Introducing ... Penny Q. Punctual!

Ok, here she is making her internet debut! She is made of all recycled materials -- paper, cookie tin, vintage broken earring, and vintage buttons.
The only new part in the clock movement and hands.

Meet Penny, her recycled parts ensure that she has history and will fit into your environment quickly. Enjoy her display of recycled paper and found objects, her, giggling, her winking and her rhyming while she helps you keep track of time. Whether she’s having a good hair day or not she’s seeking a home with happy people.

She'll be in my Etsy shop very soon!

New project...in progress

So I have had the pieces for this clock in my studio area for a while but it was just missing something...today I found the right piece to finish the mouth. Yay! This is on the right track to getting finished -- I'm so excited. Her recycled paper hair has been attached and I was doodling on an extra piece of paper to figure out how I wanted her face to look. More soon when she's ready to make her debut. :)

She will be made from all recycled materials except for the clock movement and hands. I'm working on a name for her as well.

T-a-m-a-r-a TUESDAY

My friend Tamara's baby is due today. I am so excited for her -- I can barely stand it. This is baby number three and she's an awesome mom. So in her honor I searched her name. Here's the fun pair of earrings I found. Just click on the picture to be taken to the shop and the description.

I hope it's today Tamara!!

General Silliness for Monday!

Thanks to brightonearly for providing some words. Hope this makes you giggle...

Today we are going to study the lifestyle of huge and gross animals. The word dinosaur comes from the Greek words deinos meaning pillow and saurus, meaning tornado. No one has ever seen a handicapped dinosaur. We know about them because bananas called paleontologists found their motocycles preserved in rocks. Dinosaurs were almost evenly divided between carnivores, who only ate ghosts, and herbivores who only ate movie stars. At one time, they were over 964 different types of these purple beasts roasming the face of the ruler. They range in size from those as large as a Tyrannosaurus Britney Spears to those as small as needle. Today a dinosaur would be impossible to find as a tornado in a haystack.

Tee hee - Happy Monday!

Hurricane Ike and Other Adventures

My mom and step dad live in the Houston area and when they heard a hurricane was coming they weren't worried. They already had water on hand and went out and picked up fresh fruit and a few other essentials. Unfortunantly, power to the city is almost nonexistent. However, the police stations and hospitals have underground power lines which were not damaged. The overheard power grid took a real beating in the storm. My parents realized that the office where my step-dad runs his business had power. So they packed up the inflat-a-bed and a few essentials and spent the night there in the air conditioning. I am so grateful they had a comfortable place to stay -- they just made it a PJ party.

FLU?!!

It's that time again, we aren't even through hurricane season yet but it's time for flu shots. Since living in the dorm at college I have gotten a flu shot each year and it seems to help me avoid getting that vicious flu that goes around each year. I've been told that it takes 2-4 weeks for the human body to recognize and start producing antibodies to these nasty little germies -- once you have the shot you're good for 10 months. (I've also been told that if you take two aspirin an hour before you get the shot it reduces the possible soreness in your arm!)

So, if you are considering having a flu shot, clear it with your doctor first. The place I found them available is Kroger. Check out their site at the upper right for locations and times.

Here's to your health! Cheers!

unused cell phones?

I have been on a decluttering tear lately...so I thought I would share something I learned.

Have you and your family ended up with extra cell phones that you don't use anymore? There's a site that I just discovered that will buy your "extra phones". Check it out. The first page has a list of phone brands and you can select until you find your specific model. They actually pay more than I thought they might and it's better than having that unused phone collecting dust and taking up space in your house. Just a small space to declutter but every little bit helps.

A Day to Remember...

This is a day to remember those who perished. This beautiful picture is from the shop of naturemanipulated and captures the rememberance wall in New York's Battery Park. Please take a minute today to think of those we lost and those who are still here as well as what has changed.

Also, please take the opportunity to think about everything you're grateful for.

Bubble Tea Rocks!

So my friend Leigh Ann introduced me to this crazy treat a few years ago and I always enjoy introducing someone else to such a fun treat. I giggled myself silly that day -- it was all the new textures and swallowing a few WHOLE bubbles! To this day Raspberry is my fave flavor followed by a close second -- coconut. The bubbles require a rather thick straw for drinking...try it, it's just too much fun!

