Peachy Tuesday by J Hartman

2012-02-02T20:16:00.000-05:00

I have seen many-a-photo challenge pass me by...Now that I've got an iphone I have no excuse not to do one. It's seriously fun. You should try it! Here is my first Photo A Day Challenge. I took a quick screen shot of it on my phone so I have my list of what each day's challenge is. Day one was

My View:

My View at 10:00pm last night, the huz geeking on computer, me, watching Don Draper

If you are already doing this photo challenge please share your instagram/twitter handle so I can see what you come up with. My first two were, um, well quickies..... nothing award winning in the least, but, the important part is that it's fun. Quick fun. I post all places it needs posted via instagram. (I am PeachyTuesday on there if you'd like to follow)

Today's subject was "Words". I chose this Avail CD I had been listening to in the car. Words, not just because there are some printed on the CD, but because the lyrics on this, hell, ALL Avail CDs are the best. They uplift, they Promote, They throw positivity all around you and then they scream it in your face (in a good way). I need those kinda words right about now! And, here they were...

Avail, 4am Friday CD upon my jeans in the car.

I encourage you to try it out too. Avail, and a photo a day challenge...Most definitely if you have a phone that takes & posts pictures with a few clicks. It takes a miniscule bit of time and you are doing a fun little project for yourself. It made me feel like I accomplished something semi-creative today, despite having a mostly awful day.

meh, I'll take any excuse to take a picture.

Have a Peachy Evening!

Free Printable Valentine's! 2012

2012-01-28T17:10:00.000-05:00

Hello again, I haven't been around for awhile but I had to make some moments available to post this awesome valentine that the husband designed this year. It's printable easily for you here:
Valentines 2012

Valentine as for absolutely FREE! Have the little ones color them, or color them yourself! I did...

Happy Valentine's To every one! Have a Peachy Day...and share this with all the land;)

New Hair Accessory Shapes for 2012

2012-01-09T14:22:00.002-05:00

New Scale Shape, large size

New Bow Shaped Clip Listed Here

I've been working hard the past few weeks making and making lots of hair things to replenish from my wonderful Holiday Season. I thank each and every person for helping support my business this year. I am elated that so many people like to wear my hair doo dads.

I wanted to do a few new shapes this year, so I drew them up and started making accessories using my new patterns just a few weeks ago. I thought I'd share them here so you can see what's to come.

No worries I am still using the old shapes too, haven't decided to retire any *just yet*

Find this little Gem here

Heart-new 2012 Shape This one can be found here


A new Sitting Bird. On Etsy & local shops soon.

I loved this Vintage Fabric bow So Much, I had to keep it!

I call this one the "Scale" shape, there are two sizes. This is the smaller size. This headband can be found at My Aunt Debbie

Larger Fan Shape This, too is at My Aunt Debbie

Goofy Moon Shape

ha! the story behind this moony shape...so I wanted to do a "mermaid tail" and it just looked, well, like crap/weird/ugly...it morphed into this. What do you think?

And one Final Bow...just because it's so girlie and pretty and stuff. (perfect for Valentine's Day)

You can see more New 2012 Hair accessories I've made on my Flickr Page Here.

Have a Peachy Day!

What it's All About...and a Merry Christmas Eve Eve to Every-ONE.

2011-12-23T18:52:00.000-05:00

First off, I love calling the day before the day before Christmas, Christmas Eve Eve. My husband does NOT like it. Mr. Grumpy pants says it's dumb. Over the years it has become annoyingly cute of me to abuse it's use. At least that's what I tell myself. (sticking tongue out)

Today the husband had off work so I got to smear the Eve Eve business all over his face, all day long. And he helped me out since I needed to do a hugemongo grocery shopping trip and forgot since the kids are off school I need to watch the neighbor boy too. I can't handle boys in the grocery store. Well, I never tried it, actually, but I picture it like my girls at the grocery store, but even worse, so, I just say I couldn't. So Husband took them all to the Asian Market down town and I Grocery Shopped Forrey's Country Store and Giant.

So after the girls had asked us a tozillion times (yes I just made that word up, tons+zillions) and the neighbor boy was picked up we allowed them to pick ONE present from Mommy & Daddy to open. That choosing process to WAY way waaaaaaay longer than we expected. Now that they are older and smarter so much thought goes into the early present opening choice.

not all those were theirs to choose from, some are for my niece;) look how excited they are....


us relaxing a bit while we wait. and. wait. for them to make the choice

So they chose. Ruby chose to open what wound up being a present I had purchased back in July! It's a book, with step by step instructions for fashion design drawing. And the coolest part is that the book was written and illustrated by a PA artist! Fashion Design Workshop by Stephanie Corfee can be found on Amazon. It is such a cool, cool book! Ruby was absolutely thrilled with it. She said "This is EXACTLY what I wanted!" Isn't that what every parent loves to hear? I am sure every parent would agree watching your kiddos open their presents and seeing that wonder in their eye is totally the best part...which leads me to Ava...

She chose to open a similar sized box as Ruby. Inside was a Cupcake shaped activity & sticker book. I had actually purchased it for my niece, but Ava fell so hard in love with it that I switched some book gifts around and surprised her with it instead. It turns out that just last week she was crying in Target (don't we all love being that parent at Target?) because she wanted to buy the book but we wouldn't allow her to spend her money on it before Christmas. We exited the store when those tears and cries began. She grumped the whole way home. Now look at her!....lil stinker....(p.s. I had already decided to give it to her pre-tears at Target, it was even wrapped prior to that occurring)

She was completely elated.

So there you have it, what it's all about... giving that special gift that was well thought out and so fondly received. Ruby (now, 3 hours later) is still talking about, drawing using, and reading her new book. She sits aside me now with it as I type. And both of them, were near silent with their new books while I made dinner -sans interruption- tonight. Christmas Bonus for Momma!

So, Have a Merry Christmas Eve Eve (night...)
And a Happy Christmas EVE (tomorrow)

And a Happy Holiday all the way Around!

Peachy Tuesday---On TOUR!!!

2011-12-22T09:52:00.000-05:00

Ok, so this morning I was chatting it up with my lil sister whom I love dearly. She was laughing at me though, at my newest clever professional endeavor, and I was like oh you think this is funny huh? well lets see what the world thinks. As if anyone will read this...

preface is this: I have an ongoing joke with my husband and sister that I should start a blog called "Jen's Job-a-da-week" because I honestly and truly think of a new career path that I'd love a few times a week. Please know that being a writer is NOT one of them. I have had a bazillion different ideas, anything from mechanic to baker...from plumber to boutique owner. Before/Afterschool care center to Air Traffic controller. I am all over the place. seriously. I do work now, part time, I also volunteer at my girl's school in Kindergarten and First Grades 3 times a week. And of course I own Peachy Tuesday by J Hartman.

I had texted my husband last evening when an idea popped in my head.

Now, please know that we do not fear him losing his job any more than 99% of this country does. I mean, pretty much every middle classman worries about this daily, right? If not, you should start. It makes for excellent brainstorming.

Yea, so I pictured this

so shiny, so fun....

pulled by...well, I guess I'd have to trade in my Civic...we'd get the details ironed out later. Basically I was thinking we could be like Hair Accessory selling rock stars. Traveling from state to state setting up craft shows everywhere and anywhere to make our dough. I am sure this has stemmed from my recent "on again" relationship with twitter. Since I follow a number of bands, some currently on tour. Said bands tweet about their touring travels and fun, I think to myself, "man! I'd like to do that too!" (mid-life crisis perhaps?)

Of course this (for us) is ideological. Anyone who knows me, knows I DO NOT CAMP. ever. this pretty silver wheeled home would be much like camping... for life. I try and block that part out in my dreamy lil brains. Also, Keith's brewing...I am sure there is some way to work that in....details. pfft.

It's a BACKUP PLAN folks! just get on board with the fun part of it okay!? sheesh.

The fun parts:

staying out of cold places in winter (complete snow avoidance)
seeing the country (many beachy places)
getting Peachy all over the place
sorta almost being "off grid" not really-- a requirement would be internet...excellent kickass cell plan that could get us online almost anyplace.
less house to clean
less 'stuff" to keep track of, you know, getting all Buddhist and stuff...

Ok I wish I had not begun typing the 'fun' list because it started my glass half empty head thinking of all the crappy stuff. small bathroom. no dishwasher. no washer and dryer. having to home school my smarty pants kids. (maybe Keith could....)Missing my friends and family. Probably eating really poorly and feeling like shit most of the time due to it. Not having enough room indoors to do yoga.


looks cute & cool but is that laundry hanging on a line?! uh oh, didn't consider that...

And this, my friends is how each job-of-the-week normally goes...well, close to this anyhow. I find a way to "negatize" each idea and then in a few days, or a week, onto the next!

Meanwhile I am just happy doing what I am doing. I am grateful to be able to help at school. It's some of the most rewarding work I've done in my lifetime. I adore making people smile about my hair doo dads, Thank you SO much Deb at My Aunt Debbie , Melissa at Sweet Melissa's Dream , Adrienne at Sunshine Corner and Jen at State of the Art Framing and Gallery for helping to support PT over the years. Thanks to Handmade in PA and all it's team members for the support too! (I bet some of them like the airstream idea....eh?) I love being able to brainstorm these wild ideas all over the place with my sister and have her laugh about them, and Keith too. (It's still a back up plan people just FYI!)

So there. What do you think? Are you a crafty sort that'd like to take it on tour? Are you a musician that does go on tour? (lucky f*&$...) Are you my husband that I love so dearly and really truly did feel like an meany bitch for not thinking how the craft brewing could continue to happen in an airstream...honestly I'd never take us on tour for life unless we'd have that worked out first my love.

Have a Peachy Day! Thanks for reading.

What I'm listening to Wednesday...Chuck Ragan "The Boat"

2011-12-21T11:41:00.000-05:00

I've been listening to Chuck Ragan two days now. Thought this Wednesday I'd share.

Chuck Ragan-The Boat
thanks to FUNisOK for the video.

Lyrics

Some days we're ripped and torn away
From the shore and tossed to a watery grave
Set adrift in the depths of the drink in the hands of the gods we curse

We call for help when no one's around
Shot down fleeting thoughts never make a sound
Set adrift in the depths of the dark in the heart of the sea where we wish

I feel it in my bones when the storm is close
Then await for the rain and the wind to blow
As dark colors fill the sky I'm drenched I'm feeling so alive
Eyes closed tight my ears open for the boat

We all carry the tune we love
Think of home when the waves and the going get tough
Hold our breath and go down with the wish of just one last kiss to rest

I feel it in my bones when the storm is close
Then await for the rain and the wind to blow
As dark colors fill the sky I'm drenched I'm feeling so alive
Eyes closed tight my ears open for the boat

note: what prompted this was not only listening to him for two days now, but because when I click on my blog and see that gross picture of myself from 2000----whatever it was. Something HAD to be done about that.

Happy Holidays, Have a Peachy Day.

Dumpy Dress to Comfy Tunic Re-purpose

2011-12-20T10:00:00.001-05:00

Well, this wasn't going to be a Tutorial, or a post, but hell, I suppose I am on a roll this week (be ready for another 6 month hiatus most likely) so may as well post this too. So this dress, it's from Target, I think I loved it at first, but do remember a many Christmases ago 2007 to be exact (only have the date b/c of my Flickr page is chronologic), I saw a picture of myself IN it and was like, Gah! what a frumpity dumpy looking mess I appeared (ok, was) (in my defense I had a wicked migraine that Christmas, hence the awful look on my face) think

Then there is every inspirational Pinterest. I found this doily pocket idea there, and was thinking, gee that'd be freaking easy... and super cute! so...I decided to roll down to Burning Bridge last week here in Columbia, to buy some doilies and get moving on this...in hopes to wear it to some holiday engagement this year.

Ok in all honesty I was thinking I'd like this to still be a dress, but whoops! I cut too much off for that when you factor in the darned hem. Realized that after trying it on post-hem. I'd be WAY more likely to wear it as a tunic anyway.

I chopped the frumpy frock off, hemmed it 1/2". Ironed it.

image sort of looks a bit creepy. also, nice socks;)

Cut a doily in half to make two circles for two identical pockets. (as usual my half assery butt has no image of this step)

Then I parked myself afront the television, with my pink snuggie on and hand stitched the pockets on here, while folding down the raw edge at the top of the doilies. I wore it the next day to Christmas at My Father's home. Got compliments...and I may have a donation of more doilies coming. What that could mean for any Peachy Tuesday fans? ...you can only guess.

Have a Peachy Day!

Tutorial: Making American Girl Doll Yoga Pants

2011-12-19T10:00:00.019-05:00

The last tute was rather half assed. This one is better, but I must reiterate, I truly lack patience, and though I do own a huge book of American Girl doll clothing patterns I have only used them once or twice. I like these quick easy re dos that my kids can be happy with in minutes, flat.

So here goes: American Girl Doll Yoga Pants,

You will need:

Old knit shirt with band wrist sleeves, a smaller ladies size is easiest (mine was Medium) but if you are using a larger shirt you may need to sew it along the seam to make it a bit thinner. You need a width of about 5" for a fitted pant. You will need at least 3/4 sleeve length (what I used) My fabric tube length was 11" with the band UN-folded. :ong sleeved would work too. note: if you use short sleeve with a band you could do yoga shorts!

scissors
sewing machine
thread
American Girl Doll to size up for length.

Step ONE: (every time I type that I think of this Alkaline Trio Song btw)
cut shirt sleeve off the sizing up length to your doll, the band will be at her waist (folded over) Turn this inside out.

Step TWO: sew upward slightly off center, then about 1/4" away from band turn stitches 90 degrees and sew just a few stitches (bit less than 1/4") then down to bottom of cut. (yea, I forgot to take a shot of it sewn prior to cutting, apologies. also, this is how I roll. see this post if you don't believe me.

Step THREE: cut upward in a straight line in between where you sewed. (do not worry about cutting across the upper most line, it's fine leaving it just a straight cut.

Step FOUR: turn right side out, slip onto your doll and fold over the top band.

Note: if you use t-shirt knit you could easily make the bottom hem bell out a bit by stretching. I didn't go wild with that, being I used ribbed fabric and figured this will happen easily on it's own. ;)

Half Assed Tutorial: How to make old Jeans/Cords low-rise

2011-12-18T17:35:00.000-05:00

Listen, so we are currently trying to sell our house. This means I have to get rid of many pack-ratted items. BUT...it can also mean, if I get creative about how to "store" these items I can keep them. So, I had been storing some Old Navy Cords circa 2000? I know they were pre-kids...any which way...I knew I'd want them again someday, so I kept reoganizing these babes into different hiding spots. Most recently I moved them to the foot of my bed...to make room for some fabric I had won in a raffle?! See here to read more about what an awesome thing The Fabric Shopper did to make this Holiday super for a whole bunch of folks, kiddos...in such a crafty way...

back to my sitch. Ok, so moving hoarded corduroys to make room for raffle-won fabric. Moved to bed. Husband was inquiring in that way he does that makes me know he thinks I should donate/throw out whatever item he is inquiring about...and reclaim the place/space it is taking. I threw them in my closet but decided today (only two days later) to make them fit me again, in a way that will be more circa 2009...or maybe 2011...but probably not quite.

I think they are slightly low rise, you know when they first came out with them. So I think to make this half assed version of making your older pants into low rise you'll probably need Non-Mom jeans to begin with...and certainly NO. FREAKING. PLEATS. if you have those either you are WAY to cool to be reading this, and probably also wear ugly sweaters and math teacher glasses to be all ironic and stuff. OR you are just, well, I don't want to hurt your feeling but please stop wearing pleats they are just awful.

So here's what I did to make my half-assed version of low rise out of some cords. OH~! almost forgot...I ruined two pair with failed attempts first, to find this half assed version. If you really want a decent re-do and you are talented when it comes to sewing clothing and you HAVE patience (I do not) then google it because some *true* fashionista revisionistas have done this successfully and probably much more beautifully.

Step ONE: find jeans or cords that will sit on your hips even with their LONG zipper and so forth.

Step Two: turn them inside out, and line up the inseam with a desirable pair of jeans that you currently love the rise in.

Step THREE: BASTE stitch by hand along the excess from the pair you are fixing so it matches up to your desirable pair. try them on with just the basted stitch, to be sure you like how they look.
Note: this lining up, you will find the excess does not run the entire length of your pants, if it does I'd just manually taper it out. You should only be sewing about 5-6" of this inseam. a very thin triangle.

