Mad about Men!

September 20, 2008 in Television

Obsessed is what I am…..with the TV show “MAD MEN.” I first discovered the show when I was recovering from my appendectomy earlier this summer and I’ve become an avid fan and trying to convert everyone I know to watch. The show is a period piece set in the early 1960’s about the advertising industry and the men and women who worked in it. The creator is fanatical about everything from the costumes to all the set props being authentic to the period. The level of smoking and drinking that went on during work hours as well as the double standards between men and women are pretty shocking. It’s amazing how much our culture has changed in a seemingly short period of time. The characters and their relationships are complex and fascinating. I’ve since bought the first season on DVD and the commentaries by the creator, actors and designers shed even more light onto issues of the time as well as insight into the characters.

I have a variety of people that I discuss the show with (we may need to start a Mad Men Anonymous program soon). Because there are so many levels to the show, it is always enlightening to compare notes with other devotees. We all have different perspectives and catch different nuances and are moved by different experiences and sensitivities of the characters. Season Two has proven to be a little darker than the first season, but peeling away some of the surface layers of the characters and witnessing the unraveling has got me sucked in even more. I believe the level of acting is so nuanced and rare for a television series. I have my DVR set for Sunday night to see how many Emmy’s the show rakes in after being nominated for 16. I’m on the edge of my seat awaiting the next episode…..

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Babies are so Adorable!

September 17, 2008 in Books, Friendship, Quilting

One of our “own” recently had a baby. Bill who works with our agency in NY became a first time father. To offer our congratulations to him and his wife, we sent him one of our baby quilts, Cuddles Crib Quilt from our book Memories & Milestones. He tells me that baby August is bonding well with his “blankie” and the proof is in this photo. Since babies make us all melt and even though toddlers give us the occasional melt-down, we have dedicated our next book called “Cuddle Quilts” to that very subject. The book will launch in late October and I’ll be sharing a sneak preview with you very soon. In the meantime, enjoy little “August.” Isn’t that an adorable name for an adorable little boy!?

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Five Nature-Inspired Decorating Ideas

September 14, 2008 in Crafts, Creativity, Decorating

Decorating with ROCKS

Easy to find, rocks make fun decorating accessories! Look on the beach or along a creek or river bed for water-rounded rocks. Chunks of slate also work well when decorating with rocks*. Or, check local craft stores for bags of rocks.

Sticks n’ Stones
The simplicity and serenity of nature are showcased in this quiet composition of a few beautiful rocks, sticks, and moss. Look for a shadowbox frame that enables you to put a mat next to the glass before inserting your natural items. Simply use hot glue to attach a piece of grass cloth to the shadowbox’s wooden backing, then glue rocks and twigs to the grass cloth. Insert into the shadowbox and attach according to shadowbox directions.

Word Rocks
Create an organic and unusual display for coffee table or buffet by grouping a variety of rocks and votive candles on a tray. Just for fun, use press-on or rub-on scrapbook letters to add words to a few of the rocks.

Rock Frame
Show off your outdoor adventure pictures in a rock-topped frame. Use hot glue to adhere rocks to an unfinished wooden frame. Spray paint with the color of your choice for a unique and handsome accessory. Use a sea sponge and acrylic craft paint to add dark shading if desired.

FOREST Findings

Nature provides all kinds of decorations on the forest floor. Pinecones, acorns, twigs, seeds, moss, and rocks are just a few of nature’s gifts.*

Bark & Candlescape
Fill a glass vase with all your forest finds for an eye-catching and organic centerpiece. Place the vase on a round from a birch tree for added interest. Small birch branches, moss-covered twigs, slate, pinecones, and acorns all reflect the forest’s bounty. For even greater impact, group the vase with a candle or use two or three vases in various sizes.

Twig Frame
Create a striking frame for a beautiful forest photo with twigs. Perfect for the den or a cabin, this frame uses landscaping cuttings to create a picture prefect presentation. Simply remove all leaves from cuttings and allow twigs to dry thoroughly. Paint an unfinished wooden frame the same color as the twigs to serve as a base. Using sisal or string, tie bundles of twigs to the frame, securing in every direction as shown.

Trim string as needed. Since ties go around the wooden frame, photo mat may need to be notched in each corner so mat fits snugly in the frame.

*Always check regulations in State and National Parks before gathering any natural items.

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From the Hen House

September 11, 2008 in Crafts, Creativity, Friendship, Pets, Scrapbooking

Kathy (resident artist and chicken custodian) just delivered an only slightly belated birthday gift to omelet-lover Jackie that was not only inspired, but very practical. Her initial gift of a dozen Martha Stewart-esque eggs was accompanied by a custom created card with a photo of her prize chickens as well as a punch card for ten dozen eggs. (Delivery included :-) Cock-a-doodle-do – How cute is that!

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Crank Your Cranium!

September 8, 2008 in Creativity, Quotes

“Always keep learning. It keeps you young.” My Mom does a crossword puzzle every day to keep her brain function operating. Statistics tells us that people get bored after they retire and they often go back to work to stay vital. Geriatrics are learning to operate the “wii” video games so they can do yoga from their Assisted Living Center. Learning something new does keep our brain matter smoking. I just wish it didn’t make me feel so old when I try to figure out how to operate my new cell phone, or which of my three remote controls does what, or when I have to ask my son to explain again how to download iTunes, or when I try to put together a new purchase that “requires simple assembly.” Learning new things may keep us young, but it also seems to keep us pretty humble.

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You say “To-mayto,” I say “To-mahto”

September 4, 2008 in Recipes

We are ending our summer with cool temperatures which is certainly pleasant, but I sure hope it doesn’t interfere with my anticipated Tomato harvest. I do confess that I personally didn’t plant any myself this year – but I have an empty basket and I’m eager to receive any surplus that my zealous gardening friends may have to offer. I got to taste test this savory recipe from my friend Terri and now I can’t wait to try it. If you’ve got some ripe tomatoes, I recommend that you give this simple recipe a try. It makes for a tasty side salad.

Marinated Tomatoes
3 large tomatoes, thickly sliced
1/3 c. olive oil
1/4 c. red wine vinegar
1 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp. pepper
1 clove garlic, minced
2 tbsp. fresh onion, finely chopped
1 tbsp. chopped fresh parsley
1 tbsp. fresh basil (or 1 tsp. dried)

Place tomato slices in a large shallow dish. Combine remaining ingredients in covered jar and shake well. Pour over tomato slices. Refrigerate until well chilled.

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