You can check out the Lollicup website for possible locations close to you. Also TeaMap is an excellent resource for finding tea houses in your area. In case bubble tea hasn't arrived in your area, check out this site for a recipe and links to order bubbles to make at home.

House warming gifty idea...

A friend recently called me to ask me what was appros as a house warming gift for a mutual friend. Quite a few of our friends have recently moved into new places or bought new houses. Here is a housewarming gift that's always a hit...

This takes inspiration from the movie, It's a Wonderful life. I usually get a pretty reusable bag (available on etsy) that suits the person/couple receiving the gift. Then fill it with a fresh loaf of bread, some sea/kosher large grain salt and a bottle of wine. I attach a little note referencing this from the movie--

• Bread - that this house may never know hunger
• Salt - that life may always have flavor
• Wine - that joy and prosperity may reign forever

Of course this can be customized to the recipients. It also makes a nice hostess gift around the holidays!

My Heroes!!

At the end of last week, I had a computer meltdown. I wrapped up the illing machine and took it directly to the Highland Park Apple store. The people at the genius bar were SO nice and helpful and patient! A big shout out to them! They fixed my machine and in short were - my heroes! You know who you are! You rock! ;) Thx!

Grand Parents Day

Since 1978, when then President Carter proclaimed today Grand Parents Day, we have celebrated. Many take the opportunity to send a card or small gift to their grandparents or to call them. If your grandparents are no longer with you -- you can always adopt another elderly person for the day. Or go out of your way to do something nice for the elderly in your area.

I will take time today to remember my grandparents and all that I learned from each of them. Later this month, I will be doing some volunteer work in a retirement community nearby.

Voter's Registration?

So we are hearing so much about the upcoming presidential election these days -- do you know if you're registered? If you are unsure of your registration status you still have time to check on it or get registered. In order to vote in the presidential election you have to have been registered as a voter for at least 30 days. There's still time...The libraries, post offices and other community locations have voter registration cards available. Just fill one out and drop it in the mail. It helps if you take it with you on election day when you vote.

To learn more about the Vote print, please click on the art. :)

Swim it forward...

I saw this cool post on the Etsy forums about everyone sending someone else a Swimmy! What a cool idea, I thought. I signed up and my Swimmy came to me from California from creativity63. THANK YOU! Take a look, he even has a teeny tiny heart. This absolutely made my day. My swimmy now lives perched above my table so I can look up at him and smile while I'm working/thinking.

I sent a Swimmy to the UK. Since he has further to travel...I will wait to post the picture I took before he shipped out to the UK. :) I want the Swimmy recipient to be surprised! :)

Edsel Envy?

The Edsel was introduced on this day in 1957. That was one groovy looking car! :) Those fins are rockin'!

Meet Owlbot

Introduce yourself, please. (name, location, shop site, blogsite, etc.)
Jennifer (Jen) Hoadley, Findlay, OH
www.owlbot.etsy.com
owlbot.blogspot.com

Is Etsy your primary “job”? If not, what else do you do?
I have a part time job outside of Etsy. I work as the Office Manager for my church.

What’s your favorite medium to work in and why?
Printmaking on my Gocco! It’s just so much fun!!!

If you could have a super power, which would it be? why?
I’ve used to always say that I’d choose invisibility, because I thought it would be so nice to just have days where no one could see me and I could just roam around unnoticed! But, lately, I’d say super speed, so I could get lots more done in a day!

What have you created that you are most proud of?
The owls I drew for my Etsy shop avatar/banner/logo! I’m actually not that skilled when it comes to drawing, so I was really impressed with how they turned out. And, the fact that others have positively commented on them makes it even better!

What’s your fave dinner and why?
Any Mexican food. I just love Mexican food. Always have. I think it has a lot to do with all of the awesome condiments – salsa, sour cream, guacamole…! Mmmmmm!

What kinds of things do you do to get the creative juices flowing?
I have a hard time forcing myself to create, so I just do it in spurts. I keep a drawing pad by my bed and sketch out some ideas there. If I still like them the next morning, I’m good to go!

If you could be an animal, what kind would you be and why?
A cat. I’ve always loved cats! Or an owl…I think owls are awesome, and they’re nocturnal, which would suit me just fine!