Step FOUR: Machine Sew along your basted stitch. Cut excess and voila there you have your low rise pants.

Note: The reason I termed this "half assed" (besides the obvious) The stitches basically are under your ass, halfway, so unless you are bending over like, with straight legs, touching your toes no one should notice this was done using Peachy Tuesday's Half-Assery. And man oh man do I love that tern btw.

Happy sewing:) Have a Peachy Day!

Sale In Peachy Tuesday Etsy Shop!

2011-11-24T11:12:00.000-05:00

Let's get Givin'

TAKE 40% off your entire order with code:

BLACKFRIDAY40

http://www.etsy.com/shop/PeachyTuesday

Happy Turkey Day!

New Product

2011-10-02T14:00:00.000-04:00

New Design Clip/Headband combo

My most recent headband order included a few new skus. I was super excited to see some new colors and shapes to work into my hair jewelry designs.

behind ear, this style curves outward.

That said, one headband sku was not what I was expecting. I was not going to be 100% satisfied with the outcome sewing my designs ONTO this headband

Fabric Covered with satin trim for grip inside

so I decided to create a new product. It's something I've tossed around in my head before, but I thought needing to use these very nice, sturdy neutral shade headbands was imperative. I created a Clip-Headband Combo product.

new Clip/Headband Combo design

So, if you are on the fence about whether you should get a clip or headband you'll like to try one of these! The new product comes with one of my One of a Kind Hair Clip Fascinators that can be worn alone.

Clip, propped against coordinating Headband wear with or without Band

Bird Clip that can be attached to brown coordinating headband

You can also attach the clip to an included coordinating headband (that I choose).

Clip attached to headband

The headband is Goody Brand, fabric covered and has a textured trim on the underside for a comfortable grip to your hair.

No slip satin trim on underside of headband

exterior fabric covering of headband

This headband fits a bit more snugly than my usual shoestring covered Goody bands. Prior to creating this as a product I wore one of these all day and to work with a clip attached. I was pleased enough to go ahead with this product.

Keep your eyes open for these newbies to be listed in my etsy shop soon. Have a Peachy October Day!

New Design Clip/Headband combo

Denny's and the "New" Facebook, a comparison of sorts.

2011-09-22T16:16:00.001-04:00

Age 19-21 I spent a lot of time at Denny's. To be exact the Denny's in Lancaster on the corner of Columbia Ave. & Rt 741. I also spent a hell of a lot of money there, with which I could be completely covered in tattoos with if I hadn't, but what's done is done. A Slew of us spent tons of hours there. We smoked a billion cigarettes, (cue Screeching Weasel) drank endless cups of coffee and ate terrible microwaved "nachos" and super greasy cheese fries. Simply horrible food. OH! Except for my own concoction of half strawberry half chocolate shake. Those were tasty.

nice 'grunge' era eyebrows ma soeur. smoking.

Most importantly, we socialized. I met long time boyfriends there. I met great souls there. I cried there. I laughed there. I probably freaking slept there at some point. My sister even worked there and I vividly remembering bunkering down there during a freaking snowstorm.

I met each one of these there. One was that boyfriend.

I am sure this sounds just lovely, and to you young folk you wonder why I didn't frequent any of the cool coffee shops in Lancaster. I'll tell you, because, back in the olden days of the grungy 90's THERE WERE NONE. I often hated myself for smelling like the greasy fumes of Denny's. (So I'd smoke more Marlboro Mentol Lights to cover it up). I remember at times I would tell myself "I am staying home tonight. I will not go to Denny's" I thought to myself I'll go to bed, get up early, be productive tomorrow" Then 10:30/11:00pm would roll around and I'd grab my 1979 Plymotuh Volare keyes and drive there anyway.

sometimes we weren't at Denny's like when I was teaching this one how to drive.

I mean, Hello! I didn't want to miss anything.

Eventually, my addiction, my need, my worry of what I'd miss must have diminished. I don't know how it exactly happened...(maybe when I got an apartment & turned 21 ...) we just gradually stopped going there. Now I look back on it somewhat reservedly, embarrassingly, fondly. I am happy to have spent some fun times there, met some great people.

When the most recent Facebook changes happened, my irritation about the changes led my brain ask itself. Why AM I checking my facebook time and time again throughout the day? This quickly reminded of my need to have a daily 'check in' at Denny's on Columbia Ave when I was 20-ish. Facebook is so similar for me. I say to myself "screw this [facebook], I don't have time to figure out all of this" time and time again when they make their changes. Then I do figure it out and adapt. Why? partly because of my business. It is an excellent way to let "likers" of my hair stuff know what is going on, what's new, what shows I am doing. It also brings me new music that coming out, shows I can go SEE, and, of course you can sorta stalk out all your 'friends'. Much like those days at Denny's. Mostly it's just some stupid worry I am going to freaking miss something. I mean lets be honest. I am happy to have reconnected with a number of the 221 friends I have on Facebook. That said, I am sure you must agree that a big part of that number we all could care less about. Possibly a few more I should care less about. I mean most of us long for the freedom of being unplugged, so why the heck don't we? I mean, really. I have slowly been bored with facebook for a time now, I have been on twitter, admittedly, but I find it's less 'connected', thus less addictive for me than the books of the faces.

So Jennifer Kenderdine Hartman will still be ON facebook. Maybe just not as much. So if you really are my friend, if I am in your not published "friends" list part of your friends list that you do give two craps about, then email me, or call me...meh...no don't call me, text. I hate talking on the phone. And in turn I promise to stop cramming your news feed or whatever the hell it is called now with endless food, beer & movie watching statuses, along with weather related bitching statuses galore.

Sound good?
Well Good then. Have a happy unplugged evening. Oh, just after you see this blog post automatically get tweeted & facebooked.

Happy Anniversary. (almost) 11 years Married. Happy.

2011-09-21T14:11:00.002-04:00

Just finished my little creative card thingy for Keith, my husband of nearly 11 years. Friday, the 23rd is the actual anniversary date. This Weekend we'll have a date, eat good food. We'll get to hang out just the two of us. I totally look forward to it.

old scanned photo. bad quality. here we are in 1996 though.

I love this guy. We met in 1996, well, 1995 really, but more officially in 1996. He's my best friend. I adore his being. I hate when he is not around. The life we have is good, happy, loving.

But, when anniversary time rolls around I always stress over what to write, make, or do. As I finished this year's card I was thinking it wasn't expressive enough. I can't ever get OUT what I want to SAY. I know it's cliche but you just can't put it into words. Or maybe it's just my lack of college degree. probably. I should read more.

really though, I want to give this man the universe. I really do. Stressing over a card and how I'll make it witty or creative and romantic is, well, not really worth all that much. Certainly not the universe. What I really need to do, what I must strive for as our years of marriage continue is being in the moment with this man more.

Less: "Shit, can you grab a pack of toilet paper?!?!" more: looking into his eyes. (I am literally sideways smiling about thinking about that right now)

I think this photo was on another blog post but I love it so here it is again.

Less: "Goddammit we have ANTS!" more: paying attention to the temperature & feel of the skin on his hand while we sit next to each other.

New Years Eve 2010.

Less: "I guess I am the only one that can fill a Brita pitcher in this house" more: thank yous, for the multitude of things he does for me, for us, for our family.

Less: hurried smooches and quick "I love yous" in passing. More: hugs goodbye like the ones on super duper bad days, but on the days that are good too.

At Longwood Gardens, Last month.

I need to embrace this man's soul (wait that sounds creepy) AH crap, I need to be more in the moment with him. And that's what my 11th anniversary gift should be. Will be.

Hello neglected blog

2011-09-14T20:58:00.000-04:00

Here's why I don't blog on you:

1. I'd rather pin stuff on Pinterest

2. I would prefer leave the writing up to those who really, like, studied it and junk.

3. I'd rather eat ice cream and watch TV.

4. I am more busy with cleaning up threads/embroidery floss and rogue Cheerioes off of my floor.

5. Very few read it. (thanks to those that do!)

6. I've pissed some people off with this one. I think.

7. I'd rather seach various themes and create folders on my computer of references of pretty things for my husband to reinterpret and draw his style for me to have tattooed. Want to read about what I had a year or so ago, see here.

8. I'd rather cut my bangs.

9. I'd rather paint my nails, including taping them off with scotch tape and using more than one color like I learned how to here.

10. I'd rather make secret presents, like stuffed owls, for my kids to trade their rot-your-teeth-out and/or kill you-because-it-contains-peanuts-Halloween-candy-for.

11. I'd rather stalk the neighbor's bulldog puppy when it's in the yard smiling at it without cease.

12. I'd rather volunteer at school. Love those darn kids.

13. I'd rather snuggle up to my husband in bed. Let's leave it at that. eh em....

Have a Positively Peachy Day. I'll write again when the husband is meal planning and I am awaiting some TV/DVR dumping aside him.

A Letter to my School's Staff

2011-03-24T09:54:00.001-04:00

Hello,

I wanted to take this opportunity to express how grateful I am that the school my peanut allergic daughter attends has been so supportive and compassionate. I thank you all immensely for making the classrooms and cafeteria a safe environment for Ruby to learn and eat without fear, or ridicule. If it was not for your support I do not believe the community of parents would be so supportive and I thank you for this as well.

In light of the story topping the news this morning,

I am proud that my children attend your school, and can’t express the gratitude I feel that we are not in a situation like the one in Edgewater Florida. I feel awful for that poor little girl, her family, and for the children that are being taught such intolerance by the ignorance of their parents.

In our school Ruby feels normal, like any other kid in her class, with some dietary restrictions and careful hand wiping. We have made it through nearly three years with no reactions! This is something to be proud of and I sincerely thank you all for your hard work and dedication. Most of all, I thank you for caring, genuinely for my child’s health and safety. I think there is a lot to be said about a school that can show this. You can tell these kids at Taylor feel cared for as well as educated by the staff. This can only lend to a prosperous bunch of students. I have not been able to supply as many paper towels for wipes to be made this year due to financial constraints but I hope this message reaches every staff member that helps in this effort.

Please know I truly thank you.

Warmly,

Jen & family

Tutorial: Making American Girl Doll Tights

2011-03-06T11:19:00.001-05:00

I was looking at a mess on my dresser last evening when a lone knee sock struck me with an amazingly-easy-to-execute idea. I told one of my daughters to "quick! go get your American Girl doll!" I realized the width of my adult sized knee sock was the American Girl Doll waist width. I made 3 pair of tights from knee socks in about 30 minutes. I thought I'd post how easy it was here. My apologies, the pictures are awful, but you'll forgive me when you see how easy this is!

you'll need:

An adult sized knee sock,
thread
sewing machine
scissors
ruler

First: Turn your sock inside out (if you forget it's ok, if they are solid color socks they'll look fine, and to be honest I forgot on this pair!)

Step two: Cut straight across removing the "foot" part of the sock

Step Three: measure 3 inches from top of sock and mark with a pin

Step four: Sew down the almost center from the pin twice, leaving about 1/2" in between your sewing lines so you can easily cut in between the lines you've sewn. At the bottom, curve your sewing line outward.

Step Five: sew the 1/2" space connecting the TOP of your lines.

Step Six: Cut up the center and around the feet.

Turn right side out and you have yourself some dolly tights!

Front


back

variations: tights with runners could work almost just as easily (even kids tights!) but you'll have to adjust the tutorial a bit to sew yourself a waist.

Positive Moments 2-2-2011

2011-02-02T10:00:00.002-05:00

Wow it's been a long time since I've posted a positive moment. I thought to counter balance yesterday's kinda not super positive post I'd do one today.

Santa Claus brought my girls American Girl Dolls this Christmas. Since I have been on a mission to outfit them with a wicked cool wardrobe.I came across this site, Liberty Jane, when I searched for a tights pattern and was 100% impressed with the utter rad-ness of every outfit, the concept, how they give back, the prices, everything. Makes me want to be a doll fashion designer kinda. Not really, I have found it tedious to sew for these little "girls" actually, I still do it, but not jumping onto the designer wagon just yet I'll use these patterns instead.

On their website Founder, Cinnamon Miles Says:

"We are not concerned about high volume or manufacturing in China, we’re focused on an intense level of detail, high quality fabrics, and designs that are bold and trendy. My goal is to translate contemporary fashion hits into the 18 inch doll market for collectors and young girls who are excited by today’s fashions"

I love sharing the enthusiasm with my girls when it comes to these dolls they are taking such good care of. It's fun for all of us, and by all means a positive moment. And this company, is also the kindof positive that makes moments like these happen easier.

I wish you many positive moments my friend,

Take Good Care.

Hot Sauce Mom; My Opinion

2011-02-01T12:27:00.001-05:00

My daughters and I saw the Mom hot saucing her son on the Today Show Today. My oldest, age 7 says with a very confused look on her face:
"why's she doing that?"
I tell her "because he lied" both of my kids were just confused and flabbergasted. I am glad they felt this way and were not experiencing the physiological effects I felt watching this Mother disciplining her child.

In one respect I feel bad for this mother. I believe she is suffering from ignorance. I think this is the root of many problems in our society.

We do not put enough emphasis on mental illness, how it is caused, and the lasting effects of abuse and how it causes mental illness. We live in denial, and often times the cycle repeats.

As I watched this boy being screamed at in a freezing cold shower my heart rate increased. My throat tightened. My hands started so shake. I was scared. In the past I have thought about posting publicly about the child abuse I lived through. I did not want to appear whiny or gain pity. Today, I thought it was time.

As a kid I was not "hot sauced". I was not put in a cold shower, that I recall...I was, however, hit in the face, my hair was pulled, I was kicked, screamed at, belittled daily, spanked, beaten with objects. I was abused. I will not share all the methods my Mother used to abuse us. Some of it just can't be on a blog.

I wanted to make a point though, A lot of us were abused. There was a time when I would announce "I am glad my Mother hit me, it made me a good, honest, law abiding person". That statement was ignorant. At the time I did not make the connection between the countless mental and emotional issues I suffered with the fact that I had been repeatedly, systematically broken throughout my childhood. True, beating a child and screaming at them keeps them quiet in some instances, puts them in constant FEAR. This is how I felt as a child. I feared authority figures, I worried constantly to the point of migraines & full body hives in the 2nd grade. As a teen I cut myself, was suicidal, and for a time exercised obsessively. I made bad choices and hung out with undesirable "friends" who in some cases, abused me too. It's what I had been taught what being "loved" felt like.

And that is what corporal punishment

of any kind will teach your child too.

It's called PTSD, post traumatic stress disorder It's what happens when you suffer trauma. I can tell you first hand it's not easy to heal from. My easiest description is this: When you suffer trauma your fight or flight mechanism amps into full effect. If you suffer that trauma time and time again your body reacts, this fight or flight gets all kinds of goofed up. The simplest of things will begin to trigger it. Your neural pathways have been burned in a wrong direction. Think of it this way:

You should have taken a turn but the turn has been plowed shut and you drive straight through the stop sign because you cannot stop. Your brakes are not working at. all. and WHAM! you crash.

Along with this illustration PTSD does countless negative things to your neurology, physiology and It's a rough go. Look, I am no expert, but my guess is this kid that has been hot sauced & cold showered, he's got PTSD and will suffer through it for a long time. I urge anyone that considers this type of discipline to read about the lasting effects of such methods. I am far from a perfect parent, none of us are perfect, but when we can admit that we lost our temper and screamed too loud, or too long and apologize to our child (and mean it!) The lasting effects of that will be so much more positive. You don't want your child to fear you. Honestly, I know.

Please no pity comments, I am functioning well these days, I am a good parent, and I have wonderful kids. They do not walk over me in any way, they respect me, and for the most part they listen to me;) We give them a chance to own up to lying to us and they really do so! I am proud of that. The abuse I endured as a child is not something I like to discuss much at all. It's only a small part of what makes me, me and I don't let it control my life. That said, I do NOT deny it either. You must face these sorts of things or they will continue to cancer your psyche.

I truly hope this Mother learns from this, Herself and all her children will benefit greatly if she stops using these abusive methods of discipline.

Update: 8-24-11

The mother in this video was charged with misdemeanor child abuse, the Anchorage Daily News reports. She faces up to a year in prison and is due to be sentenced Monday 8-29-11. Prosecutor Cynthia Franklin told the Daily News that the verdict was just. The jury “concluded that it is child abuse to hurt your child as an audition for a television show,” she said.

hmm. well, there you have it. but really, only reason this got as far as it did was due to the media. Though it is terribly negative of me, I am almost positive it won't stop many parents from "supporting" these types of discipline. They just won't be sending their videos into reality TV or TV talk shows.

