaque smooth or just try to pick a smooth one at the hobby shop. Paint entire plaque, front and back.

2. On backside of paper, trace the raised front of plaque. See how my pencil is angled in? This helps create a more accurate pattern. Cut out, staying just inside of your drawn line.

3. Lay out all of your pieces and see what you think. Now is the time to add a painted gold border or glue on that sweet plastic squirrel you've been saving. I decided to go sweet and simple, cutting a red cardstock background for my little fortune.

4. Glue. Wait- not yet. Your paper background may be a little too big. Lay it in place without glue first, just to check. Press the paper edges over the lip to creat a tiny crease. Now snip along the crease to remove excess and it should be a perfect fit! Now glue, remembering to begin pressing in the middle, fanning out to the edges to avoid ripples.
5. Attach a small picture hanger to the back, the triangle or toothy type. Whichever is floating around your kitchen drawer. I prefer to glue with E600, rather than messing with the tiny nails that come with the hanger.
6. Gather the neighbors, hold it high and shout, "TA-DAAA!".

A little birdie told me, "You will sleep well at night.". This plaque will be mailed out to a swap partner as yet unnamed through Swap-Bot. I hope it is loved. Write with questions, suggestions, and favorite recipes to missamyo [at] charter.net.

PS: While there are centuries old traditions of hiding fortunes in sweet cakes all over the world, the fortune cookie as we know it is an American invention.

Spend Less, Give More

2007-01-15T18:53:00.000-08:00

A vintage book of people, places, and things from 1949- the year my mother was born. Thrift score at .50!

I absolutely love the long run between September and January. With all of my immediate family's birthdays (including my own) sprinkled amongst the Holidays, it is one non-stop party. But it can hit hard if I'm not prepared. Here are a smattering of lovelies to help you be ready next year. As always, click on the blue words to see what adventure they may take you to...
1. Save all of your change throughout the year. You can roll it yourself or use a Coinstar kiosk to get gift certificates for places like Amazon.com, Starbucks, and more. Roll your own if just want the cash- Coinstar charges up to 9% to roll for you, unless you choose the gift certificate option.

2. Pay an extra $5-10 every month on each utility. When November/December rolls around, you should have enough built up extra payments to cover utility expenses in your budget and use the cash to go shopping!
3. Open a Santa Saver account at your bank with a twist. Have $5-20 transferred every month from your checking to savings. Since you’ll be spending less on gifts this year, use the winter cash to see the Nutcracker or buy the bike on the Angel Tree at the Salvation Army.
4. Make your own gifts. Have a gift makin’ party with a few crafty friends and make a batch of the same gift: ribbon bookmarks, photo calendars, decorated cigar boxes…You’ll have gifts on hand for birthdays, housewarmings, and the Holidays.
5. Pick up small gift certificates throughout the year. You are much less likely to spend them than rolls of 5-ers in the cookie jar. Renting a movie tonight? Get a $10 gift certificate to tuck away for a nephew. Meeting a friend for coffee? Pick up a gift certificate to give her for her birthday or Christmas.
6. Give magazine subscriptions (cheaply). Best Deal Magazines has hundreds of magazine subscriptions available for under $10, and tons for less than 5 bucks! I’ve ordered Vogue, Rolling Stone, Family Fun, Budget Living, and more for $4.97 for an entire year long subscription. Make a coupon or gift certificate to let the recipient know what’s coming their way along with the current months issue of their new magazine.
7. Does your great Aunt Ethel really need more stuff? Let her know how much she means and what she has shared with you. Did she send a book every birthday? Donate to her local library in her name. Maybe she was a nature lover. Donate in her name to support a local trail or, better yet, spend an afternoon with the fam helping maintain it. Give a ‘certificate’ stating your donation and a letter explaining the significance.
8. Not crafty but love handmade? You can find the perfect handmade gift for any budget at Etsy.com.
9. Spend the afternoon at your local used bookstore. You’ll find beautiful books, some you would never guess are ‘used’. Give your baking friend a vintage cookbook or your handy hubby a project book to inspire him. Classic children’s books are a winner no matter what age the recipient is.
10. Make your own photo calendar for about $5, not $19.99. Download free calendar templates here. Have prints made of your favorite photos and mount. Save some months to decorate by hand with drawings, a favorite poem or recipe. You can add special dates throughout the calendar. Staples or Kinkos will bind for around $2 per calendar.