How did you get started creating things?
Oh, I’ve always created in little ways. I’ve always loved combining things that weren’t normally combined. Just for something to do. Or grabbing a pile of something and trying to make a finished product out of it.

In 5 years I'd like to be ...
Crafting and sell my crafts full time!

Tell us one thing that no one on Etsy knows about you.
That’s a tough one! I’ll go with that I love to sing and am obsessed with anything musical related! If I was a good actress, I would probably be spending my nights doing local theater instead of being on Etsy all the time!

What's one gadget that you can't live without?
My cell phone. Even thought I’m not a huge phone talker or texter, I still always have it with me!

Thanks Jennifer, I enjoyed your answers and exploring your shop! :) Be sure to check out Jennifer's shop for more fun stuff.

Reusable Bags

I LOVE reusable bags. When you get home with your shopping you don't have that wad of plastic bags that you have to decide what to do with. You don't have to worry about recycling them or feeling guilty to throw them away. Reusable bags usually hold more than plastic ones too. The links through out the post will take you to various etsy sellers who have great eco-bags.

Let's face it, it's not that big of an effort to use them. I have two reusable bags that I keep in my car's trunk. (Usually use these for groceries) And I have a smaller one (that fits in my purse) that I keep in the driver's side door that I use for smaller shopping trips. It's funny, when I first started using my reusable bags - I got weird looks from cashiers.

The only place that is completely "on board" with the idea is Whole Foods -- not to mention the ten cent bag refund you receive for each bag you bring with you. Seems like people are getting with the program these days though. The cashiers at Target don't give me the weird look anymore. You'd think stores would get on board -- the annual money they spend on bags can't be small. I've read recently that IKEA asks that you bring your own bag -- if you don't, their bags cost fifty cents a piece. So, although it isn't a standard practice to require customers to bring their own bags YET, I have a feeling it will be before too long.

The same way changing just one light bulb can make a difference, switching to reusable bags can also make a big impact.

Last time I was in the craft store, the cashier asked if I made my reusable bag -- sadly no -- it was a gift from a VERY green friend of mine and it's green in color -- one of my fave colors.

What do you do to live a more "green life"?

Student Show...

The show was a success...most of the artists were there for a reception.

Happy Labor Day!

Happy Labor Day! I hope you're spending the day doing something fun!

dairy free holiday treat (serves 8)

Like many other adults, I have had my bouts with Lactose Intolerace. I have experimented with this recipe for Flan/Creme Brulee/Custard to make it "milk-free". It's one of my holiday faves -- it's nice to have the oven on when it's cool outside and it makes the whole house smell nice!


For the Flan you'll need;
1 can (13.5 oz.) coconut milk (this is non-dairy but still lends a yummy creamy flavor)

2 cups of vanilla soy milk

2 whole large eggs

4 egg whites
1/2 cup sugar

1 tsp. of Mexican vanilla (this is a secret)

Pinch of salt

For the caramel sauce you'll need;

1/3 cup water

1 cup sugar

1 tsp. lemon juice

For the caramel;
In saucepan, combine the water, sugar and lemon juice over medium heat. Mix until the sugar dissolves. Swirl pan for even cooking. Stop cooking when liquid turns golden. Immediately pour the syrup into a 1 quart souffle dish, covering the bottom and sides.

For the flan;

1.	Preheat oven to 350F.
2.	In saucepan on medium, heat coconut milk and cream. In a separate pan boil 3 quarters of water.
3.	In a large bowl, gently whisk eggs, sugar, vanilla and salt. Whisk warm coconut milk and soy milk into egg mixture slowly. (If you do this too quickly, you will cook the eggs.) When the mixture is creamy, pour it through a fine strainer.
4.	Pour flan mixture into souffle dish over the caramel syrup. Fill roasting pan halfway up with hot (boiled) water. Cover loosely with aluminum foil to create a "bain-marie" (water bath) and place in oven. Remove the foila nd place the souffle dish in the roasting pan for about 1 hour or ramekins for 30 minutes. When knife inserted in center of flan comes out clean, it's done.
5.	Remove flan to cool. Refrigerate for several hours or overnight.
6.	To loosen flan from dish, slide knife around mold. Place serving dish on mold and invert. Shake gently if flan does not release.