What can parents and HUMANS who care do to keep children safe from abusive homes?

Follow your Gut.

If you feel something is array in a childs life, ask about it. Do something about it. Don't get freaky paranoid about it, just don't look the other way either.
They are children, they look to adults to guide them and keep them safe. Let's do that.

FREE Valentines Printable!

2011-01-28T16:13:00.000-05:00

To show my appreciation to all my customers I wanted to make thisValentine available to you to print for your special Valentines this year.

There are two not-so-lovey-dovey Monster designs, hand illustrated by my husband for our little ladies to give to their classmates for the upcoming holiday.

Print the Pdf at 100%, each sheet gives you two Valentines.

Click below to download:

Valentines 2011

Have Fun and Happy Valentine's Day!!

♥ XOXO

Hiatus and what I've learned so far...

2010-11-28T16:38:00.001-05:00

I sigh aloud, but the good kind of sigh- of relief. I have wanted to explain my closing shop actions since doing it weeks ago. I still can't really give public details, but I was sidelined by circumstances beyond my control. it happens. To a crafter in their first year of serious business, LLC creation and determined hard work, well, it was a blow. It is wonderful to see the public embracing the giving of homemade goods this season. I truely do wish my hair accessories could be more of a part of that. You can still find a few at Verve Hair Studio in Lancaster and The Lancaster Hodge Podgery, and if you are in Alaska Babes in the Woods also carries Peachy Tuesday. I have been doing my best not to think about how it makes me grind my teeth that they could have been more places...

Another sigh, still slightly relieving with a heart palpitation of irritation on the back end.

I admit the time off has been mostly really super awesome. This time to be freer, more at ease, less stressed, is great, wonderful, healthy. It has given me more time to pay attention to my health, home, husband, children and of course other crafty stuff I never had time to work on! I have even gotten into work at my desk job a few extra hours (twice!) over the past two weeks.

I think Peachy Tuesday will be, less, when she returns December 13th. I think her owner needs to be a hobbyist, not because I think that's what would sell her the most stuff. It will need to be that way for my reasons, personally. They may not be pioneering the Indie Craft movement anyplace, they may not sound the most passionate, but in reality, they are, so Passionate. What I am most passionate about is love. I feel lucky to be blessed with so much love in my life. I adore my family, my home, my husband most in this life. I want to, need to, cultivate that foremost. I want Peachy Tuesday to be a facet that makes us glimmer as the homebody family we are, not make us clouded because Mommy is sitting at the computer or making things tirelessly all the time.

What do I love about my business? When people love my creations and can see the time and heart that went into them. I love when I make a customer happy. I'll still do that. I just won't be shoving the stuff down everyone's throat via facebook posts and I am so DONE with Twitter. I'll keep my fans updated using facebook just not All The Time. My guess is that it won't even change my sales. Either way, I don't care.

ps: That date (12/13) is concrete, so if you wanted to give a Peachy Tuesday items for a holiday gift visit one of the places mentioned above before 12/13 or jump on my shop that day for open-ness. I'll do my best to ship things super duper fast!

Thanks to all of those that are aware of more details about my temporary closing and have sent words of encouragement, and support. I cherish you all very much. Again, I am lucky to have all of you.

Positive Moments 11-6-2010 Plush Shopping

2010-11-06T20:35:00.001-04:00

Today I was compiling my daughter's Christmas lists. My daughters adore plush toys. They accumulate quickly in my house that was clear when I posted this organizational tool for storing them.

Alas, they love them, so, for Christmas they certainly wish for more of the fuzzy creatures. I have to admit looking through pages of plush on Etsy with my ladies was super fun. Here were some our favorites:

This bright furry guy by The Jae Bird, a fellow Pennsylvanian crafter.


Duncan the Plush Horned Monster

This by Mutant Caterpillar made the girls squeal with delight

Johannistachel Caterpillar

To play tribute to one of my new Favorite TV shows, The Walking Dead This green Zombie by Saint Angel Productions could live in my home WAY beyond Halloween time

Zombers

I recently had a very positive shopping experience with Scrumptious Delight.

I purchased what honestly is the most adorable stuffed animal I have EVER seen in. my. life.

It is for my niece's upcoming birthday Cannot wait for her to open it!

Mini Marshmallow Plush

I have given these monsters as gifts in the past. My girls each have one as well...

Chasing My Star is a great Etsian, awesome plush monsters!

Custom Snuggle Monster

My husband and I both thought Love & A Sandwich was super cool. this guy made Keith laugh aloud.

Newborn Monster

Both of my girls have been in love with this furry bunny by Zygopsyche for some time.

Fuchsia the Hot Pink Bunny

Lastly, Happycloud Thunderhead illustrates far from scary characters & monsters

bringing them to life for a snuggle with a sewing machine.

They have also found a creative way to make them into hats and ear warmers!

Be sure to check out their Etsy shop This season! Here is their blog as well.

Happycloud Thunderhead Monsters

I hope you enjoyed taking a look at some wonderful plush shops on Etsy. Christmas is a just a blink or two away...maybe some of these finds can help you make some lists or fill some stockings!

I wish you many positive Moments of snuggling

and smiling my Friend, Take good Care.

Stuffed Animal Storage-Tutorial

2010-11-01T12:54:00.001-04:00

My Children Adore Plush Toys. They have A. LOT. OF. STUFFED. ANIMALS. They loved playing with them so I can't complain too much. At times the huge bins full of them drive me nuts. They take up huge amounts of floor space! I am not really a huge fan of those nets you can buy for the ceiling. I mean, honestly what kid can reach that? what is the point really? If we are storing plush by lining our ceilings they really should be out of our homes, right?

In my oldest daughter's room my husband came up with the idea of fashioning a hammock to tie off the end of her loft bed. Did I tell you I am married to an organizational genius? yep. He's amazing, he's also a good cook, an kick ass artist...fun Daddy...so happy he's my wonderful Hubby.

You can add one of these to a regular bed, just needs to be one with a foot board.

I decided to whip up this hammock today. And I did in literally 10 minutes. here's How I did it:

you'll need:

1 Throw blanket
6 pieces of gross grain ribbon cut so you have enough to tie around the end of your bed rails. I used 10" pieces.
thread
bed with foot board

burn the edges of your ribbon so they do not fray.
fold ribbon in half and sew one piece to each corner of the blanket
use the last two pieces of ribbon in the center of each long side of your blanket.
Tie hammock to your bed and fill.
Easy & now that huge bin is off the floor!

disclaimer/update: First words out of youngest child's mouth when she saw this: "It would be cool if I could get in here!!" Just a note of caution, do explain the importance that this hammock is for STUFFED ANIMALS only!

Why you Should Make your Own Salad Dressing Recipe Honey-Cumin Salad Dressing

2010-10-23T15:43:00.001-04:00

I fell in love with the house salad dressing at Checker's Bistro some time ago. I Could have drank shots of the stuff it was so darned good. Sadly, they took it off their menu (crazy). I went on an internet quest to find a recipe that mimics it this past Spring. I found one and have fine tuned it to my liking. I have been using this dressing on just about every salad I've eaten since Spring. You should probably try making your own salad dressing too, here are several reasons why:

It will have a lot less sodium than store bought
You'll save money
It has no preservatives yet most recipes you'll find won't need stored in the refrigerator
You can cater the dressing to your liking
You know exactly what's going into your dressing, omitting things like MSG.
It saves on waste, those plastic/glass dressing bottles don't go into the trash/recycle bin.
It will only take you 5 minutes. Shopping for a bottle in the store takes longer than making it yourself!

Here's my recipe: I adapted it from this recipe I found on Epicurious.

Honey-Cumin Vinaigrette

1 Tablespoon Cumin (I use McCormick I do believe this spice companies gives you great quality)
1 Tablespoon Honey
1/3 cup Red Wine Vinegar
3/4 cup Extra Virgin Olive Oil

Using a funnel and a glass bottle (I used a discarded Red Wine Vinegar bottle or soy sauce bottle)
Funnel Cumin into bottle, followed by honey, Vinegar & oil. shake until honey is dissolved. Store at Room Temperature for several weeks. (maybe months, I have always used mine up faster than that) Shake well before using.

10-20-10 Positive Moments

2010-10-20T10:45:00.002-04:00

Wow it's been too long since I have made attempts to blog a moment ala positivity.

Bloggest Apologies.

Positive. I have been all kinds of positive lately! I enjoy three times a week volunteering at my daughters' school. I am loving helping the teachers and getting to know the kids. It is nice to see how things work in my girl's classrooms.

More positive stuff? Couch to 5K. I have started (trying) to jog 3-4 times a week. It has proven to be quite a challenge for my skinny-but-totally-not in-shape-body. I give myself some credit, I am toned. I came to grips with the fact that yoga for 5 years has taught me lots about breathing and helped build strong lean muscles but I have to get this heart beating faster! The Couch To 5K walking running program is doing that. Initially I adored the post endorphin rush when I arrived home from a jog. That has faded, but I am still liking getting into shape. It's good for the brains, the heart and the soul. Just like yoga. Oh, and of course I am still doing my Yoga Zone routines in my living room 5x a week. That is for sure.

Hand stamped Hemp Tied Bracelet by Mindy Kuen on Etsy

So to give props to this jogging routine and the positives it has offered me? Well for the runners that have been at it for a time there are certainly absolutely adorable things on Etsy! For someone that has completed a marathon this necklace would be a nice surprise!

Love to Run Marathons necklace by Winterberry's Jewelry Shop on Etsy

And how about a half? This key chain would be perfect.


Half Marathon Stamped Keyring by Emilina Ballerina's shop on Etsy

And for lil me that can successfully run for 90 seconds (in a row!) This inspiring tee may be more appropriate.

Run Forest Run Tee by Jam Jam tees on Etsy

I wish you many positive Moments to run to with gusto,

arms outstretched my friends. Take good Care.

Art in The Ballpark-Vendor Lineup

2010-10-05T10:12:00.002-04:00

I was so excited to receive the vendor listing last evening in my email box. I could not wait to get home to start looking up who I'd be selling my craft with this weekend. I started finding everyone's etsy shops/fan pages and thought why not share them with the world? Here's the lineup of talent you can come out to see This Saturday Oct 9th at 8am. Proceeds benefit the Antonio Forte Transplant Fund. Read More on why we are having this benefit here.

The Talent:

Rachel's Cafe and Creperie

Plant Lady Designs

(team Hip-ster) Tiny Galaxies

Oxidized Pebble Studs

Mac’s Designs

XO Candles and Clay

The Anecdotes

Cynthia

Believe In Art

Hobby House Retreat

Whimsical Stitches AND Bella Shade

Peacock Peasant Top

Mudslinger Ceramics and Crafts

Amy's Add Ons AND Dabble

The Angel Factory

Kreative Karryalls

Earthy Ribbon Purse

(team Hip-ster) Beadworks By Kerri

Simply Stitching

(me) Peachy Tuesday featuring some of Rosie's Whimsy's items AND B Co.Co.

Coconut Lip Balm

Designs By Rachel Lynn

Mary Regina Designs

Tag Necklace

Designs By Miss Chris

Susie Q Flair For Jewelry

C what Eye C-Photography by Roni Sue

Ginny Haas- Tastefully Simple

Crazy Little Studio

(team Hip-ster) Michabella Creations

Verdigiris Patinaed Brass Leaf Necklace

Noah's Ark Animal Workshop & Party Lite

Marsha Peterson - Avon

Originals By Paris

Green Granny Smith

The weather is supposed to be beautiful this Saturday. Admission is FREE, parking is FREE in the stadium lot! Come out to see us,help us raise money, bring the kids, 11-5 there will be a fun fest with pay as you go kids activities. Here are directions to the ballpark located On Prince Street In Lancaster PA.Vendors will be set up where you enter the stadium, near food and rest room facilities.

Hope to see you Saturday!

Positive Moments 9-30-10

2010-10-01T09:07:00.000-04:00

September has been a whirlwind of crazy in my household. Many birthdays, sicknesses, our anniversary, start of school. Getting into a groove schedule-wise has been challenging. Fitting in my Positive moments blog posts have suffered miserably. I had to share this one from yesterday though.

Ellen Red Silk Halter Bra by Hopeless on Etsy

Ruby and I are sitting in the doctor's office awaiting her exam. I won't go into those details, she's fine, healthy and was sent back to school the same day. So we are waiting for the doctor Ruby asks me "When will I start to grow boobs?" I respond (skirting the issue) "the whole process takes a long time". She responds

"Oh, it must be taking you a long time because yours are so small"

I reply with a smile. She continues "Some people's boobs are so big they stick out of their bathing suit!" (she is making hand motions to her chest) I explain the term "cleavage", (realizing it would have been more appropriate to just explain in more detail when her breasts would develop.) She says "so cleavage is a bad thing?" I respond with a shrug and say that some like it some don't. Mostly the fact that my 7 year old notices the difference between my tiny boobs and the majority is what was a positive moment. She did go on to say she hopes she has small "boobs", yea, um, her chances are good on getting that wish! The doctor's office chat made me chuckle. I am glad she is comfortable asking such questions and the fact that this came up at age 7 makes me feel confident she'll feel free to ask more later...despite my glazing over the answers sugarly.

Listen, I am not afraid to share with her or the world that I can shop for bras in the girls department. I do, they are WAY cheaper ($8) and fit me. Victoria's Secret... NOPE! Not for my small boobs! But I do believe Hopeless's Etsy shop could work. Ages ago I discovered this shop thanks to Tara, through Scoutie Girl's blog. What superb attention to detail. Just beautiful. and p.s. No bulging cleavage.

So enjoy this post that was kinda silly and fun, I promise to share more positive moments as I have the time. as always,

I wish you many positive moments my friend.

Take good care.

10 Years of Married

2010-09-23T09:06:00.000-04:00

This post was not planned. I just felt like writing about my anniversary, my husband, my marriage, my life today.

This day 10 years ago I married a wonderful guy. He's sensitive, caring, loving, funny, bold, handsome, creative, inspiring and on and on...At this time 10 years ago I was completely worried about the rain that was coming out of the gray skies, onto the pretty white chairs lined up for our upcoming afternoon ceremony. The guys helped to dry chairs off before people arrived to watch us vow publicly what we knew long ago.

Ten years flew by faster than any cell in my body ever could have imagined. I love sharing the whirlwind speedy life with my partner, my fairy tale prince, my friend. We have a good life, we fit each other rather perfectly. We have are easy with each other. I guess we accidentally found this ease to work nicely these ten years. Well, and to be honest for the years before those too.

It stopped raining for the ceremony. Those rainy, gray morning skies turned out to be a blessing of bright white light for the photographer. We said our words to each other, holding back tears of joy.

side note: That is one huge regret I have about the wedding. I should have just cried! I am rather and expert at swallowing back and holding down tears and bawls. In my defense, I was doing what came easiest. BUT! I should have let them fall that day, it would have been perfectly fine and less odd-looking on the video. I was repeatedly swallowing and blinking like a wacko...I guess it's something to laugh about now.

What have I learned in a 10 year marriage? what has the easiness taught me? Inadvertently, it has instructed me to take care...even the smoothest of relationships require careful attention to detail. This partnership still requires special isolated moments. Dedicated smiley moments, thoughts, words, actions to remind one another what got us to this easy place.

I think we do a pretty nice job keeping up with finding those snippets of this fast paced life. We stop and look into each other's eyes and silently remind one another how we adore sharing it with a person like them.

I took some moments yesterday to compile all the images I could find of Keith and I together over the past 10 years. I added our "first dance" song from our Wedding reception. I thought I'd share it with you today. The song is rather fitting if I do say so myself.

Positive Moments 9-19-10

2010-09-19T18:19:00.001-04:00

I was unhappily driving to work this afternoon to put in a few extra hours. I spotted a gang of bikers riding toward me. As they approached I noticed this gang was certainly NOT of Harley owners. It was Scooter Riders! It is not something we see here in my town often. Ironically I spotted this group of happy scooter riders Right smack in front of a rather hard core Harley Shop in my town. Anyhow they all look happy on there little ride and I loved seeing that. I should go into a more descriptive reasoning, but I just don't have the time at the moment. I know scooters are all the rage in hipsterville, So, for today's moment I will give you some scooter stuff I thought particularly neat on Etsy.

first up some Italian Retro Vespa Scooter Charm Earrings. So cute. Too bad my ears are not pierced.

this little wristlet caught my eye. It is the perfect size for your phone, ipod, keys.