Send me your own lovely Holiday ideas to missamyo [at] charter.net

Be Nice While Hardly Even Trying

2007-01-10T14:01:00.000-08:00

Here are ten little ideas to spark your imagination. Click freely on all blue words to see where they may lead you...
1. Pick up an extra bag of doggie chow or kittie kibbles the next time your at the grocery store and drop it off at your local Humane Society or shelter.
2. Put change in a low or out of time parking meter *apparently, they give tickets in my town for doing just this so act at your own risk*
3. Pay for the drive-thru order behind you. You say its a mini-van full of Cub Scouts? Put $5 towards it- they can add ice cream cones.
4. Grossly over tip your waitress(ter) the next time you get good service. Trust me, they deserve it.
5. Leave a tiny present in your mailbox for your letter carrier: Chapstick, pocket size sunblock, or just a simple note that says ‘Thanks’.
6. Donate your old cell phone to someone who would greatly benefit. Call to Protect program provides matching air time to domestic violence agencies. Cell Phones for Soldiers provides phones for soldiers to be able to call home when they have the chance. Your local phone store and police department probably have a donation box already.
7. Drop a five-er in the tip jar at your regular coffee shop.
8. Introduce yourself to that new co-worker, quiet neighbor, mail carrier, office UPS guy you always see but haven’t met yet.
9. Send a hand written note or postcard to some-one, just because.
10. When asked to be a guest or join an event, in place of 'Can I bring anything?' Try, 'What can I bring?'. A friend stated it just that way to me years ago and I have never forgotten the difference it made. And, yes, I did borrow extra folding chairs from them for the event without batting an eye!

Send me your niceness in tip or photo form: missamyo (at) charter.net

How To Organize Your Stuff in a Handy Dandy Way

2007-01-06T15:30:00.000-08:00

The linen & toiletry storage side of the hall closet has been competing too aggressively lately with the craft side. I decided something needed to be done: all non-craft storage was non-essentail and therefore must go. Then I remembered my canvas shoe organizer I've had for about 3 years. My usual style would be to sew on or hand embroider to give it some oomph. But this project is all about makin' do the easy way. So, out comes the felt, kitschy pom pom trim, glue gun and my lovely Sharpie.

Ready? Go.

Gather your Supplies:
1. Shoe organizer in canvas or clear plastic *these are great as you can instantly see what's in them but add to the 'eye clutter'*

2. Gather chosen trim and decor of Rik-rack, ribbon, band patches, fabric bits cut into pirate flags, 99 red balloons, letter or fruit shapes, felt shapes, strips of fabric scraps- use what you have.

3. Glue gun or sewing machine

4. Sharpie for drawing or labeling pockets

Craft:

1. Hold trim up to edge you want it placed on. Eyeball it and cut to length needed.

2. Glue in place, going just a couple of inches at a time and picking off obnoxious glue threads as you go. Or sew.

3. Cut out shapes from felt (I made my strawberries from felt with Sharpie drawn seeds) and glue on.

4. Tuck in items that need a home.

Hang.

30 minutes tops, and you are far more organized than you were before!
Other Ideas:

This was made for storage and hangs well hidden in the closet. You could make it cuter and hang on the back of you bathroom or bedroom door and fill with daily use items.

Craft supplies would be very happy in a handy dandy hanging organizer!

Use strips of leftover fabric in place of trim, or sew them along the edges. You can make your own classy organizer using this pattern.

Disclaimer: Though I came up with this on my own in my world, I wasn't the first to think of this ever- see more ideas here.