Enjoy dairy-free! YUM!

Lemonade Recipe

I found yummy jumbo lemons, so I had to make the perfect lemonade. It's simple and yummy - not too sweet, not too tart. In the meantime, I found these adorable cards in the shop of stubborndog. They seem like the perfect little stationery item as we wrap up the summer and try to move into fall. Check out her shop, she has many more cutie things to check out.

Lemonade
1/2 cup of lemon juice
1/3 cup of sugar (to taste)
3 cups of cold water

Stir together lemon juice and sugar in a pitcher until the sugar is dissolved. Stir in water and chill. It's even prettier with a wedge of lemon on the edge of the glass or a sprig of mint on top.

Enjoy!

F-I-N-C-H

In a search for FINCH, here are some fun things I came across on etsy. This search is in honor of my friend who we call "Finch" which is her married name -- she moved away and we all miss her! To view items in their shops, please click on the image.

Karma Crochet

I met Patricia the woman behind Karma Crochet at the Etsy Dallas BeerBQ event. Here's my interview with her... I hope you enjoy getting to know her as much as I did. :)

Introduce yourself, please. (name, location, shop site, blogsite, etc.)
My name is Patricia and I currently live in Dallas, TX with 3 cats: Sam, Jessie and Melba. I was born and raised in Buenos Aires, Argentina. I moved to the US 10 years ago.
Shop site: www.karmacrochet.com
Blog: www.karmacrochet.blogspot.com

Is Etsy your primary “job”? If not, what else do you do?
I work full time for a software company, there I wear several hats but my main function is
to supervise the customer service and technical support team. I started my Etsy store in January this year and my current goal for it is to get supplemental income doing what I love: crafting. Long term, I see it as an occupation during retirement but that is wa-a-a-ay far away.

What’s your favorite color and why?
My favorite color is blue, it soothes me very much, however I go through phases with green, orange, pink, brown, gray and black. Sometimes I like to surprise myself with different colors.

If you could have a super power, which would it be? why?
Hmmm super power...I always liked the idea of looking at the magazine and being able to grab the item pictured and have it in my hands.

What have you created that you are most proud of?
Every item I create gives me a sense of accomplishment, however I made a wall hanging in filet crochet (this was years ago) that took me a year to finish. I treasure it.

What’s your fave snack and why?
I'm not a snacker, but if I have to I grab cheese - I love cheese all kind especially the stinky ones.

What kinds of things do you do to get the creative juices flowing?
More than doing something to motivate me I just wait until something comes to mind. I really do not force it I just go with the flow.

If you could be a fruit, what kind would you be and why?
I will say strawberry, small and sweet.

How did you get started creating things and what is your best loved material to work with?
I started knitting and crochetting at an early age, (4 or 5 years old) for my Barbie, in Argentina you could not buy her clothes. I also sew and do embroidery but I always liked yarn. Still amazes me that from that stringy material you create very cool stuff. I also like fabric and paper, the colors and patterns make me feel alive.

In 10 years I'd like to be ...
able to do crafts from home full time and get away from the corporate environment.

If you could sign up for a class right now, what would it be?
Oh yes, piano lessons I would love to play the piano.

Thanks for taking the time to tell me about you, Patricia. I enjoyed it. Please be sure to check out her shop. She has fabulous gift items for your holiday needs or to treat yourself.

PhotoShop Express is FREE!

I have seen quite a few questions on Etsy about what to do with photos and how to fix dark images etc. I know that for a small business owner buying the full version of PhotoShop can be cost prohibitive. So here's a cool solution...PhotoShop Express is FREE! Check out this link for the download and details!

To get started, you create an account, upload our photos and you can edit photos, order prints, blah blah. It's worth checking out...have fun!

Pinkers!

Pinking shears have fascinated me since I was a kid. I realize that they are practical for sewing purposes. But for other purposes they are so cool -- paper, gift wrap, labels -- I could go on and on.

Ok, so let me bask in the glow about them a little for just a moment. I went to a craft store with a 40% off coupon and got a great deal on these deluxe pinking shears. You can tell by the color of the handles what brand they are. They are the large pair with the uber comfort handles. Did I mention how excited I am to have these?