I wish you many positive moments my friend.

Take good care.

Painting a new challenging endeavor

2010-09-18T01:11:00.001-04:00

I have meant to write a post about some inspiration I have found in the past year or two. Tonight about 3/4 of the way through my first date with acrylic paint on canvas I decided tonight was the night to go ahead and give credit where credit was SO due.

Blue Green Screen by Cookmefud on Etsy

I had blogged a bit about my need to collage. I added to this blog the idea that I wanted to incorporate painting into my collage. Earlier this week I gessoed. (Seriously, is gessoed a word? spell check always says no...what the hell am I supposed to say in place of it then? whatever.) I gessoed pieces of canvas I had ripped and decoupaged onto panes of an old window. I had hoarded this old window from my home improvement's past.

Eventually this piece will become a mixed media work of art? crap? garbage? something for me to try and hide from my artistic husband so I am not dropped into a state of complete poser-artist-dom? Really though, whatever it becomes, it is an experience I wanted to work through

I followed my (fully educated in the arts) husband's instruction. I collected my brushes, paint, palettes, two cups of water...headed to my basement to paint. First off, two cups of water are FAR from enough. I quickly realized I needed a bucket of water. Another thing I realized is that all of the brushes I purchased some weeks ago were too skinny. I went upstairs and grabbed a trim brush we use for household painting. that worked nice. Tonight's portion of the work was, at first, a pain in my ass. As time went by, somewhat intriguing, fun, Mostly, daunting, and humbling.

I liked painting. I'll tell you it's harder than I thought it'd be. I was positive I wanted nothing to do with trying to create something realistic. The reference I had was underwater. the sunlight shining through from this underwater spot. Crap, now I realize this would make so much more sense if I would have enough guts to post my work in progress...deep breath... not tonight...Listen, long story short, I enjoyed painting. Eventually what I create will be posted. Dear God it better not be too awful.If it is just know, I make kick ass headbands.

The main reason for this post was to give credit where it was due. So, here goes. My friend Mike is a self taught painter. He's also a wonderful father and human. I respect him a great deal and I dig his paintings. Truth be told, there's no damn way I'd have ever picked up a paintbrush and put it to canvas had this guy not done it first. It has been inspiring to me, him being self taught, and the fact that he finds painting therapeutic. Check out his work on Etsy. He says

"my major inspirations are the sea (upon which I've spent most of my life), the music I listen to, my travels, my family and my environment. I am passionate about life, love, and art, and I think that some of that comes across in the bold and expressive style of my paintings. I tend to live my life in the abstract, and I see things in that way. These paintings are my attempt at recreating the way I see the world around me."

Abstract 2008

And in my, completely humbled, opinion he achieves that amazingly. Keep up the great work, Mike and thank you for the inspiration.

Vegan Big Chocolate Chip Cookie Recipe

2010-09-12T09:25:00.001-04:00

I was ill-equipped for the countless (health nut) vegan chocolate chip cookie recipes I found online yesterday. Honestly, I had already been to the grocery store and Natural Food Store for ingredients for some Vegan Lemon Bars I had made for my daughter's Birthday party and was NOT about to head to either again.

I chose to use a regular Big Cookie recipe I found and adjusted the recipe to 'veganize' it myself. It turned out perfect, so, I thought I'd share. This is for the time when you are like, "I need to make a huge cookie, ah CRAP! I have no eggs!" I mean that happens all the time right? so, here it is my friends:

Vegan Big Chocolate Chip Cookie

1 cup Earth Balance Buttery Sticks, softened
3/4 cup sugar
3/4 cup packed light brown sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce
1 1/4 cup all purpose flour
1 cup whole wheat flour
1 tsp salt
2 tsp baking soda
12 oz bag Enjoy Life brand vegan Chocolate Chips
cooking spray
icing optional (I use Pillsbury classics they are vegan/allergen free)

preheat oven 350 degrees. Spray 14" pizza pan with cooking spray
in large bowl mix sugar, brown sugar, vanilla and buttery sticks until fluffy. Add apple sauce 1/4 cup at a time beat well.
in seperate bowl mix flours, salt and baking soda with a fork
gradually add flour mixture to wet mixture until smooth. stir in chips.
spread dough into pizza pan evenly. bake 20-25 min. cut away uneven edges. Cool. Decorate as desired.

Update: this should be enough dough for TWO 14" pizza pans...if you squeeze it into one it'll drip out over and make a big mess in your oven. Not sure why this didn't make a mess the time I made this cookie but since it's caused a smoky stinky kitchen so, now we know it's enough for two. (Thanks to my sister for trying that out btw)

Positive Moments 9-10-10

2010-09-10T16:22:00.000-04:00

I am one of those lucky people that can fall asleep extremely easily. I am known to fall asleep for juuuust about every movie Blockbuster sends to us. I can sleep though my husbands and my own alarm, along with other things normal folks are awoken from. I value my sleep like I do food. It's very important for my mental health for me to sleep an adequate amount. 6 hours minimum. 8 preferred (almost never attained). This week was our first back-to-school. It was also the beginning of some added exercise for myself. By today, Friday I am wicked sleepy. We are all tired in the Hartman house. Only lucky me gets to take a nap though! And today I nervously set my alarm to awaken me promptly 15 minutes beyond the time it was when I set it. Oh yea, forgot to mention I am a proponent of the power nap. It totally works for me. It's nice since I can basically fall asleep once I am horizontal, and if I am not into that deep sleep an alarm can still wake me up. So, I did that. When my alarm beeped I was tempted to snooze it. I did not, knowing my two little ladies needed me to walk to pick them up from school! I am never ever ever late for that. ever. Once I was out of my bed I felt amazingly better. All refreshed and ready for the rest of my day and night activities.

So today I found the perfect shirt to announce to all the world my love of naps. I think this shirt could be interpreted many ways, probably an excellent Mommy Day gift, shower gift. And actually the Bold Banana on Etsy makes all kindsa cool tees so if you want to keep YOUR napping habit a secret maybe another top would suit you better. Halloween is coming, here's a neato Frankenstein shirt...

I wish you many positive moments

(and good sleep)

Take care.

Positive Moments 9-7-10

2010-09-07T20:31:00.000-04:00

So today's post will be short, but it's a goody. I had a long day, but drivingI caught a glance at something that I had to share. As always, certainly, there were positive moments galore but this one kinda seemed more interesting than my yougest daughter's Kindergarten orientation, or the great pride I feel about my very sensitive second grader not crying a single tear on her first day of school this year. This moment is a little less heady.

This one moment always makes me smile, I've seen it countless times before, as I did today...... some old guy, retired (most likely), totally blissfully driving some completely restored old car. Classic, Antique, whatever you call it. It's a car, It's old, It's from long before they added plastic to any body, it's shiny, it's got chrome, it's loud (probably?). This old dude looks like he is seriously in heaven. Happens all the time. You know he has spent countless hours (avoiding his nagging wife?) hiding out in his (detatched?) garage fixing this auto up. It's probably taken half his adult life. Now he's got white hair, dentures to match, he's old, retired, and he is leisurely driving this vehicle down 462, purple plates and all. I see him and it totally makes me smile. I love the beam on his face. It exudes positively happy. It's hard work paid off. It's, just awesome.

So to give a shout out to your Grandpap, Dad, Husband, Mom (let us NOT be sexist!) here is a Pontiac GTO wall graphic. Hey did I mention I also friggin' love Muscle Cars? I know absolutely nothing about them, but-- hubba hubba-- I drool at how they look! This Graphic was created by Pillbox Designs On Etsy. They make an array of wall graphics, so if cars are not your thing they still may have something you'd like.

I wish you many positive moments Take good care.

Positive Moments 9-4-10

2010-09-04T22:32:00.002-04:00

I was nearly prepared to plant my weary butt on the sofa for some Intervention episodes via DVR when I realized I want to document this wonderfully positive moment today.

My oldest Daughter and I, at times, lock horns. She's only 7 but she can be, argumentative, emotional, silently sensitive to organic things that may be just slightly off kilter, non-stop linguistically and whew-- stubborn. We call her our little attorney. She seriously argues about things she probably really does agree with. And --sigh-- she is more like me than at times I'd like to admit.

I struggle some days to find calm moments that she will cherish. Ruby is an extremely creative, thoughtful, mature, intelligent, diligent human. She is such a wonderful kid. I am beyond lucky to have a child like her. I know this. I remind myself of this every day, all day.

When I say we struggle I mean, It's not always easy. She is 100% angel at school, for babysitters, and family members. She saves the true blue Ruby Tuesday for her parents. (yea, that is where part of my shop/blog name came from --a nick name we use)

When she gets in trouble we know a BIG argument will ensue. No simple argument will do. We will need to dive deep into depths no 7 year old dreams, to analyze why exactly she did goof around with that taco for the 15th time, landing it on the floor... I smile as I type this, but when I am in the throws of her 'advanced comminication functions' it certainly feels less than smiley. It makes me proud and irritated all in the same breath. She is such a good kid.

I can't blame her at all...the kid likes justice. When she thinks something is unfair she will certainly let you know every bit of the way around why she thinks we are seeing it wrongly.

Tonight Ruby and I played a game, just the two of us, Mancala. I chuckle as I type this, because, initially when I was considering posting this I was remembering the word Mandala. (I am AWFUL terrible and very bad with names) I looked up Mandala and was like wow this is perfect!! But when I double checked myself, I relized it was ManCala. Nonetheless, a super fun game for Mommy and Ruby to play. We both really enjoyed two rounds of it, she totally beat me both times. She was feeling those good easy moments I strive for her to get each day and that made me so happy.

Such a positive moment.

I found a great Etsy Shop that makes Mancala games out of reclaimed wood. Mr Hudon makes beautiful wood pieces for sale in his etsy shop, like this Apple Box, it is very close to that season folks...give it a look!

I wish you many positive moments my friend.

Take good care.

Positive Moments 9-3-10

2010-09-03T19:00:00.001-04:00

Today was busy for me. It was one of those physically exhausting days where you feel like you accomplished tons, so, to me today was a win. Part of my "to do" list included dusting and cleaning my downstairs. I had noticed about two weeks ago large spider webs had been constructed and decided it was time for dusting.

Today's Moment. I was dusting, oh yea, by the way, I dust with the vacuum. I use the brush attachment and suck the dust up. I was taught this by my estranged (demented) Egg donor (Mother, though I'd rather NOT call her such because she does not deserve the word.) Anyhow she was NUTS (literally) about cleaning. She would lean forward holding the vacuum tube to her ear while cleaning making sure the vacuum was sucking up dirt. I totally don't do that. The woman (I am not even sure she gets that name) that grew me would probably think my home is not clean enough. I kinda like knowing that.

I digress...So, duster brush attachment to suck up dust. It's good for allergenic folk like my kids & husband. I mean, really, a feather duster just sweeps the dust up into the air and it will fall back down soon enough. A spray with a rag is just nasty chemically yuck for me. so I vacuum it.

Positive Moment: I am dusting my foyer wall of picture frames. Every photo is family, Some are collage frames, some are single frames. I was, of course taking a moment with each frame. Cleaning the dust off making each photo clearer to sight. I started to get a bit misty-eyed. Sigh. My girls are growing up so fast. Baby pictures, toddler days, preschool, and so on. It was a happy-sad moment and I'll call it positive (wink).

Tuesday they are both off to school. For the first year, both of them will be there the full day. This milestone has filled me with all sorts of emotions, plans, fear, remorse, happiness...and on and on.

So for today I chose a frame. You need family pictures from all times hanging everywhere too! I swear it is the most complimented 'thing' in my house. Visitors always make note of my abundance of photos hanging, and how they love it.

I loved this frame, actually I love a TON of stuff in Love Tsp Vintage shop on Etsy.

Enjoy taking a gander through this awesome shop! If you are crafty, you won't be able to resist putting some great art, fabric, poetry into some of her frames or other wall adornments.

I wish you many positive moments my friend. take good care.

Easy Turkey Gyros Recipe

2010-09-01T15:00:00.002-04:00

Do you have an abundance of Tomatoes? Here's a recipe you can use some in! Who doesn't love a Gyro? well, honestly I have never tried a true "Gyro" with the lamb, ewww. Here is another recipe we eat regulary in my house, as always, VERY EASY. It is from the Pampered Chef 29 min or less cookbook available here . This is also a lighter version of a normal Gyro.

Gyros

1/2 small onion
2 Tbsp chopped FRESH Italian Parsley
1 Lb 93% lean Ground Turkey
1/2 tsp thyme (I omit)
1/2 tsp salt (I omit, don't tell the husband)
1/2 tsp black pepper
2 tsp olive oil (you may need more depending on your skillet)
4 flat pita bread rounds (without pockets)
peeled & Sliced cucumber and sliced tomatoes

Yogurt Sauce

1/2 cup plain non fat yogurt (I use non fat, recipe does not call for that)
2 garlic cloves pressed (I use about 2tsp of the minced from a jar)
1/8 tsp salt (I DO use this salt;)
2 Tbsp chopped Fresh Italian Parsley
1/4 cup fresh cucumber finely chopped

To start gyros preheat oven 350 degrees. Finely chop onion. chop all parsley. Set aside 2 Tbsp parsley for sauce. Press garlic into large mixing bowl; add onion 2T parsley, turkey, thyme and pepper. mix vigorously until well blended.

Add oil to Skillet ( you may need more than this calls for) Heat over med high heat or until shimmering. As oil heats form turkey mixture into four thin rectangular loaves about 1/4" thick (I think mine are close to 1/2" thick). Cook 3-5 min on each side til browned. Place Skillet into oven 13-15 min. Cook meat til it is no longer pink in center. Make sure your Skillet can go in the oven at this temp, if not move the Turkey loaves into a cassarole dish that has been sprayed with non stick spray.

in small mixing bowl combine yogurt, garlic, salt and reserved parsley. Chop cucumber and add.

To finish gyros place pita bread into microwave to warm. Slice tomatoes and the rest of cucumber.

Remove Turkey loaves from oven. thinly slice lengthwise. Arrange over pita top with sauce, cucumber and tomato.

Positive Moments 8-31-10

2010-08-31T16:10:00.001-04:00

Todays Moment happened this morning. My niece, Charlotte was over for a bit. She is all about dancing. And she is darn good at it. She gooves to music of all kinds. I love watching her draw at my little table bobbing her body, marker in hand, to the Stray Cats. I also love when I dance with her she smiles with her whole being. My family sees my "dancing" like everyday, so they just eyeroll me. It's nice to have someone appreciate my dance skills (think Elaine -Seinfeld) So, to build up this moment I chose this art piece by Transit Design on Etsy. There are happy folks dancing in this Original Giclee Collage on Stretched Canvas.

I wish you many positive moments my friend. take good care.

Positive Moment 8-30-10

2010-08-30T19:00:00.001-04:00

Today's Positive moment occurred at the Library. My girls and I have gone every week this summer. Ruby has adored the American Girl series the most this summer and they have taught her so much History, which is a HUGE bonus! Ava has been squealing with delight when she finds a new Seek and Find book. She adores the really difficult ones that even Daddy has trouble finding some items! Today was the last time we'll all go to the library together most likely til next summer. This may not sound all that positive...darnit Jen always a negative Nellie aren't you? Seriously though I love that my kids have adopted a love for reading. Keith and I made a point starting when they were weeks old to read to them twice a day. After lunchtime, at what used to be before nap years ago. Again before bed. Now Ruby continues to read her books before hitting the sack each night for a half an hour. We can even bargain that time with her if she is acting particularly "sassy" She does NOT want to lose that time.

So to commemorate this love of trips to the library and daily reading times I chose these some great bookmarks First is Passion Bookmark by Knitty Bitty

I also wanted to find some great fabric/magnetic bookmarks, which happen to be Ruby's Favorite. These Fabric Bookmarks by Boni Studio on Etsy are wonderful!

I wish you many positive moments my friend. take good care.