You Go Girl: Networking Effectively

2007-01-03T15:10:00.000-08:00

It is never easy walking into a room full of strangers. Walking up to them and introducing yourself can be even tougher. Yet effective networking is one of the best ways to build your business or gain momentum and support for a fundraiser or cause you believe in. Perhaps one or two of the following ideas will make your next networking event a little easier and maybe even fun!
The Bare Bones Basics:
Smile
Eye Contact
Solid Handshake
Slow and Clear Introduction
Have an elevator speech ready. Be able to clearly state who you are and what you offer (not do) in 60 seconds- or before they are walking away for more Swedish meatballs. Practice out loud in the car on the way over. Ignore other drivers staring at you.
Before you enter the room, or even the building, take a breath and still yourself from the rush to get there on time. Music therapist, Victoria Lowrie, once suggested exhaling with sound to find your tone. Particularly as women, our voices tend to get higher when we are nervous. Finding a solid tone to speak will help you remember to breathe, stay relaxed, and sound more confident.
Effective networking is not about being fake. It's you out there- just after a deep breath and a self proclaimed 'I can do this'. For more tips on networking, see the links (blue words) throughout this post and the following:
10 Powerful Tips on Networking
SBA Tips on Networking
SCORE Catch More Clients Through Networking
Business Networking International A powerful networking group I belong to at a local level. Feel free to email with any questions or to come check it out as my guest!

Make Your Own Envelopes

2006-12-29T14:16:00.000-08:00

Though I rarely actually read the articles, I love magazines. It's the ads and photos that I devour. Those slick, glossy pages of color get me ripping up my mags and clipping my favorite bits to be treasured and shared, pasted to bill envelopes or postcards mailings. Here's a simple project to make your own envelopes. You can make cards from cardstock or just fill your envelope with tiny paper bits- photos, a funny comic, the ticket stub from the last great movie you saw...

Gather Supplies:

1. Paper

I use magazines but fancy cardstock, wrapping paper, maps, scrapbooking paper, newsprint and more are all options.

2. Scissors

Dollar Tree has super sharp scissors that last forever and you won't cry when they get lost.

3. Glue stick

Elmer's classic glue stick is the best. It tends to not pucker the paper.

4. Envelope Template

Carefully open an envelope you like the shape of or download one of Ruth Anns.

5. Ball Point Pen

A stylus is best for fine papers and cardstock but you need a pen to see the line on magazines.

Craft:

Trace your template onto magazine pages, after tearing from mag, and cut out.

Be sure you flip your cut-out envelope over before folding and gluing so your favorite side ends up on the outside.

Fold the side flaps A & B in first, using your nail to make a sharp fold.

Run glue stick on top of flaps A & B and fold large, bottom flap C up, pressing to seal to side flaps.

Fill with love notes. When you're ready to seal, fold the smaller remaining flap down and seal with glue, a sticker, or use a return address label. Use another white lable on the front to address. Have a question or have a suggestion on this tutorial? Email me. missamyo at charter.net

Harold the Vintage Suitcase

2006-12-26T17:38:00.000-08:00

Meet Harold. He showed up one day and has decided to stay for the long term. I think he will hold winter jackets and sweaters. Then again my stationary collection is growing faster that I can write and Harold is terribly roomy...

Hard-case vintage suitcases are fun to paint with acrylics and can be sealed to prevent scratching. I have seen tables made of them as well. But for now, I'm going to love Harold just the way he is and fill him full of pretty papers galore!

Meet Connie. She came to me thanks to Freecycle, a localized email list where stuff is given and received with no expectation of getting anything in return. After traveling the world, she became a dress-up trunk, holding fabulous dresses, glittery scarves, and heels far too big for their owner. Having outgrown her need for a dress-up up trunk, her owner wanted to find her a happy home instead of dumping her. She has kindly come my way. Connie is now my sweater case. Who needs a dresser when you have a handy dandy boyfriend to build you shelves and Freecycle as a resource for the perfect place for too many sweaters! See what is waiting to come your way or send something unwanted out to the world at Freecycle.org.

2006-12-26T11:27:00.000-08:00

Two Decades: Photography by Liam

2006-12-21T23:02:00.000-08:00

A few pictures by my youngest son, Liam (AKA William), age 10. Photography and words by Liam.

I took a picture through the lens of my old Instamatic camera with our new digital camera.

I tried to make this gnome look like a 50's gardening ad.

This is the camera I took a picture through the lens posted at the top. It is an Instamatic X-45 vintage camera. I also have in my vintage camera collection a collapsible Poloroid SX-45 Land Camera and a 60's Bentley Super 8 movie camera.