I will give them a good home and be eternally grateful that they will not bruise my hands the way other non-luxe scissors have in the past. I am truly thankful to have them! What tools are you delighted to have?

I would do a happy dance but I have told not to run with scissors. :)

Green Living - Brick & Mortar

Over the weekend, I explored a really cool "green" store here in DFW called Green Living. Don't fret if you don't live close (it's located in Lakewood) because they have a website too!

Here's one of my favorite things I saw while I was there. It's a Cosmic Swirl Skirt made from hemp and cotton and dyed with low impact colors. It looks like it would be perfect for the summer/fall transtition here in Texas. The colors are great!

Be sure to check out their site they have great stuff that's earth friendy. Everything from baby things, floor tile, cleaning supplies, clothes, gifts, cards, bags, water bottles, recyced jewelry and earth friendly carpeting.

I got a treasury! It's been so long...it's so nice to have one again! Check it out -- you might be in it! :)

addiction to Greek salad...

Ok, I have to confess...I have a new addiction. Greek Salad from Panera Bread (nutrition info at right) -- I promise the dressing has to be laced with crack or something!

It's made from yummy fresh romaine lettuce, tomatoes, red onions, black olives, feta cheese, and pepperocini. You can order it with or without chicken which is yummy and peppery.

I must caution you -- if you are going to try this salad -- be prepared for a NEW addiction!! They sell the dressing in the bakery for take home purposes. I have purchased it and tried to recreate this salad at home with NO success! Perhaps part of what makes it yummy is that someone else makes it for you?

What foods do you feel addicted to?

The latest on Jenny the Elephant...

I recently posted about a situation here in Dallas with the local zoo.

Jenny will not be alone but she will be staying at the Dallas Zoo. This Fall a new companion elephant will be brought in to keep her company. The zoo is also increasing the elephant area to four acres so the elephants have more room to play. I still think Jenny would be happiest in Tennesee but I am very glad she will not be going to Mexico. It seemed a general consensus here that Jenny should go to Tennesee to retire.

Congratulations Cejudo!

This American wrestler was totally the underdog. He worked hard and came out on top with a gold medal! He is the son of illegal workers here in the US. He was raised by a single mother and says that she is his hero. He plans to give his gold olympic medal to his mom. This is such a cool story -- read more here.

Jenny the Elephant

In the DFW area we have been hearing a lot about Jenny the Elephant at the Dallas Zoo. After the death of her companion elephant Keke, the decision was made that the Dallas Zoo, alone, was not the right environment for Jenny. There has been debate about whether she should go to a drive thru safari in Mexico or an elephant sanctuary in Tennesee.

The sanctuary is a great place for Jenny to retire and the cool thing is that there is a live elephant cam where you can check out what the elephants are up to. Jenny has been at the Dallas Zoo for 22 years and has shown significant signs of stress. Please take action for Jenny. By calling or writing you can help the city make the right decision for Jenny.

R(h)oda

So this week's name to search on Etsy is -- Rhoda! Here's the fun stuff I found! Please click on the pictures to check them out in their current habitats.

The Show Pony Show is this weekend!

This Show is going to have a REAL miniature pony as well as costumes for the kids to put on and have the picture taken with the pony. I met the coordinator last month -- she was almost more excited about the pony than the show -- it was really cute! A lot of work has been put into putting this show together -- so mark your calender to check it out - it'll be fun. At last check there were over 2 dozen vendors participating.

Hope to see you there!

Texas Tax Free Weekend 2008

This year's tax free weekend begins tomorrow August 15 and goes through August 17th. For a complete list of tax free items, check this out.

Most clothing, shoes, backpacks and uniforms at $100 or less qualify. It's a great time to get those back to school clothes and not have to worry about the state and local taxes. Get out there early. Based on previous years, it get a little nutty out there.

Happy Shopping!

Six things...

Rosebud Collection had an award on her blog that was passed onto her by another etsian and she passed it on to all of us...her readers...the award is about gratitude and asks that you list 6 things you're thankful for...so here goes...

Six things I am thankful for today
1 My and my family's heath
2 Airconditioning in Texas
3 Living in the USA
4 Discovering and being involved in Etsy (does that count as two?)
5 Grosgrain ribbon (green)
6 Giggling

Ok, I will pass along the Rosebud Collection's challenge...please make a list where ever you like of six things you're thankful for. :)

New ideas for common item...