Two EASY Curry Dish Recipes

2010-08-29T16:29:00.000-04:00

I have shared these two recipes with a number of friends and they all love them. They are both vegan recipes.
The first is an Indian inspired Yellow Curry dish I have adapted from a Pampered Chef cookbook

Curried Tofu with Rice (or Cous Cous)

two 14 oz packages (like pictured) Extra Firm Tofu, drained and squeezed gently in paper towels til most of liquid out. Slice horizontally half way through block for nice sized pieces. then cut criss cross til you have pieces about 1" by 1/2"

1/4 tsp black pepper

4 Medium Carrots, I stopped peeling them, just scrub them and slice them on an angle, so they are oval shaped.
1 medium onion-peeled and cut into thin wedges, basically slice in half and then longwise about 1/4" thick
vegetable oil to cover the bottom of your largest two skillets
2 tsp curry powder
1/2 cup golden raisins
1 can light coconut milk. If you live in the Lancaster area, at Giant the ORGANIC coconut milk in the natural food section is cheaper than the non organic?!

White Rice cooked (3 cups dry) DO NOT USE MINUTE RICE that stuff is SO naaaaasty. Cous Cous can be substituted for rice. follow package directions to cook.

Heat oil in two skillets med high heat. place tofu into skillet in as close as you can get to a single layer. You may want to use a splash guard, this can get kinda messy. Fry tofu until it is lightly browned, flip and once each side is lightly browned remove from pans and set aside.

In your largest skillet add oil if most has been cooked out, heat on med high, add onion and carrot. saute til crisp tender. reduce heat to medium. shake your can of coconut milk WELL, dump it into the carrot/onion mixture. Add tofu, pepper, curry powder and raisins. Warm til hot turn heat down if it begins to boil.

Serve over rice or cous cous.

* most kids like this recipe the sweetness of the raisins is such a bonus for them:)

Thai Red Curry Tofu

two 14 oz packages (like pictured) Extra Firm Tofu, drained and squeezed gently in paper towels til most of liquid out. Slice horizontally half way through block for nice sized pieces. then cut criss cross til you have pieces about 1" by 1/2"
vegetable oil to cover the bottom of your largest two skillets
1 medium onion-peeled and cut into thin wedges, basically slice in half and then longwise about 1/4" thick
1 can light coconut milk. If you live in the Lancaster area, at Giant the ORGANIC coconut milk in the natural food section is cheaper than the non organic?! (see image above)
1 tsp red curry paste. This can prove to be a slight pain in the butt to find. Look in the asian section of your grocery store. For Giant Shoppers, some stores sell this in a jar I buy it in a paper packet, then refrigerate the leftover for a couple months.
1/4 tsp black pepper
3 tsp fish sauce (we get at the asian market, but they may sell at the grocery store.) *FOR a vegan alternative use soy sauce.
7 oz jar roasted red pepper drained, and chopped.
about 1/2 a bag of frozen sugar snap peas (12 oz bag)
3 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
White Rice cooked (3 cups dry) DO NOT USE MINUTE RICE that stuff is SO naaaaasty.

Heat oil in two skillets med high heat. place tofu into skillet in as close as you can get to a single layer. You may want to use a splash guard, this can get kinda messy. Fry tofu until it is lightly browned, flip and once each side is lightly browned remove from pans and set aside.

In your largest skillet add oil if most has been cooked out, heat on med high, add onion, saute til crisp tender. reduce heat to medium. shake can of coconut milk, dump it into the onions . Add curry paste, pepper, tofu, red pepper, fish sauce (soy sauce) and sugar snaps. Cover and cook on medium heat til peas are warmed through. Turn heat down if it begins to boil.

*in place of tofu shrimp or chicken would be excellent.

Serve over rice.

Positive Moments 8-27-10

2010-08-27T16:25:00.002-04:00

Punk Pink Dog Collar

Today We made a trip to the pet store to add a litter box to our household. We met an awesome Bulldog whose name, of course escapes me. I went bonkers over this bully. He was so cute. My girls were also enamoured by his blubbery slobbery cuteness. When my family sees a Bully we instantly smile, wide. See, we used to have a Bully. His name was Murphy. He was also. so. cute. He had a host of health problems that cost us a small fortune, but it was all worth it. I still think about that darn dog. The day Keith and I took him to be adopted by a family with a 7 year old boy was extremely painful. Ruby was very allergic to him. She broke out in full body hives from the teeniest bit of his spit touching her. sigh. I still remember her laughing at that dog from her play blanket on the floor. I remember how gentle he was with her (before we knew it was he causing her health troubles) Hey, no dog is perfect, his health problems were atrocious, he also had his jerk moments. He insisted on ripping apart and eating foam from every bed we bought him. He just could not resist.

Kinda like how I cannot resist the cuteness of a bully when I see one. I do believe there is a sort of silent club you belong to once you own an English Bulldog. I mean you have to be pretty dedicated to want to purchase a very high priced dog with the shortest life expectancy that requires BUTT WIPING. yes, folks you need to wipe them after they poop. The shape of their bodies does not allow for them to do this on their own. Anyway there's this understanding when I see another Bulldog owner that I think you may not get with every breed.

so today let me celebrate Bulldogs. The slobber, the wrinkles, the butt wiping, the UTTER-FREAKING- ADORABLE-NESS. Giving that dog my cutesy baby talk voice, getting down on his level, watching my girls pet him and smile. Good Positive Moment to hold onto.

I wish there had been an Etsy back when I had a dog...He'd have had this for sure! Loki Puppy Leather Dog Collar and Leash Set is So cool I can barely contain myself! The Cool Puppy on Etsy sells a variety of pet collars and leashes, see more here

I wish you many positive moments my friend. take good care.

Floundering

2010-08-26T19:00:00.004-04:00

As usual I made a tall order for myself. Writing about a positive moment was that order. Truth is, I have had positive moments galore the past few days, as we all do. I probably missed most of them. See, I've been floundering. I've been soul searching, wondering, wandering, and all this brain churning has kept me rather distracted over the past few days. I don't bet that will change anytime soon. When I say soon I mean, like, tomorrow. See, when this happens to my brains it is energy sucking. Hopefully what is drawn from all of it will be a HUGE positive moment to share.

Hopefully.

I have to be honest though, don't count on it! I'll be sure to share some little thing that is positive if I can stop the constant wrangle of thoughts and figures and possibilities and worry for enough time to write it down and find a cool handmade item to put with it.

For today I found these two pieces I could not decide which to post I just love them both. First (above) is To Be Brave

And this is an original, In The Sea both pieces by Mac Chevrette

I wish you many positive moments my friend. take good care.

Take a Positive Moment 8-23-10

2010-08-23T15:30:00.003-04:00

This morning I spent far too long on the telephone with Dish Network. I needed to make a simple change to our channel lineup to save a little money. After all was said and done Dish had stolen $5 and over an HOUR of my morning from me! They successfully raised my blood pressure, gave me heart palpitations, a tight throat and shaking hands. I know, I let my emotions get the best of me. Currently, that's how I roll. I do not react well to injustice. The issues were all derived from their paperwork mistake yet I was the one that wound up paying in more ways than one.

I ranted through email to my husband about this ordeal. He Replied:

"$5? Wow, I didn’t realize unchecking a box in a computer program required $5 worth of time. They always treat down-graders like shit, Comcast does the same thing. They purposely fill that department with asshats."

I read this moments before rushing out of the house to run the errands I should have started running an hour sooner. I laughed aloud. Anxieties melted. Thank you dear, ever comical, husband. Thank you for using the word Asshats. Typing it just now makes me laugh again.

Laughter, that too is how I roll these days. Laugh about it, and it'll melt away. It may refreeze and tense you up again later, but for now let's just melt it. So today's positive moment was shoveled out of extreme negative with the word Asshats and some laughter.

So, I chose to pick a hat to feature today. NOT an Asshat. An awesome hat. A hat I may want to add to my fall wardrobe soon. Blushing Modern Cloche Hat By Kjelsty's. How appropriate that this model is looking a little silly like someone just told her something to make some anxiety melt away.

I wish you many positive moments my friend. take good care.

Take a Positive Moment -4

2010-08-21T15:24:00.005-04:00

Thanks to Silver Wren on Etsy for this beautiful necklace. My sister and I often call each other Ma Soeur so I knew this would be the perfect handmade item to add to my positive moments shrine.

My sister. This evening we will eat Vietnamese spring rolls my dear husband will carefully roll and (really ugly) cherry pie I made for her birthday. We will give her a present and then the kids will toss around tissue and wrapping paper and squeal with delight. I know it. Her husband is another August day of birth so all this is for him too. The tissue paper will be from his present. He too, is a great dude.

Knowing she's coming over and realizing I did not pick out a nice meaningful-brought-tears-to-my-eyes-at-the -card-store card, I was rolling over in my head how special she is to me. I don't tell her enough, and she puts up with some of the worst of my crap I am sure. I gotta tell you though. Today's moment is dedicated to what I rolled about in my brains about this girl. I am lucky to have a sister that is my closest girlfriend.

Without my little sister I am not quite sure how I'd have turned out. As a kid She was there for me to hang out with, laugh with, pick on, mother. I learned a great deal from her feisty back punching moments, her tears, her laughter. I learned how to compromise (a little...) how to share. I learned that Metallica posters DO mesh just fine with New Kids On The Block Posters on a bedroom wall.

As we grow older I watched my little sister become a wonderful mother, wife, human. She's compassionate, kind, nurturing, hilarious, stubborn, creative. I am proud to have her share some birthday moments with my family tonight. I love her dearly, and will always hold her close to my soul.

*side note her actual birthday is the 24th. You didn't miss it yet!

I wish you many positive moments my friend. take good care.

Take A Positive Moment -3

2010-08-20T20:17:00.001-04:00

School Shopping today. Each girl needed shoes. Ava needed sneakers. At one point, exhausted after kid clothing & shoe shopping at Target, I sat on the floor in the shoe department of Kohl's. I was surfing my phone to find some blasted shiny looking pink and purple velcro chucks in a size 11. I was surrounded by multiple open shoe boxes, tissue and plastic bits all around me. Ruby was prancing back and forth modeling various boots and Ava was trying on high heels in sizes way too big.

Anyway, that moment was pretty hilarious and for them at least, positively carefree. I am sure I looked like a loser Mom but it was fun so meh. No one was crying or whining (except maybe me inside my head damning Converse for not making these shoes in sizes beyond 10...)

So the shoes we settled on were the same colors, but had awfully cheap elastic in lieu of laces. This garbage was not going to fly on my kids feet. Those thin strips of elastic have been cut off. REAL Laces have been installed. Now lets find Mommy a present for all that hard work she did today, or at least think of what we'd give her if we could today!

Here's a pretty Mommy would love, Sweet Pea Upcycled Brooch Necklace by Bee Vintage Redux

I wish you many positive moments my friend. take good care.

Take a Positive Moment-2

2010-08-19T21:38:00.001-04:00

I'm going to tell you right off the bat here. If I do this everyday, No way is each day going to be all deep and meaningful. Today's moment that stuck with me is more of a tip to pass on. I am in my bathroom (Dear God is this where every thought happens for me?) I am wearing a top with three rows of ruffles. they are Totally wrinkled. Like, too wrinkled to wear it this way, sticking straight out not laying flat At. All.

Crap!. No time for going downstairs, opening ironing board, removing shirt, (remember to bring other shirt since next door neighbor can see right in the laundry room window) iron ruffles. put all this stuff away. Nope. Not happening. change shirt?

Lightbulb! My flat iron is seated on the toilet seat quickly warming up (for my bangs only, no time to smooth the rest of my messy hair in the summer humidity)
Yep I flat ironed those ruffles just right while wearing the shirt. easy peasy*

So, Ruffles, they made me happy today, and they got to stay on me keeping me happy lying the way they should due to my ingenious (lazy) double duty flat ironing.

There are some beautiful Ruffles attached to this dress

I'd, like, die for this custom sized hot number by Miss Brache

*I am not responsible if you do not follow manufacturers instructions that came with your flat iron & an injury is to occur

Take A Positive Moment

2010-08-18T16:23:00.000-04:00

Today kinda sucked. I heard some information that was beyond what just about anyone would consider troubling. It evoked extreme anger, anxiety, sadness. The Gamut. No, I am not going to fill you in on these details. That is exactly NOT what this post is about. I am not looking for bad day sympathy.

I was in my bathroom getting ready for work and In the midst of all these emotions a moment pops in my head. Ava chasing a little yellow butterfly. This moment happened this morning, before said information was delivered. It made me smile then, and it did again. AND it made some of those negative emotions melt away for some moments.

Rewind. When Ruby was a baby each night before I went to sleep I wrote down my most favorite moment of that day. Darnit, no, I did not continue this. oof. I did start it up again once she was verbal, I'd ask her what her favorite part of the day had been. Uggity ugg No I did not continue that daily either. I do ask the girls on some days, or nights. Not daily. But it's something. But I am not looking for parental validation either, I swear.

I decided when the chasing butterfly moment made my crappy afternoon a little more sane that I should make a shrine to it here. Each Day I will hold a moment close and try to find a handmade item to go along with the moment for all the world to see. It's going to be a quick post, but it will be another way to keep myself accountable, see yesterdays post for more on that. I think spending a little time each day building this sweet moments shrine here on my blog could only be only a good thing.

This pretty little vase by Red Hot Pottery reminds me of my little lady happily chasing that tiny yellow butterfly today.

I wish you many positive moments my friend. take good care.

Accountability & still Needing to Collage...

2010-08-17T16:13:00.022-04:00

A long Time ago I blogged about needing to Collage.

I think about this fact almost everyday. A few weeks ago on vacation I decided I also want to paint in my collage work. When I see collage work I did in the past, there was an emptiness that bothered me. Perhaps paint is what it needs? I don't really know, but I think it would be great messy fun.

Now that our basement is beginning to look less like an episode of Hoarders
and more like a 130(ish) year old house cellar I think I could probably paint down there.

I have these windows. I hoarded these about 10 years ago, when we were replacing them with vinyl windows. I love the idea of collaging/painting on one of these old things.
The window idea was inspired by a post by A Girl and Her Brush . Wendy Brightbill is A mixed media artist who I met online through Tara Gentile's Ebook 52 Weeks of Blogging your Passion. I adore Wendy's collage work.

This door, is AHHmazing! Be sure to read here to see
the steps she used to make this beautiful piece.

Artwork Courtesy of Wendy Brightbill

Why do I announce again that I need to collage but have not yet begun to on my blog?

I'll tell you, The fact I blogged about feeling a strong need to collage is one reason I think about it all the time. I know it's out there, publicly. I think about how someone may have read it and thinks "I bet she never follows through" It's here, and it helps me keep myself accountable even if no one minds at all. If it wasn't here most likely I'd have excused my way out of it long ago.

We all come up with excuses why we "can't" do things. Excuses are easy. I won't give you any of those here (besides that former hoarders-esque basement). Honestly, I am disappointed in myself for not getting my butt moving on this. Maybe with this post I will kick my own butt.

Is there something whispering in the back of your head everyday? What would you rather be doing? I'd love to hear if you have the drive to type it in the comments. Or, if you'd like to kick me in the butt that's okay too.

Art In the Ballpark Benefit Craft Show

2010-08-05T11:13:00.020-04:00

A friend emailed me a few nights ago about a Benefit for the Antonio Forte Transplant Fund Trust. I am helping to plan a wonderful benefit Event to raise funds for this little boy's ever mounting medical expenses.

Photo Courtesy of PhotOle Photography

Working to raise money for this boy & his family sends my heart afire! Please, won't you join me in helping?

Are you and Artist? Crafter? Caring Parent?
Someone that wants to get involved in the Community?

Well, what are YOU doing October 9th 2010?

We are holding a HUGE Benefit craft show for a Lancaster PA local, 5 year old boy, Antonio Forte who needs a full Intestinal transplant. My friend Heather Gallagher works with this awesome little dude's mother (Monica) and she wanted to do what she could to help raise money for his medical expenses.

Some words from Tony's mother Monica from The Family's Caring Bridge Page

"At six days old, Tony was diagnosed with Total Colonic Hirschsprung's Disease."

"Tony's daily life requires the use of an Ostomy Bag, a G-Tube and a Broviac Cath for IV nutrition. Tony has a very restricted diet and has limited activities. Wehn you see Tony run and play he looks like any other 5 year old carrying a backpack. The only difference is that backpack serves an important purpose of carrying special pumps needed to sustain Tony's Life."

"It was suggested by the team of Dr's in Pittsburgh that fundraisers' are going to be needed to off-set the uninsured medical expenses associated with the transplant"

Monica was given an awesome opportunity from Clipper Magazine Stadium. They are giving her the Ballpark for a fundraiser the entire day on October 9, 2010!!