I simply pressed the lens button to see what I could get of the sprinkles. And what it turned out to be, in my opinion, was a crowd of people at a park or in a parking lot!

By: Liam A.B.

The fabulous gnome hiding in the candy canes can be found at Full Circle in downtown San Luis Obispo, CA.

Send a Postcard Today: PostcardX

2006-12-21T20:23:00.000-08:00

Maggie called with plans for Christmas card craftin'. She called the right girl- head cold be darned- I'm always up for some mail art. Maggie brought tasty treats of croissant and coffee cake, I provided the coffee (cream, no sugar) and one large dining room table. We each had supplies galore to share. We each opened our present from each other early.

Letters, postcards, hang-tags, anything that will stand still long enough, will eventually be decorated by me, written on and mailed away. Sometimes to perfect strangers.

Growing up without family nearby didn't stop me from knowing them or feeling close because I was the excited recipient of fantastic letters from my Uncle Bill, Grandad and great-aunts. We may of seen each other only a couple of times a year but I knew and know them well through their penmanship (Auntie's beautiful swoops and curls, Aunt Iris' neat script, Bill's tiny, messy print, Grandad's yellow legal paper...), stories about their every day life, and feeling loved by the small effort of a hand written letter.

I love writing letters and thinking of someone opening their mail box to a bright red envelope amongst the small, white reminder notices. Or, even better, a handmade envelope from an old map found at the thrift shop. Hence my love for Postcardx. Simply put, postcardx is a listing of people who like to send and receive real mail. Send a postcard with no return address just for fun. Search by hobby to find a penpal. List yourself and see what pops up in your mailbox.

Craigslist: Buy, Sell, Find for Free

2006-12-21T19:21:00.000-08:00

I love Craigslist. Catch phrases on t-shirts aren't my thing but I would wear an 'I love CL' tee.
Free moving boxes from the "Free" category were given to me and then passed on again through CL. After combining households, some furniture was voted off of the island. My couch was one of them:

She found a new home and we found a new couch- all on Craigslist.

Betsey, my beach cruiser, was put on CL for about 24 hours before she found a new owner. Here's my good-bye portrait of Betsey with her new friend & owner.

Have an old filing cabinet in the garage or a bunny that needs a home? Put it on Craigslist!

Need a bunk bed or a 'new-to-you' dining room table? Find it on Craigslist. Looking for a snazzier office space, more interesting job or a ride-share? Now you know where to go.

It's free, easy, and local. 'Nuff said.

Bird Cookies

2006-12-20T15:17:00.000-08:00

Janet is a friend I met through my son, Liam. She's a teacher at Sinsheimer Elementary after school program, Sun 'n Fun. The first year we moved to San Luis from Pismo Beach, Sun 'n Fun was full. We juggled work and three different schools around 8:25 am to 2:25pm. Wowie-zowie, what a luxury to have a space at on-site childcare! The second year we got in and were able to meet Janet, a loving teacher who gets 'in the mix' with the kids. Bird Cookies were her wonderful contribution to the Cookie Exchange party and I can't stop thinking about them! Here is a similiar recipe to keep you busy over Winter Break or on a cold winter day.

We've all covered a pine cone in peanut butter, rolled it in birdseed, and hung it on the tree for the birdies to nibble on. If you haven't, stop right now and go get sticky. Then come back and try these treats:

Bird Cookies:
1/2c peanut butter
1/2c flour
1 1/2c birdseed
Mix. Shape in balls. Squash to about 1/2" thick. Poke a hole on top with a straw. Bake at 425 degrees for 30min. Cool. Hang by ribbon or string outside and wait for the birds to come and enjoy!
Note: Wildbirds Unlimited in the Marigold Plaza is a local shop with a large selection of seeds and bird goods.

