Monthly Archives: December 2008

Kitchen Cabinet Decor – What to Put On There?!

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I like mine blank. Empty. Nothing. BUT — the realtor asked me to put some Christmas items up there. No problem, I say! Um…problem. I am a print designer and not so good with home decor. Here’s what’s up there now. I need suggestions? There are white lights. I wanted to use what I have. The corner with the baskets and trees — all those goodies came from Goodwill the same day the realtor asked me to put something up there. Gotta love Goodwill. I got some fake poinsettia plants for my front porch, too and they are gorgeous. What do you have on your kitchen cabinets? We’ve been taking lots of pictures of the house at various stages. You can see them my house pics flickr photostream if you’re so inclined. I wish I had a collection of antique scandinavian anything but…Grandma Jackson’s stoneware crock & bowl and some Christmas doodads will have to do for now. Be sure to check back as I’m announcing the winner of the Boden sunglasses either later today or tomorrow. She’s from Finland. So, if you’re not from Finland, you can be sure you didn’t win!

Korean Pojagi & Fabric Wrapping Ideas

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IMAGES REMOVED – website no longer linking correctly. It’s a shame, but people change and websites change, too — apologies to anyone who went to the link previously here that is now an anabolic steroid site! Yikes!  (The UNL Quilt Museum link is still very valid and interesting!)

One of my friends who went with me to the quilt study museum in Lincoln at UNL where we saw the Korean Pojagi exhibit made me this and wrapped up a yummy loaf of bread. What a great treat, huh! I do have great friends…any of you would be jealous of Billie Kay. She can make, bake or create just about anything. I attract those kinds of friends because the universe knows that I am sorely lacking in those areas, but I keep trying! I forgot to take a picture before I unwrapped it and I could NOT get it wrapped back up the way she had done it.

Betz White’s Cashmere Bunnies

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Betz White wrote Warm Fuzzies, the book that I created my first felted wool project from (the felted puppets). I love the book! I looked up her blog online here and found a great tutorial for cashmere bunnies. My first bunny was small because I didn’t stuff her very much and for the second try, I didn’t have smooth stitching but once she was really stuffed, you couldn’t tell at all – note to self: lots of stuffing for these babies. My boys have loved them and Gabe has taken the baby over and named her Rachel. You can even see her hiding in some of our branch Christmas party photos as a tag along. So far she has hit both the gym AND the Christmas party – a pretty well traveled bunny for two days old. After I finished making them, I asked Ben what a bunny says and he replied, “Boing! Boing!” Not too shabby!

Christmas Party Pics

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Here’s a few of our favorite shots. We are going to miss so many wonderful people when we finally move! You can see ALL of our church Christmas party pics here.

Ben’s Afraid of Santa!

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I guess he was really afraid! There are two bigger chunks of video that I might get around to uploading on youtube but for now this is how “calm” he was after the candy cane and stuffed reindeer!

Got A Great Idea? Share!

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Check this out from Seventh Generation. Do you have any idea that might change the world? They are working with JustMeans, a social media platform for people interested in sustainability, to engage folks in an online social happening to promote change. The 2007 Spheres of Influence contest will award $5,000 for one winner to implement a social business idea. The contest ends on December 31, 2008 at midnight. I haven’t come up with a winning idea, yet, but maybe my brilliant readers and friends can! This is one of those things where something like a simple change to current protocol would be the answer…if only I could think of what that would be! Definitely worth some thought… Did I mention that I love Seventh Generation?

Eco-Responsible Pest Control

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I hated that in our old house we had to have Orkin come and spray the basement. I knew it was toxic and I couldn’t find any better alternatives. Thankfully, in our new home, we haven’t had ANY problems but who knows what we’ll find in Texas (the bugs are as big and legendary as the state). I’m going to refer to this comprehensive eco-friendly pest control list from 7th Generation. What a great article! In it, you’ll find a link to eco-friendly and less toxic summer pests as well for bites and stings. Be sure to save the link – what a great resource!

Great Site (w/pics!) for Toy Recalls

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It’s hard to go through those lists of toy recalls without pictures, which is why I’m loving this recall list site from Parents. Be sure to check it over for more recent recalls. There’s great stuff here – recalls on toys, gear, and even a few contests.

Who Knew? Holly Aiken!

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Cute, cute stuff. Mostly I love her logo with the sewing needle in it. I love the laptop cases and bags! You can check out her stuff here.

Christmas Cookies – Good ‘Ol Chocolate Chip

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I had several sticks of butter softening on my counter since Thanksgiving and I knew I wanted to make cookies for the kids’ school lunch treats and as I thought of what my family likes best (and we like so many different cookies!), but what we like best is the old standby: chocolate chip. Sure the Nestle recipe is great. So is just about every other chocolate chip cookie recipe — you just can’t seem to go wrong whatever version you choose. So, I baked away and tripled the recipe and used up my butter! Some will be shared, some stored in the freezer and many packed in lunches this week. Hooray for cookies (and counters that are cleaner in the end)!

Another Kid Funny for Christmas

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Since this is also for family remembrances, I had to create a new category for kids’ funnies (sayings, actions, etc.) and hope to remember to actually write down all of those things that make being a parent worthwhile in the comedy department. I wanted to share with you a conversation I recently had with Gabe. I was sitting at the computer when Gabe sidled up to me and whispered: “Mom, since I know you’re really Santa, can I go with you this year and pick out what I really want?” I asked him how he knew that I was Santa and he said, “Sam told me.” Sam, the very cute older neighbor boy has been teaching Gabe quite a bit this year…I’m sure I don’t know — nor want to know — the half of it!