We will be incorporating an Art & Craft show into the festivities of the day. There will be news coverage and we expect a fantastic turnout!

Art & Craft Show Info
Date: Saturday - October 9, 2010
8am-2pm

Doors open to public at 8am, park open to vendors at 6am. spaces to be set-up and ready to sell by 8am. Show will conclude at 2pm. There will be other events going on throughout the day/evening, so you may remain set-up later if you wish.

Our goal is to get 100 arts & crafts vendors. Vendors will be juried, meaning that we will want to see a sample photo of the items you will be selling to be sure we offer a variety of quality items.

We will be set-up on the ball field and spaces will be $50 for a 10x10 space. If you are a smaller vendor and would like to share a space with another vendor, we can certainly accommodate that.
We ask for an item to be donated for a raffle. If you would like to donate a portion of your sales from the day to the Antonio Forte Transplant Fund Trust, it would be greatly appreciated, but not required. You can contact Heather at mhlgall@yahoo.com
for a vendor application and event sheet.
If you are unable to set up for the event we would be happy to include one of your donated items in a raffle. Contact Heather if you are interested in donating an item to raffle. mhlgall@yahoo.com

We need volunteers to help run the event

Registration Coaches- to sign people in

Runners- to help direct people to their spaces

Relievers- will be assigned to a group of stands. They will watch & if a vendor needs to use the restroom or take a bread to eat the Relievers will man the stand for a short time.

People to man the raffle table.

Please pass this onto your friends -
the more vendors/Volunteers we have at the event the more
help we can offer this family!

If you have any questions, please contact
Heather Gallagher at mhlgall@yahoo.com

Healthier Macaroni and Cheese Recipe

2010-08-04T10:05:00.011-04:00

A couple weeks ago I was indulging on some delish homemade baked mac n cheese at a birthday party. I chatted with the chef of this cheesy dinner. She told me "It's just Cream, two blocks of Cheddar and Butter"

yum. but, yikes. I can't indulge that way at home!

Around the Hartman house we are far from health nuts. We do, however, eat light and try hard to be healthy. I honestly do not think I have purchased sticks of real butter in 10+ years? Ok, I admit I did have two dairy allergic kids for 5 or so years. I do acredit some of our healthier meals to the food allergies, but something has to push us places we may not want to drive to right?

By the By, This morning I made my Own "Cheesy Noodles" (as my little ladies like to call em'). It is a household favorite and is really darn Great tasting, creamy, yummy, comfort food. here is my recipe:

3 Cups Fiber-Rich Macaroni. (I use Barilla Plus which also has Omega-3s)

6T Margarine (I use Earth Balance, no hydrogenated oils)
1/4 cup flour
1/2 tsp black pepper
1 tsp salt (I use Sea Salt)

3 1/2 cups Skim Milk
1lb White american Cheese (I always get a good brand, and I do NOT use preslicedto me the taste is fake with pre sliced

preheat oven 350 degrees. Follow instructions on package to boil macaroni & drain, place in a 3Qt cassarole dish, I think a 9x13 pan could work but have not tried it myself, you may need to reduce baking time a bit with that.
Mix together Flour, pepper & salt. Melt margarine in a large saucepan over med heat (nonstick works easiest). Do not brown, just melt slowly. Add flour mixture, stir until thick. Add milk and continue heating on med/med high heat being sure not to boil. Stir frequently with a whisk until mixture thickens, about 10-20 minutes. At the beginning you can walk away without stirring for a min or two (like, say, to drain those boiling noodles!) but as it heats up you do have to stir it often to avoid a boil. Once it reaches a thick consistency, slowly add cheese a few slices at a time It'll melt VERY quickly, so this part will not take long. Once all cheese is melted into your pan pour it over the macaroni. stir if needed (usually it disperses evenly itself).
Bake Uncovered 1 hour.

I wish I had nutritional info for this, I have not quite figured that out just yet. I can say that using skim milk will save a bundle in fat, and the whole grain pasta is a bonus health-wise too. I have tried making this recipe with light cheddar as opposed to the american. It did not melt smoothly and did not stick to the pasta how I like my mac and cheese to. More importantly Ruby was not fond of it, and this is her all time favorite meal. Light american cheese is also sort of fake and plastic tasting to me so, I suppose it could be lighter but this is still quite an improvement from cream/butter and white flour pasta.

For More Lighter, Healthier versions of kid (and grown up!) favorites check out The Meal Makeover Moms. This link will take you to another winner of a pumpkin pasta recipe that is super fast and delicious!

Happiness in Milestones

2010-08-02T16:29:00.004-04:00

MVI_9344_Woo_Hoo
Originally uploaded by Peachy Tuesday

Anyone with children knows some of the best happies you can get are those when:
baby first belly laughs.
I vividly remember Ruby holding out til 4 months old (almost 5) and on Father's Day Aunt Andrea made her laugh. It was such a stupendous moment. Ava's first belly laughs were around 3-4 months old, when I was holding her under her arms, making her "kick" a beach ball to Ruby. She started laughing at the first kick. It, again, was like the best happies. Insta-giggles.

When baby first walks
not just those random two steps they accidentally do, but real walking, all zombie looking bodies but wide eyed and completely ecstatic about what their wobbly little legs are doing. I remember those moments were serious Happy.
Raspberries, crawling, hugs, kisses, talking, clapping...there are lots of them. It's so amazing how absolutely positively happy you feel at these moments, when the simplest of things, really are occuring. For me, I can't remember happier moments, honestly.

As they grow up, these moments are less frequent. Of course, you feel happy, and have superior happy minutes. What I am talking about here, are those crazy happy moments, that make you laugh uncontrollably or just beam where you need to check to make sure you are not shooting sparkles out your eyes.

Well, yesterday we had one of those moments. Ruby successfully rode her bike without training wheels. She had tried before. She hadn't quite gotten the hang of it til last night. The first time she rode a distance I did not get it on video but Keith and I clapped, cheered and laughed like loonatics. It was..

So. Darn. Happy!

I am guessing this 'kick ass' style happy comes partially from pride in your child's accomplishment . It comes part from seeing how proud and beaming they are about it. Most important of all It comes from the basics, the stuff we don't need to pay for. The stuff that can be harvested from love and adoration. It's what it's all about. It's what makes My world go round.

I'd love to hear from you about one of those moments. Everyone loves reliving them since they are super duper happy. Feel free to leave your moment of super duper happy in the comments.

Easy Trash to Treasure Project

2010-07-25T14:06:00.008-04:00

Maybe after a week of bliss, not having to share a teeny tiny bathroom with my two toothpaste spitty kiddos...maybe because the beach house we stayed in was so plain, white and and boring, not that I am complaining, I'd take it as my home in a micro millisecond!! (and I'd paint it and hang tons of stuff up like a loonatic)...or, maybe I am just trying to keep busy to curb those "after vacation blues" (do you get those? like the after Christmas blues. ew. hate those too)

Regardless of the reasoning, I have kept our brushes and combs in this empty Clorox Wipes container for a time now. I have long been looking at it in disgust at it's white plain-ness. Today I needed to change our shower curtain liner, so I changed the shower curtain as well, (to hot pink we have multiple fabric curtains, doesn't everyone??) I then found dark purple satin leopard print curtains in the same bin the curtain was stored inside. I decided to hang These as well.

It was time for plain boring white plastic Clorox container to be adorned.

With LOTS. OF. Girlish, cutesy, frilly, mish moshy stuff.

The girls and I did it. ribbon, fabric, lace, glitter, buttons....yay!! it's perfect.

You can do this, make yourself a wand holder, pencil holder (use icing container instead) Keep the box from your spinach and make a cutesy bin for stuffs.
It's totally fun, super quick. Just get out your glue gun. You do have one, right? you should. They are the most fun of all guns. seriously.
Sorry, Keith, I know this bathroom is super DOOOOOPER girly now. We'll switch it again in a few months. I'll make a more "manly" Clorox container then. I promise.

Gifts Of Enthusiasm

2010-07-14T11:03:00.003-04:00

Tara, on Scoutie Girl blogged about her own enthusiasm and how the actual energy itself is a gift to others.

Man, do I agree with her! Tara has been so inspiring to me on countless occasions. (thank you darling!)

What am I enthusiastic about? What do I light up and go nutso about? What is it that makes me get all childishly happy and giddy to talk to people about making sparks fly off my skull? Lots of stuff, but today I'll touch on one subject.

Hair.

oh, yes, how utterly shallow of me...but, I'm being honest here, you gotta be happy about some superficial stuff right? I sure do.

I will notice if you get your haircut, even a little.
If you change the color a smidge, I'll see it.
If you plan to change it a lot I will revel in anticipation awaiting the final result. I will look up pictures for you and tell you my opinion of what you should do.
I can spend way too long in the hair dye isle of CVS.
I currently house purple, three shades of red, and pink funky hair dyes as well as bleach in my linen closet.
I cut my little ladies hair. I cut my husbands hair, sometimes. I trim my own bangs every other week.

photo courtesy of Whip-Hairport photostream on Flickr

hey, did you know I have a business selling Hair accessories? imagine that! I may be on the right track so far as following my passions. I have considered being a cosmetologist, but, I'll just keep the hair trimming scissors here at home ...hey do you need your bangs trimmed? I do that!
Do you want me to find you a neato style that will fit your facial features and brighten you up? I'll happily do that!

Thanks for reading, and have an enthusiastic Day everyone,
AND...Share it with the world!

Fairy Tales and Shadow Boxes

2010-07-01T10:39:00.005-04:00

Hey, just wanted to say, I am a hopeless romantic. 110%.
I believe in fairytale endings and if they don't happen I am sad/pissed/disgruntled.

My husband, Keith and I were a "fix up" couple. I was hesitant to meet him, this was certainly not how I pictured a fairy tale to play out.

He was enamoured with me months before, but I was 'taken' at the time. I was sitting in a basement at a punk rock show, his brother's first show actually. I had a grumpy look on my face. I had fought with my, then, live in boyfriend the whole way to this show, who knows about what? doesn't matter, we always fought. Keith was apparently staring at me the whole time. I didn't know it.

Fast forward 5 months. Live in beau & I are split. I live alone, paying rent with my credit card. I am SO over men & relationships. I am giving up on fairy tales. I vow to just be alone, and am liking it! (despite not being able to pay my bills appropriately). I just did not want to meet him.

Begrudgingly, I decided to go ahead and meet Keith. He greeted me with a black eye and a brown UPS tee. He looked right in my eyes a few times lending pure electric. He said goodbye with a hug... and I was a goner.

From there we got to know one another through a long distance relationship. For a year we wrote (real paper snail mail) letters and had a nice long phone conversation once a week. This was LONG before email and cell phones. I adored the letters. I looked forward to the phone talks. One of us would travel the 4 hours to visit one another every other week. After a year of bliss, we moved in together in the outskirts of Pittsburgh. In another year we moved back "home" to Lancaster County together.

I could go through our history in more detail, but just know this:
I still believe in fairy tales. We have evolved ours to not have a happy ending but a happy eternity.

On our first wedding anniversary we put together a shadow box. The box, from Ikea. Inside are flowers from my wedding bouquet, A wedding program & invitation. A few photos of us on our Wedding day. A pack of matches with one of the phrases we used in our vows "this day i will marry my friend" It was given to us from a close friend, and Usher in the wedding. We did this as part of our one year anniversary "date". We also ate our cake top with was still really friggin' good!!

Since filling the interior of the Shadow box I have added various things on top. The candle was the first gift Keith ever gave me. The change purse, from our Honeymoon in Vegas. The cork from our 9th anniversary dinner. The card, one of many Keith has made for me over the years.

So are you a romantic? I'm a sucker for a good love story!

In addition, Have no idea what to do on your anniversary? Need a special handmade gift idea? Do a shadow box. they look great hanging, you can stuff them full of meaning. And, after plucking out bits and pieces of things you are saving, you can toss the larger part and de-clutter in the process.

Hummus Recipe

2010-06-25T17:17:00.005-04:00

Hummus
(a transliteration of the Arabic: حمّص‎; also spelled hamos, homos, houmous, hommos, hommus, hummos or hummous; see romanization of Arabic) is a Levantine Arab^[1] dip or spread made from cooked, mashed chickpeas, blended with tahini, olive oil, lemon juice, salt and garlic. It is a popular food throughout the Middle East and elsewhere.
definition found here on Wikipedia.

I do not like chickpeas.
I do not like store bought hummus. but...
I LOVE my homemade hummus derived from a recipe my sister gave me. So as picnic season is upon us, I thought you may like it too.

1 can chick peas, drained/rinsed
1/4 cup lemon juice
2 1/2 T olive oil
1/2 Tablespoon cumin
1tsp paprika
1/3 cup roasted red pepper (I use from a jar)
1/3 cup loosely packed fresh cilantro
(no need to cut throw in stems and all just remove the very bottom)

drain & rinse chickpeas. Place Chickpeas and lemon juice in food processor. process til mostly smooth. Add olive oil and spices process til mixed. Add red pepper and cilantro, process a final time. Serve with Pita Chips, fresh veggies, whatever you like.

variations: omit cilantro and red pepper add 1/2 cup olives and 2 tsp garlic powder.

Fears and Talking to Myself

2010-06-18T15:55:00.004-04:00

silent ongoing conversation within self today

me: Bah. So What are you so afraid of?

also me: I don't know, I guess I am just nuts

me: Probably that wacko nightmare last night, don't worry about it, you worked 7 years in Retail this craft show will be like old hat.

also me: but what if someone tries to haggle my prices down?

me: you politely decline

also me: I hope it storms and we get to just leave early and let it be a bust and I can blame it on the weather.

me: that's the spirit. way to be positive, Jen.

also me: I don't think I want to do craft shows.

me: you will get through this one and feel really foolish being so worried about nothing all day like this

also me: I'm not going to sell anything. I just know no one is going to like my stuff.

me: you know people like your stuff. If you don't do well in Lancaster, it won't be a big surprise, but you'll try another venue next time.

also me: Next time?! if It is a bust I will be so ruined. I'll just close up shop and give up.

THIS is why I have had an Etsy shop for over a year, and have not attempted to sell my stuff anywhere on consignment and have thought of an excuse as to why I cannot do this craft show or that one...over and over.

So, last night one of my daughter's peed on the floor. No one would fess up. It drove me nuts for several hours last night...sleuthing the pee situation, trying to detective my way to know which one did it...I could care less about the actual pee, it took minutes to clean up, but the fact that neither of them would say they did it just bugs me so much

So I decided I'll go ahead and publicly fess up.
NO! I did not pee on the floor!
...but Am I any different? I mean, by not being honest with myself.
Tomorrow is my first craft show. I am having internal battles pretty much driven, no 100% driven by insecurity.
I have have made Hair accessories for a long time, well over a year. I am finally getting out of my house and going to display them publicly. Bout time! I have all intentions of sending a box of items to the Hodge Podgery next week after I see how much I sell at this show
(also me: if anything...)

So does every crafter/artist/maker have internal battles all the time? If you do, I'd love you to confess im my comments. If you don't why don't you take the opportunity to tell me what a goof I am being?
Also, if you know which kid peed on the floor DO TELL!
....I joke. I am honestly over that....

Peachy Tuesday's Workspace

2010-06-12T18:13:00.005-04:00

Artisans often post their very aesthetically pleasing, personalized, organized, well lit studio spaces on their blogs,
(the one in the previous link is like, my dream studio, the color, the set up...it would be perfect for moi;)

I adore looking at these spaces. I love looking at any room all nice, organized, pretty and

i n s p i r i n g

I will have a studio one day, when our girls have completely outgrown their attic playroom.
I know, I know they NEVER play way up in their adorably decorated attic playroom. Truth be told, they have too many flippin' toys (all grandparents' fault) so, lots of the overflow are stored in the attic, shall we say "play" room. I would just not have enough room up there, nor would I enjoy or feel inspired with an overfilled stuffed animal net hanging above my head.

And... well, I like being near my family members when I work, I mean it certainly is a bonus of working at home. I love working alone as well, with music, late at night while Keith is busy being geeky with his PC gaming addiction. But I cannot accomplish and produce what I need to only working on it at night.

...so...for now... maybe find a little bit of comedy watching this short video on a day I am in creating mode...with my makeshift studio space...
I basically just keep everything put away, in my cabinet most of the time and drag it all back out

Ava likes Yoga

2010-06-03T16:15:00.008-04:00

I do yoga 5 days a week (at least). It has literally changed my life.