Ten Ways with a Trader Joe's Pizza Dough Ball

2006-12-17T21:42:00.000-08:00

We love pre-made pizza dough balls from Trader Joe’s! You could make your dough yourself for about .25, but for .99 Trader Joe's will do it for you. Wheat, herb, and traditional white are available. No Trader Joe’s? Ask your local pizzeria to sell you a few balls.
Prep:
I prefer to make several individual pizzas and freeze for later use. Pop them straight from the freezer to lunch box and they’ll be ready by lunch time!
1. Set dough out at room temperature for 30 minutes.
2. Cover baking sheet with parchment paper for easy clean-up. Preheat oven to 425.
3. Cut dough into 4 sections and roll or smoosh with heals of hands (my preferred method) each section into a circle.
4. Spoon on chosen sauce. Add toppings and cheese.
5. Bake about 12 minutes. Times will vary by topping and oven so keep an eye on them. Remove when crust is browning and cheese is bubbly.
Hints:
I poach whole chicken when it’s on sale, de-bone, chop and freeze. Rotisserie chicken, if you prefer, saves time and is always tasty. Trader Joe’s Four Cheese blend is my favorite but mozzarella is always good.

Recipes:
BBQ Chicken:
BBQ Sauce, cooked chicken, 4 cheese blend

Terriyaki Meatball:
BBQ Sauce, chicken terriyaki meatballs (halved), 4 Cheese Blend

California:
Caesar or Ranch dressing, chicken, chopped tomato, bacon, 4 Cheese Blend

Ham ‘n Cheese:
Sweet & Hot Mustard, sliced ham, cheddar

Apple Sweet:
Apple pie filling (spread sparingly), Cheddar

Goat Cheese & Sun Dried Tomato:
Goat cheese, sun dried tomato’s in oil, Parmesan, top with fresh fresh basil as soon as you remove it from oven.
Classics:
Pepperoni & Sausage
Sausage & Olives Pepperoni Ham & Pineapple Veggie & White Sauce

Breadsticks: Roll into small logs, roll in Parmesan cheese with herbs and bake.

Christmas Kitsch Makes Me Think

2006-12-14T11:05:00.000-08:00

This December I've gone a little mad with Christmas Kitsch. Those cheery plastic Santa faces and delicate blown glass ornaments make me feel so cozy and cheery I can't help but scoop them up when I find them! Sunset Swap Meet, at one of the last great American drive-in's, UVS Thrift Shop, a handful of garage sales and EOC thrift shop have been my best sources for good old Christmas kitsch. Fabulous holiday findings can be found easily (and for big bucks) on eBay, Target, or you can go out, dig around, and see what comes your way at a local thrift shop- often for a quarter! EOC is one of my favorite stops in the world. Well, Yosemite is also pretty darn great, but EOC is my source for a previously loved copy of The Lovely Bones (.50), funky sweaters to keep me cozy ($3), and even-on a lucky day- your oh-so-covetted boutique originally $200 pair of jeans ($15). Besides the absolute thrill-of-the-hunt, EOC Thrift saves me tons of casholla.

Nancy, the general manager, and her staff will remember your name, that your sister is "expecting" and that your 10 year old had the sniffles last week and, by the way, how is he doing? Every child walks out with a free book and, to top it off, something is always on sale for 25% off!

The community services EOC provides are another five pages altogether.

You can imagine my dismay, nay, near tears, reaction when I heard the shop was closing with an uncertain future as to where or when they may reopen. Many others had the same reaction and sent letters to the Tribune as well as EOC to protest this decision. They've been given one more month to stay open and hope to find a new shop location to rent after the new year. If you know of a place or know someone who knows someone, give Nancy a call at EOC Thrift Shop 545.0823. Stop by and poke around- the whole store is 50% off until Nancy says so!

Paper Snowflakes: Martha Did it First but Maggie and I Did it Better

2006-12-12T16:43:00.000-08:00

What's a Mom to do when her boys think they are to old for paper snowflake making? Call another crafty girl for snowflake fun! Maggie, a Rolfer & massage therapist friend, agreed.It had been a while since I'd made these festive beauties so I had to Google the directions. I looked all over but I have to admit, Martha Stewart had the best step by step guide. We followed her folding steps and went to work.I made tomato soup with grilled cheese, complimented by a fabulous grapefruit Maggie had brought to contribute. She sliced it in half, topped each with a dallop of honey, and broiled for a few minutes. Yum!We folded, snipped, and clipped for over an hour. Yielding a pile of perfect paper snowflakes, each one unique. Maggie's came out particularly beautiful. Here's a tiny portrait of my favorite:

How To Throw a Cookie Exchange Party

2006-12-12T16:33:00.000-08:00

Seventeen women came together last night with roughly six dozen cookies each. We had appetizers, wine, and egg nog as friends mixed with old neighbors and new faces. After chatting a bit we gathered around the table, piled high with platters of delectable cookies, and filled our empty baskets, Tupperware bins, platters, and cardboard shirt boxes with a smattering of different cookies. Some were headed off directly to an office party and brought pretty platters to take straight away, piled high with dozens of different types of cookies. After making only one or two batches of your most fabulous giftable cookie, you leave with several different types of cookies. Saving hours of effort and cost. Want to have your own Cookie Exchange? Here are the basics:

Guests:

Expect half of those you invite to plan on coming and a few of those to have to cancel. Although this year almost everyone came and filled our home with cookies!
Invite early! Give your guests a month's notice as this is a busy time of year. Then send a reminder the week before.
Evite has well designed invitations and helps guests easily RSVP.
Encourage baking cookies 3 days early. Cookies have a chance to "set-up" and there's no last minute crunch to get them done.
Remind them to bring cookies on a platter, ready to be served and to bring an empty container to take their variety home in.

Food:

I don't ask my guests to bring anything, but if someone genuinely offers to bring their favorite baked Brie or a bottle of wine- I take them up on it!
Keep it simple and savory. The sweet smell of cookies will be too much with sweet snacks.
I held mine from 3pm-5 this year, making light snacks perfect with no need for a full meal.
Coffee, wine, mulled cider, lemon & cucumber water, mulled wine, cocktails, egg nog...choose three for ease in keeping stocked as well as fresh/hot/cold.

Games:

We each introduced ourselves, told the history of our cookie (my grandmothers, found it on the internet, have perfected it over the years, etc), and shared a tid-bit about ourselves. Easy peasy.
I encourage the exchange of business cards at all of my parties!
You may choose to incorporate a gift exchange. A white elephant gift game is always fun!
Or have guests bring canned food to donate.
Next year I may invite guests to bring small gifts for a local senior center, if they choose.

Tips:

Have empty platters available for those who may forget.
Holiday shirt boxes, pre lined with waxed paper, were handy for those without a take home container.
Don't forget a parting gift: a mixed CD of Holiday favorites in a sleeve made of Holiday paper, an ornament displayed in a bowl with a "Thanks for coming!" gift tag, little bags of home-made mulling mix, have guests email their recipe ahead of time and print copies for each guest...
Don't forget to take lot's of pictures!

Have a question? Suggestion? Email me missamyo at charter.net.

Recipes:

Favorite Big, Fat Rolled Sugar Cookies
Prep Time: 20 minutes, 1 hour to overnight to chill, 8 min baking
Yield: 60 cookies
1 1/2c butter, softened
2c sugar
4 eggs
1tsp vanilla
5c flour
2tsp baking powder
1tsp salt
1. In a large bowl, cream together butter and sugar until creamy. Beat in eggs & vanilla, combining well after each addition. Stir in flour, baking powder, and salt. Cover and chill at least one hour or overnight.
2. Preheat oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C). Roll out a managable piece of dough on floured surface 1/4 to 1/2 inch thick. Cut out shapes with cookie cutter or floured drinking glass rim. Place 1" apart on ungreased cookie sheet (use parchment paper if you have it).
3. Bake 6-8 minutes. Cool completely. Frost if you' d like.

Royal Icing
This is icing dries very hard, perfect for shipping or carrying to a cookie exchange! Can also be used as the mortar on gingerbread houses.
Yield: icing for at least 60 cookies
4 egg whites
4c pre-sifted powdered sugar
1tsp lemon extract (or vanilla)
1. Beat egg whites until frothy in a large bowl on high speed. Gradually add sugar and extract until thickened. Seperate into glass bowls to mix in food coloring. I prefer gel food coloring that retain vivid colors and don't make your icing runny.
Tips: Let each color of icing sit at least an hour to prevent colors from mixing. Use your 40% off coupon at Michael's craft store to invest in a little set of gel food coloring- mix into your pizza dough, cookies, you name it. The kids love it!