I see this item regularly. If you drink anything from a half gallon carton on a regular basis you see them too. Everytime I pull one of these little ring sealer do-dads off the soy milk container I wonder what other purpose it could serve. So, I thought Etsy is full of creative minds - let's pose the question to the Etsy brain trust. What else could this little thing be used for? Please post your ideas here...

Olympic Fever

I've caught it. I watched the 4 x 100 swimming heat last night and was amazed by the results. I was truly impressed with the sportsmanship and maturity the team members showed. This year's Olympians are kicking butt and taking names. I can 't wait to see what happens next.

The USA gymnastic girls had a bad night last night but they hung in there all the same. They lost a team member to injury, had some spills on landings and had some odd things happen. Can't wait to see them pull it out in the finals.

What Olympic sport keeps you glued to your tellie?

Trash Talking...Olympic Style.

I just finished watching live coverage of the 4 x 100 medley relay race. The French relay team had publicly trash-talked the USA team TO THE PRESS. The French team stated that they were at the olympics to "smash" the Americans. Well, that trash talking can be some REALLY dangerous stuff. The French team just had their patooties hand to them by the USA team. All I can say is if you trash talk, you better bring your "A game". GO USA! And as if that wasn't enough...USA is currently leading in the medal count!

August 10th...

Happy Birthday, Mom!

BOGOHO HO HO!!

Now through August 31, 2008 I'm offering buy one, get one half off on all earrings in my shop. After you check out, I will send you a revised invoice. This is a great time to get some holiday shopping out of the way early or treat yourself and a friend. Happy Shopping.

Count down to the olympics...

Well finally, the Olympics opening ceremony is almost here -- it's tomorrow evening! Yea!

A neighbor of mine is having an opening ceremony party complete with authentic Chinese cuisine and plenty of cheering.

If we set aside the political conflicts, it is really exciting that athletes on this very elite level are getting together to compete. I find it really interesting to hear the stories of how people became athletes or their story of how they got to the olympic level.

I love to watch the water sports -- swimming and diving. The track events always keep me on the edge of my seat. And the gymnastics event always amaze me -- those gymnists are incrediblly nimble.

What's your favorite Olympic event?

The Show Pony Show

This Show is going to have a REAL miniature pony as well as costumes for the kids to put on and have the picture taken with the pony. I met the coordinator last month -- she was almost more excited about the pony than the show -- it was really cute! A lot of work has been put into putting this show together -- so mark your calender to check it out - it'll be fun. At last check there were over 2 dozen vendors participating.

ice cream and bellyaching

Here in Texas we have a yummy brand of ice cream called Blue Bell. It's incredibly delicious and if you didn't know better you'd think someone's grandma mixed it up and got her grandkids to crank it in the old-fashioned maker with ice and salt. Ok, so with that said, I was waiting in an incredibly long line at the grocery. There was a little girl (I'm guessing about 2 years old) in the cart in front of me and we were making faces at each other to pass the time.

Then I overheard this conversation coming from over my shoulder and I had to smile. Their was a very deep voice carrying on about the price of half-gallon containers of Blue Bell. Asking how he was supposed to get through the Texas summer with out his Blue Bell. His female companion let out a big sigh and asked, "How long are you going to go on about this?". To which he replied, "Ask anyone in this line what they think. Babe, last week they were selling it for $2.69 and this week it is back up to $5.69! How can they possibly look themselves in the mirror without seeing a thief? I mean, it costs more per gallon than gas! " By this time, everyone in line is listening sort of non-chalantly and waiting to see what will happen next.

By this time, it's my turn to pay and I'm wondering if the deep-voiced ice cream lover will hold his tongue when it's his turn to pay or what. As I pick up my bags and head toward the door, I can hear him ask the cashier why Blue Bell ice cream went up $3 in one week. Oh boy...

$3.77 WOO HOO!

Ok, so I filled up my car this morning -- gas was only $3.77/gallon! Yipee! The most I had paid a gallon was not too long ago at $4.12. So happy it is headed back down.

Oh, and it's Friday! TGIF! Hope everyone is having a good Friday! :) Anyone have anything fun planed fr the weekend?