March 24, 2009 I wrote: (in a facebook note)

"breathing in and out through your nose" ..."the breathing is what will make you feel so good" My sister had told me for years that yoga is awesome. It took me way too long to try it. I literally had 2 yoga DVDs for 3 years, never even put into the player. There was never a time in my life that I have been physically fit. I am tall and skinny have a ridiculously high metabolism. I eat healthy, but indulge in ice cream quite frequently. I will be one of those folks that kicks it from a heart attack even though I have low cholestorol and almost too low blood pressure. I stress-- I eat, live, breathe stress. I am a huge ball of stress, or was... Fall 2006 decided it was time I try the yoga DVDs. After 4 months of very easy yoga DVDs that claim to be challenging (believe me they aren't-- If I can handle it) I was addicted. I attribute a good portion of why I am still sane, to Yoga. I have to say that Yoga has taught me such an important thing, the first "step" in fighting this stress I inflict on my own body---How to Breathe---. I only wish I would have discovered such a simple component to stress relief prior to having 2 children laboring through 30+ hours of back labor! Nonetheless, I now am addicted to my nearly daily dose of 40 minutes of yoga each afternoon while 1 kid is at school the other is having “quiet time”. A few years ago I purchased somewhat more challenging but still pretty easy yoga DVDs. The way in which yoga has improved my balance and posture is amazing. I still get a neck kink from time to time (today still have a slight one) but I used to have daily constant neck PAIN. A huge part of my love for this famous, ancient, artful exercise is that It's a totally solitary thing. No sweaty stinky gyms, no unleashed dogs to chase me, just a small area is needed, and a mat, I would welcome an empty white sand beach too.... I long for that... Someday.

Ava asked to do yoga with me this past Tuesday. I need to also go it alone, to attain the real effect of the stress relief, but I told her every other day she could yoga with me. I didn't want to push her into it though so I let it at that.

Today she asked me if she could do yoga with me again. So we did. She did so well. and she looks so darn cute;)

Seeing my youngest enjoying this ancient, oldest in existance actually, form of exercise is really super in my book. It made me smile so many times the past couple days.

Summer Has Begun!

2010-06-01T10:58:00.003-04:00

Daddy Opened the Pool for our little Ladies yesterday. Here they enjoy cool pops.

I was sweating away on the patio, stamping my bags "peachy tuesday" for upcoming craft shows.

oh, hey! Here are the dates of the summer Craft Shows Peachy Tuesday will be setting up Shop for:

June 19th
9:00 am-3:00pm
at Landisville Camp Meeting
for directions: click here

July 4th
9:00am-4:00pm
Crafty By Nature
at Shupp's Grove
for directions Click Here

August 1st
9am-4:00pm
Crafty By Nature
at Shupp's Grove
for directions Click Here

Music that gets my Creativity Flowing

2010-05-26T12:48:00.004-04:00

Tara at Scoutie Girl is asking everyone What Music gets your creative juices flowing? I initially didn't think I had the time to post about this...but I just had to...too fun!

I often listen to my (obsessively so) Favorite, Interpol. I dance around whilst working ALL the time. normally with headphones which is a delight for my husband, who is normally playing a PC game at the time. (love that geeky guy...) I rock out some very cool headbands to some of these Tunes.

Paul Banks voice is reminiscent of Ian Curtis’s voice but the music is more upbeat than Joy Division was, in my opinion…I personally just think there is no band like them. I am very excited to see them live right here in Lancaster at the Chameleon in July.

Tattoos

2010-05-25T11:45:00.032-04:00

"Tattoo Artist" By Norman Rockwell

It's no secret, I am heavily tattooed. That said, it's obvious I am completely addicted to the art and would have even more square inches of my body covered if finances allowed.

Tattoo art has inspired some of my headbands, the background of my business card is my left arm tattoo 'gone monochromatic' to match the peach. I am passionate about tattoos, they make me turn my head and catch my eye from afar. I adore them through and through. My colorful skin has become a conversation piece for years now, so I thought I'd share some of my thoughts about questions people normally ask me in regards to my embellished body.

I first went 'under the needle' in 1991. I was 17. I had graduated High School, was working full time and the artist did the tattoo despite the fact my parents did NOT sign a parental consent. Thank you Mr Mee. Oh, and thanks for dealing with my utter lameness of passing out before you ever touched me with any tattooing machinery. Thanks for the smelling salts, the cool air fan, and drink of water. My first tattoo was on my right wrist, and was the tiniest thing you EVER did see! It was the bird from the Peanuts, Woodstock. I literally picked it because it was the smallest thing I could find that I liked. It took 5 minutes to tattoo. I didn't really think much about it. I just wanted a tattoo. It really had no meaning besides that.

Since that youthful time I have been tattooed too many times to count. I have tattoos Everywhere! And there will be more in the future (I hope).

neck was tattooed in 1994
Thigh Tattooed in 1997-really needs a serious touch up

Several of my tattoos have been covered or have been added to. Woodstock is now black leaves.

Wrist cover up Tattooed in 1995-yes they fade & the color bleeds out...

Ok, now Lets talk about pain and fear.

Yes. It hurts.
but...
I tell everyone, I am a wus. If I can do it, anyone can. Honestly, you can trust me on this. I have passed out cold from countless needle sticks. Once, I passed out, at the doctors office about 5 minutes after a finger prick blood test. (I fell off a chair in the waiting room wearing a short skirt...very embarrassing...) I tell you this because I want to stress I HATE needles. hate hate hate! them. Getting tattooed is not like a blood test or a shot. I recently had a tetanus shot, my arm killed for days, tattoos are less painful than that shot was in my book.

So far as the needle fear...You can't really even see the needle. I mean, most of us with needle issues cannot look at a hypodermic without a bit of paleness washing over us. Personally, I can't even visualize one in my head at this moment without feeling a little flush. The needle on the tattoo gun does not go in that deep. It's about the depth of a brush burn and feels very similar to a brush burn when it's done.

If the pain is your worry. bah, you can totally do it! For most it hurts super ouchy for the first minute or so, after that, your endorphins kick in. The area being tattooed numbs up and though it is annoying and still hurts, it is quite tolerable. I can handle about 3 good hours of getting tattooed. After that my legs start to shake, uncontrollably, that's when I know we need to wrap up the session.

Thumb Tattooed in 1993

And just a side note: Hand & foot tattoos hurt A LOT, more than most places. Often times tattoo artists charge more for hands, some require additional release noting they cannot guarantee work, or just flat out refuse to do them. They do fade quickly on your hand.

Around age 22 I was referred to an awesome artist, and one who does my tattoos to date, Jeff Messersmith, owner of Permanent Impressions in Lemoyne, PA. Jeff covered my Woodstock with some vines I had drawn. I returned back to Jeff many years later to have him cover up a bad stomach tattoo I had gotten when I was younger.

This was the first I had been tattooed in over 10 years, in fall 2006. The tummy is a very ouchy area, I moved a lot, it needs touched up but I have no desire to sit through that.

My favorites are my newest, most colorful tattoos. My dear, talented, artist husband has drawn all of these for me. He is often reluctant and procrastinates drawing tattoos for me...but I think he must secretly love all the attention these get.

My left arm, Designed by Keith Hartman, tattooed by Jeff Messersmith started July 2007 and finished in December 2007 I am hoping to go 3/4 sleeve over the next couple years.

Often people want to put a story behind their tattoos. I think the TV shows that popped up over the past few years really tried to knock this concept into everyone's head, hard. My rationale is this: Don't be hasty. Think carefully about what you want. Be sure to place it where you want it. Does it need to have a story behind it? Nope. I just love the art of tattoo. I don't need to tell a story as to why I have a piece of artwork hanging on my wall, so why would I on my skin? That said, if you want it to tell a story, by all means story tell away! That is part of the beauty of it.

Tree designed by Keith Hartman Tattooed by Jeff Messersmith in finished Spring 2008

I admit, some of my tattoos do have meaning, I chose red lotuses because they symbolize passion, love. What can I say? I am a romantic, but, also...red just looks good on my pale skin and my husband already had pink/white lotuses. My stomach tattoo has some symbolism relating to becoming a mother. I have the word "free" hidden in one of my tattoos to remind me to stay free of a particularly strong emotional weight that I had unburdened myself with a time before I had the word tattooed. My tree has my daughter's names, and within the tree, sit 4 birds, one for each family member. What I am saying is to be careful not to get caught up worrying about the story you would tell if you were on LA Ink. Just get what you want.

Lotus Tattooed by Jeff Messersmith Designed by Keith Hartman Early Spring 2009

Find the Right artist. Jeff is great. My husband's illustrations and Jeff's strengths and preferred tattooing style go very well together. He is also really fast-which is awesome when it comes to the pain factor and my impatience.

Ask about price, but keep in mind this is an artist. You are placing artwork on your body forever. They deserve to make an excellent wage. Are they drawing something custom for you or tracing something you brought in? This all plays a part in the pricing, or at least should. In my experience tattoo artists charge based on experience. Jeff charges hourly, but some shops take a look at your art and give you a quote. If they run over they still charge you the quoted amount. In the same line of reasoning; Yes, Do tip your tattoo artist. I tip 15-20%.

Meet with the artist and make sure your personalities mesh. It's a rather intimate situation, getting tattooed. It's up close. So for me at least, it's personal. When my chest was tattooed Jeff was literally leaning on my boobs at one point or another. If you feel nervous with the person, regardless of how professional they are, the nerves you already feel about the pain and so forth will just be multiplied.

My most recent Tattoo, done this past Winter. Designed by Keith Hartman
Tattooedby Jeff Messersmith.

And what does the future hold for my skin? Well the above left arm needs filled to 3/4 to include My pin cushion, one of my late Grandma Kenderdine's thimbles, Buttons, thread. Next up will be a cupcake that has already been drawn, I just need to gather up the funds.

I hope this was helpful to read and maybe a little fun to look at. I thank you for taking the time to look and read! I'll leave you with this: Please, for the Love of all that is lovable, please do NOT call tattoos

"Tats"

Thank you! Have a Peachy Day All!!

Adorable Belts

2010-05-15T14:27:00.009-04:00

I have not featured any other crafters in quite some time. This particular artisan I am thoroughly impressed with.

I immediately fell in ♥Love♥ with her Squirrel belt. I tweeted it, face-booked it and an hour later noticed it was sold?!
Who knows if I had anything to do with that, but nonetheless, someone else loved that lil squirrel as much as Ido.

from her Etsy Bio

"I have been an art teacher in the Nashville, Tennessee area for the past 12 years. My day involves a revolving door of about 180 kindergarten thru 4th grade students painting, drawing, cutting and pasting. At the end of the school day, and after a good long nap, I craft these buckles and sew up these belts. Part of my time is spent working with clay, trying out new embossing and glazing techniques for the buckles. After these have been fired several times, I pair the buckles with my out-of-control fabric collections. I use mostly vintage fabrics found right here in Nashville. I live with my first husband Mitch and our big-boned cat Asha."

She is running Free Shipping in the US! Check out her shop here

Shipped to you in adorable packaging...

Reversible Belts

Can't Remember Life Before Meal Planning

2010-05-11T20:20:00.007-04:00

When we had our first child it did not take long for my dear husband, Keith and I to realize that my becoming a stay at home Mom by day and taking on part time work was the choice for us. We knew spending as much time watching and learning with this little person we created was very important to us.

Along with baby came a new need for additional organization. I have always prided myself on being very organized. I am a multi-tasker by nature and actually thrive on it, I love it. I work best under pressure, and produce the most when LOTS needs done.

Baby brought the LOTS and I brought innovation to my household. I despised 4:00pm when I had to try and figure out what the heck to make for dinner. When I gave up my full time position at a direct mail magazine I wanted to be that wife/mom that had dinner on the table when hubs arrived home from work at 5:30. I know, I know maybe there are yucky feelings about that for some. Those feelings are for you, not me. I wanted to be tattooed June Cleaver so meh, my choice. And I do not in any way EVER regret it. Ever. I wear a very cute apron too.

So 4:00 irritation, innovation needed. I wanted to plan meals. Not the same plan every week for Goodness sakes. I wanted to keep it rad. Original plan was to try to make one new recipe a week, that was dropped to one bi weekly. Now I just do, if I want to.

my meal plan process is simple:

Every other Monday I grab my wall calendar, a pen and the sale flyer. I write a meal on each day of the week and all the ingredients I need for those meals on my list checking to make sure I don't already have what I need. When two calendar weeks are full I am finished.

So why do I do it?
Stress relief:
I mentioned 4:00. I spend about half an hour meal planning two weeks worth and that's all the time I worry about it for those two weeks! Huge stress reliever. note: My husband plans the weekends, so it could take 45 min to an hour to do a bi-weekly plan. And he is a much better cook than I. He is much more outgoing in the kitchen. I tend to gravitate to easy meals, that are quick to prepare. In all fairness though, during the week I have serious time constraints.

Money saving:
seriously folks this will save you money. Grab your grocery store flyer, or look it up online and meal plan according to what is on sale. I clip coupons, or print them online, just choose a site that you can print multiple coupons per page or you will lose your savings in printer cartridges. Breakfast for dinner once a month saves dollars, and kids LOVE it. Making triple batches of things like taco meat, spaghetti sauce (yea I make my own for some meals) and freeze in bags. Invest in a chest freezer. That way when ice cream is on sale you can buy the 4 for $10 and fit them in your freezer.

Health:
Planning meals assists in looking at your dinners at a distance. You can balance much easier the things your family needs to stay healthiest. For instance I plan one vegetarian a week (at least) I balance meats, like one chicken meal, one turkey (burger), we usually avoid red meat but you could throw that in, you get the idea. You can look at your week and see, whoa, we can't eat pasta every day?! and change it. Meal planning also helps to avoid the dreadful fast food stop, or the expensive restaurant take out that could occur on a particularly irritating day when you are absolutely NOT in the mood to figure out what to make for dinner. Hey, this also saves money too!

Listen to this great podcast about meal planning for more great tips

Another great resource is the Organizing Junkie blog. Menu Plan Mondays are popular in the blogosphere. Apparently you can link your meals and plans with other meal planner/bloggers. I have yet to do this, have still continued to kick it old skool- paper/pen/sales flyer but would love to check these out. If you do I'd love to hear how you like it!

My Delicious Carrot Cake

2010-04-03T16:27:00.004-04:00

Initially I was like, can I call it my carrot cake? I found the recipe online, totally altered it...so yea, I guess it is mine!

And it's really, really delicious. My husband groans with delight when he eats it. I have had lots of compliments on this dessert. I know it's a little late for this Easter, but next time you have a hankerin' for Carrot cake totally whip this one up. seriously. And if you use a food processor to shred your carrots it's fairly easy to make.

Carrot Cake-makes one 3-layer 9-inch round cake

2 cups flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
1 1/2 teaspoons salt
2 cups sugar
1 1/2 cups oil (I use canola)
4 eggs (I have substituted 3/4 cup applesauce and some extra baking soda for eggs (vegan)
2 cups finely grated carrots (I use food processor)
1 8.5 oz can crushed pineapple, drained.

Cream cheese Icing
3/4 cup butter/margarine, softened (I use Earth Balance Buttery sticks-they are vegan/dairy free and not hydrogenated oil)
12 oz Light Cream Cheese, softened (For vegan version I use Tofutti Cream Cheese)
3 Teaspoons Vanilla
24 oz 10X Sugar (1 1/2 boxes (Confectioners Sugar)

preheat oven 350 degrees, 325 for dark non stick coated pans.

Spray 3- 9 inch round cake pans with non stick baking spray, or use margarine and flour your pans.

in medium mixing bowl mix together; flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt. (I just use a fork, I don't sift)
in large mixing bowl mix together sugar, oil and eggs.
Add flour mixture to wet ingredients and mix those

side note: I just use a fork to mix, I save cleaning my electric mixer for the icing only. Lazy? nah. I make enough of a mess anyhow, powdered sugar on floor all over counter, so, I don't need additional cleaning to tend with. don't worry, chances are you won't be this messy I am just historically a messy cook.

Add Carrots and pineapple, mix again. Pour 1/3 of this batter into each cake pan and bake 30-35 minutes. Til toothpick comes out dry.

Icing
with electric mixer cream together cream cheese, butter/margarine and vanilla. Slowly add 10x sugar.

I like to have my icing in the fridge overnight so it stiffens a bit.

Ice your carrot cake layers in between & all around. I am NOT a CAKE DECORATOR. (note; image) but my desserts always taste good.

I keep this cake chilled for best taste/texture. This could be a matter of opinion.

Enjoy! and Happy Easter To Everyone.

Made By You Mondays

2010-03-29T10:57:00.005-04:00

Well I am feeling particularly happy with this hair clip that I made and listed today in my shop. My little ladies wanted to keep it so It almost didn't make it there. BUT we already have about a gazillion black & pink clips, so I didn't feel too bad!

What do you think?

Would a grown Up wear this? I know I would! I'd love to hear from you about this one for Made By You Mondays.

also, while you are here, click Skip To My Lou's link, that's a fun blog to check out.

Happy Monday!

Welcome to my Bedroom

2010-03-23T20:21:00.008-04:00

When we bought this 120+ year old home in 1999 the bedroom walls were white and the carpet, very worn and tan. A clean slate. A few years before baby #1 we painted our room a nice calming shade of green/blue. I wanted something soothing and calm. The color inspiration came from the wall art, Alphonse Mucha prints.

The nasty carpet stayed. and stayed. It became so much more worn. As you can see, gross.

We finally decided to rip it out and put in whitewash laminate flooring. What a difference it made. That spa-esque bedroom wall color has been amped up with some serious ohm with this floor. I really adore how it looks.

Bonuses; photo shooting my Peachy Tuesday stuff will be so wonderful on this white floor. I took this picture of Ava and I lying on the bright Ikea Tundra laminate planks this afternoon.

And we can sock "ice" skate in here! Who does not love that?! wheeee!

In a few days this same flooring will be in Ava's bedroom. Eventually I'd like it in my entire 2nd floor! Keith, don't fret we will hire someone.

Over the past week my Etsy shop has suffered a bit of neglect, but she'll benefit in the long run. A calm, crisp, comfortable home with less pollen and lots of brightness will only turn out to be a positive for her. In many ways. I promise.

Play doh Storage Tip

2010-03-18T14:41:00.005-04:00

Busy Moms like myself have to stay organized. We have to pre-plan out how our day is going to fall into place. We must strategically accomplish an abundance of things to to keep our job security as CEO of household. Okay, yea, true, no chance my wonderful husband is firing me, he knows full well there is NO way he could begin to handle it all, but metaphorically, to keep our own mental job security, if you will.

One thing I try and plan in my head is how to keep the kids busy if I need to get some Etsy stuff done, or house stuff, whatever needs doing that requires little interruption. For us one of the things my girls will go to town with is Play Doh. Listen, as a kid the colorful dough was totally banned from my house, It always bummed me out, so I always knew I wanted a large open stock of it for my own kids. So we do. And my girls love it.

But the darn stuff does dry out, even when lidded properly. So. I have tip for you, to make it last longer

It's totally quick too, so no worries. Make sure you put it in a nice ball. Let the kids collect all of the color, but make it be your Momma/Daddio hands be the ones molding that rainbow clay back into a crackless blob.

Next? use one of the multitude of medicine droppers any parent owns, fill it up with water, put 3 drips in a normal size container, two for medium, one drip for the party pack size container. Drop your blob in, DO NOT PRESS DOWN DOUGH. affix lid, allow lid to press down doh as it needs to close.

I tell you, it works. Just don't use too much water, only the drips as mentioned above, or it will be slimy on the bottom. If you are overzealous and this occurs, no biggie just knead the slimy part through and you'll be good to go again.

So there you have it. We have had some of the same play doh colors for (literally)5 years. I admit we also have tossed some, but overall this helps save you from tossing a lot more.

Have fun digging out doh from under the finger nails! & Have a Peachy Day!

Easiest Chocolate Cake Recipe you MUST have.

2010-03-05T18:52:00.019-05:00

This Chocolate Cake recipe is super easy, and VERY yummy. It's Vegan, meaning, egg, and dairy free. This Cake is all around fantastic. I was thinking the other day while whipping up a quick batch as cupcakes, that I really should share this ease with the public.

It's lack of difficulty aside, this recipe is also a plus because you are avoiding those mixes, full of preservatives, and who knows what really.... And this recipe will save you money. Quite Honestly box cake mixes require hand mixers and this recipe does NOT. you just stir it. SO easy.

This recipe was given to me by a friend, who also has a child with food allergies (like we do), On her blog, she writes up more yummy recipes...This cake, It's termed Wacky Cake, which I thought and found to be correct after a very tiny amount of research. This was an old recipe from, forever ago.
from Wikipedia:
"It is not known for a fact where Wacky Cake first originated, or who created it. However, it has been said that the recipe was first created by Beatrice Fe O'Hearn, who has passed it down through her family and friends since the late 1930s. The cake is considered a popular delicacy at bake sales in numerous rural regions of the United States."

Well now! Here is this splendid 'delicacy' of a recipe you really will use again and again. I hope it makes your busy life a little easier too.
(Below you'll see it's easy enough for a 5 year old to help with.)
Wacky Cake
makes 12 cupcakes or a round or square 9" pan
Can easily be doubled or tripled in a large mixing bowl.

1 1/2 Cups flour
3 Tablespoons Cocoa Powder
1 Teaspoon Baking Soda
1 Cup Sugar
1/2 Teaspoon Salt
5 Tablespoons Canola Oil
1 Tablespoon Vinegar
1 teaspoon Vanilla extract
1 Cup Cold Water

Preheat oven 350 degrees. Place Flour, Cocoa, Baking Soda, Sugar and salt in a bowl and mix. Make three grooves in the dry mix. Pour Oil in one groove, vinegar in another and the vanilla extract in the last groove. Pour cold water over all. Beat with fork til nearly smooth and flour disappears. Pour in greased pan. Bake 30 minutes (20 for cupcakes). Cool Completely before frosting.

Thank You To Tweedle Dee Designs

2010-03-02T20:36:00.005-05:00

This Monday Morning was a wicked one in my household. I honestly just typed househole, which may have been nearly appropriate to describe that morning. I will spare you the details because it all started turning around when I opened my email to read a sweet little note from Brandi at Tweedle Dee Designs. She let me know she had found my Etsy shop on the Flickr "Etsy - Look and Learn" Group and wanted to let me know that she had made Peachy Tuesday one of the Shops of the Week at Tweedle Dee Designs. That made me ever so happy! And turned my househole back into a normal house again.

So here I am to the right of her adorable crafting blog that is totally worth checking out on a regular basis, for everything from free printables to beautiful party ideas, and everything in between.

A big thank you to Brandi for noticing my shop and for making it a shop of the week on her blog. Most of all Thanks for making my Monday a lot smiley-er.

Peachy Tuesday Hair Accessory Giveaway

2010-02-21T12:55:00.016-05:00

Hello To all Peachy Tuesday Fans!

I am excited to do my first blog giveaway to brighten up these last days of winter with some fun springy hair Accessories, handmade by me, Peachy Tuesday!

You can enter to win three ways. The more ways you enter the more entries you have for the random drawing to win The adorable items pictured to the left. Here's how:

1. Post my Peachy Tuesday facebook fan page on your Facebook wall, or share the link to this contest from the fan page on your wall. email the link you've proudly displayed on your Facebook Wall to peachytuesday@gmail.com.

2. I'd love to see pictures of you or your loved ones wearing Peachy Tuesday clothing or accessories. Upload an image to the Peachy Tuesday Facebook Fan Page to be entered to win.

3. Post Peachy Tuesday Etsy Shop on your blog or Facebook page. Email peachytuesday@gmail.com with the link to your page or blog.

Drawing to be held at 10:00pm Eastern Standard Time Sunday February 28th 2010.
Side note: oh my golly it's almost March Everyone, isn't that awesome? Aren't you ready to egg hunt and stuff?
I will email or send a Facebook message to the winner to ask for their address. Items (set of ponytail holders, headband and hair clip set pictured above) will be mailed to you first class, free, of course.(white and leopard fabric pictured is not part of the giveaway)

Happy Sunday-Think Spring!!

ps: I am still totally new at this blogging thing so comments would make me smile just as brightly as these lil gems I cannot wait to send to someone:)

My Need to Collage

2010-02-14T11:29:00.006-05:00

Let Go
Originally uploaded by Torann

A Long Time Ago in a Land Far away. Meaning in a different home, but not really far away, like, only walking distance away, but far away from my metaphoric place... I used to collage. I have always loved looking at the art form collage. I took a gander through some collages on Flickr this morning. Emotions were evoked. Everything from bliss to heartache I could feel what these artists were expressing with their 'smooshings' of stuff together into their collage.

Man, I love that.

Quite honestly I can't draw so it was a way to express...stuff, back in that faraway land, when Keith worked at night and I had the time, and the wherewithall, the loneliness, whatever you want to call it. the NEED.

In More recent years I went through some really un-explainably horrific extended family...stuff...which wound up being most healthily dealt with by amputation of a limb of my family tree. Sounds awful, I am sure but After time has passed that limb removal has been immensely positive for myself and my own sapling of a family tree. At the time this slow painful amputation was occurring I did collage to express...stuff...I didn't show anyone, and I don't even know if I could find what I did, but I want to do this again.

Not amputate anything, silly. Collage. Sure, I love to make hair accessories, and I am really liking how I am starting to find some happy takers of my upcycled clothing but Last night while I was stitching hair clips I took a look at my messy pin cushion, threads, felt bits, and I just felt this urge to collage again.
So I will.
Maybe you'll see it here.

My sincere thanks to Torann for being one inspiration to start collaging again. Love her work. her website '
her Etsy Shop

Formspring Me

2010-02-13T11:39:00.009-05:00

OK so since the beginnings of Jen, on email I have always been 100% dorky over those questionnaire thingys people send out, you copy paste, answer yourself, send back, forward on. You know. You may be annoyed by such things. But I LIKE knowing what kind of ice cream you love most of all. I admit I don't care what you are wearing, and I know about half of each of the question emails are ridiculous junk but there are always at least two questions answered that make me smile/ponder/wonder. And that, in my book is a WIN.

I also must add, my first letter to Keith at the very beginnings of our long distance relationship was 100 questions. He answered, and asked me 100 back. I was HOOKED. IN. L♥VE Well, that and he left poetry on my answering machine, which I still have a cassette tape of and have nearly memorized...

Fast forward-social networking. First MySpace eventually I eliminated MySpace was since it got all low class/ flashy headache inducing. Onto Facebook. When I first joined it was the 'era' when everyone was filling out “25 randoms things about me”. Remember?

Oh. My. Golly. I ADORED this!! I say those lists of 25's I read about my friends were my most favorite thing on Facebook as of yet. This adoration comes from my dorky love of the email questionnaires way back when.

I admit It took me like a month to type up 25 things but I enjoyed it, yammering about myself, self indulgence, who cares? We all need some. If some good happies can be drawn from typing out a list of stuff about you and making it public, psh. That's perfect.

And most importantly I knew how much I loved learning these little bits about people that would probably never have come up in conversation. The little bits that make each of them unique. The yummiest bits.

So, last weekend during a nearly asleep moment at like midnight I was on a crafter's blog, I will be a very bad novice blogger here and not link to her, sadly, because I, for the life of me, cannot find which blogger it was...Anyway this gal had joined Formspring.me and I was really intrigued. It sent my fancies right back to email questionnaires, and I had to join too. I needed some yummy bits.

Formspring Me

So here's what you do, join Formspring.me, and follow people (like twitter), and ask a question, maybe people will ask you a question, and you answer these queries. It's NOT a time suck to set up. 5 min tops. it's quick, it's fun, you can link it right to your Facebook and see which Facebook friends are on it.

Oh, and Just an FYI, You can ask people stuff anonymously too, if you feel all shy about admitting your questionnaire love dorkiness like me.

Chocolate Wrapper That Hit Me Like A Brick

2010-01-26T21:23:00.003-05:00

I suppose this explains what I thought was age related dummy-headed-ness. I like this reason better. but not really. I am a worrier. If it could be worried about I'll find and worry it to it's most worried point. The stress lines on my forehead show this eloquently.

Thank You Scoutie Girl (Tara)

2010-01-17T11:16:00.005-05:00

Peachy Tuesday was Featured on Scoutie Girl Early This week.

A Big Thank you to Tara!

Baby Pangs

2010-01-14T16:34:00.002-05:00

Today was a somewhat unfamiliar, not-so-busy morning. I did my grocery list, had LOTS of laundry to do (thanks to frigid temps requiring so many layers). So Ava and I just hung out. I took some sunshiny pictures and this one kinda struck a nerve. My baby will be registered for full day (no choice in our district) Kindergarten at the end of the month. She will be at. school. all. day. in. September.

whew. really super hard to believe.

Stuff the Kids Say that Keeps me Smilin'

2009-12-03T09:09:00.001-05:00

I try and write down really cute/funny/flabbergasting stuff my kids say.
I'll share one with you today that was particularly Smiley that occurred Monday .

Ruby "inspired" Ava to rip apart some pretty princess and castle window gels she had on her bedroom window.

I asked Ava:
"If Ruby told you to jump off a bridge would you do it?"
(I know, I know very overused, but I am admittedly lame)

Ava responded:
"Well, if I had a swimsuit, and the water was clear, and it was warm and it wasn't dirty, I would."

I guess she told me.

Sale Extended!

2009-12-01T12:28:00.003-05:00

For the Love.

2009-11-24T10:45:00.009-05:00

I'll eat you up. stop smelling so good.

I want to chill you, cool whip you, and eat you for breakfast.

you sit there all sly with your pumpkiny goodness. I said STOP!

I will cry just a little when I have to give you away tomorrow sweet p. pie. but in your place I'll make more.

Magical Christmas Beans

2009-11-21T17:52:00.010-05:00

Ruby and Ava's first preschool year was spent in a classroom complete with a sand table that was filled with beans in lieu of sand. It was a huge success. The kids loved it. Ava talked about it constantly. It occurred to me this was a very simple toy to quickly construct at home. So we did.

You can too. Or Santa can?

You need a nice sized plastic bin, such as, an under-the-bed style. I liked having a lid for clean up ease. Our bean "table" is really just a bin but we put it on top of one of the girls little tables, creating a nice level to play in. If you want to go all out, purchase a sand table, and fill it with beans. I am sure a water table will work too. One thing to watch out for with those two options; the drainage hole. If that were to open up you're going to have a lot of beans on the floor. Not that you won't have some stray beans on the floor with any option. (consider your self warned, but honestly it's not a messy toy in my home)

My girls picked about 20 bags of various dried beans at the grocery store and were very excited to fill it. We add a bag of beans from time to time. It's a good bribe tool at the grocery store. "If you are patient while I shop I'll let you pick a bag of beans for your table" much healthier than other sugary bribery options we Moms/Dads have.

My girls use their play kitchen dishes/utensils and play in these beans for many calm quiet moments of Mommy's life. Actually... I enjoy playing in the beans with them too, it can be relaxing to watch beans sift through your fingers. Bonus!

When we are ready to clean up, we simply put the lid on and store the bin. I keep it on top of my kitchen cabinets. Not my favorite storage area but I don't have many closets.

So as Christmas approaches, maybe a stocking filled with bags of beans? Maybe not. You can decide the best delivery of the beans.

What We're Thankful For a quick lil laugh

2009-11-12T15:18:00.005-05:00

I was asking the girls what they are thankful for today. No, not because I was striving for a Mom of the year moment or two.

We were playing My Little Ponies together. I really just ran out of things for 'Minty' (the pony I had been assigned to "talk") to do. She had taken a ride on the Ferris Wheel with Pinkie Pie, she had gotten a treat at the treat shop. She watched the birthday girl pony talk about...um, I kinda forget.

This must have been the place where my head went to a friends "note" in facebook. Where else on a day at home with the kids? My favorite grown up communication device, Facebook. sigh. Anyway, my friend had written a note listing things she was thankful for. Given the season and all, I figured it would be fun to ask my girls what they were thankful for. Possibly a bit of learning and/or appreciation may be squeezed out in the process. Right? So...

me: Ruby, What are You thankful for?"
Ava: (chiming in out of turn) YOU!! *me smiling feeling proud*
me: Thank you Ava, but can you wait your turn next time please?
Ruby: You and Daddy...and my toys...and the TOILET!!
me: I am thankful for toilet paper

There was more beyond this, but the funny part was the potty stuff. Probably all you really want to read, if that!

I am thankful for these little kiddos. They make me laugh, smile, scream, frustrated, elated...and on and on. I am quite thankful for my beautiful little girls.