Awww, snap! It’s a Furoshiki Wrap!
I'm loving this Furoshiki guide that has a link on Apartment Therapy. In fact, I'm working on some blockprinted towels right now to use as wraps. What's really amazing about this guide, besides its handy size and simple illustrations, is that it was published by Japan's Ministry of the Environment. Their government providing instruction in the art of furoshiki?! Can you imagine the United States doing something similar? Maybe Housing and Urban Development could start doing a home style guide or publish an online DIY manual for home repairs and home improvements. Hire Martha Stewart and Ty Pennington to head it up. Just a thought…
Sea Changes
Ever had the sudden realization that you were going the wrong direction? You began your journey with your course plotted out, only to look around one day and wonder, "Where the hell am I and how did I end up here?" That's happened to me. I realized recently that I have been aimlessly drifting along instead of sticking to the course I originally laid out for myself. And while I've stumbled across some interesting people and places during my wanderings, I've drifted way off course and need to make changes. Drastic changes. So I'll be working on that for the next several weeks. By then I should be back on course and headed in the right direction. I'll keep you posted, so be on the lookout. 
Crafty Sluts Enjoy a Quickie Now and Then
Just whipped up this little baby so I'd have an apron to wear while printing and painting. This tea towel has been sitting on my shelf for the longest time, just waiting for me to sew it up and add ribbon. I love that it took 20 minutes from start to finish. Sometimes a girl's just not in the mood for something involving a lot of work, you know?
Little Brown Pen- Just.Add.Paper
For those who haven't visited the husband and wife team of Little Brown Pen yet, click here to see their super cool stop-motion video (with a catchy tune by Lenka) that they created to promote their shop. Specializing in PDF downloads for printing and gift-giving, they have a 3 for $10 option that let's you pick your favorites. They have calendars (extremely popular), stationery sets, gift tags, coloring cards, and other little goodies. Ten dollars, multiple gifts off the list, and no malls or crowds- it's a Merry Christmas for YOU and your posse!
Loss of Appetite- Holiday Helpers
The holidays are bearing down upon us. Who really has the desire or time to entertain your husband's co-workers and lush of a boss or the neighbors with their children spawned from Satan? What about those acquaintances that just drop in, unannounced and uninvited, because "they were in the neighborhood"? Well, what's done is done, but Betty's here to help get you out of future hostessing duties. Some recipes from her 'Imprompu', I mean, 'Impromptu Party Fare' files…
Imagine your guests' surprise when this appears on the party buffet table. Scrambled eggs (those should keep well) and a food that 65% of people despise. This recipe only serves 2-3. Two to three servings is considered 'party fare'? Oh, wait. That's how many people will be at the party if you tell them the menu ahead of time. Including you and and your spouse. That Betty is sly…
Want to make sure the evening moves along quickly? Try speeding things up by serving dinner and dessert All-In-One! Just as shampoo and conditioner in one was a bad idea, so too is this meal. But effective in discouraging future drop-in guests. Just to clarify, is it the salmon or the shortcake that is crusty?
When I was a child, we actually got a girl to eat mud by telling her it was pudding. Betty has apparently found a way to get children to eat petrified dog turds by surrounding them with healthy fruit medley and calling them 'brownies'.
Merry Christmas and Happy Hostessing!
Cereal Boxes- Not Just for Breakfast Anymore
Came across an interesting tip in ReadyMade magazine last night for repurposing cereal boxes. Instead of chucking them in the trash, or even the recycling bin, use them as boxes for mailing small items and articles of clothing. That's one less box to buy or ask for at the department store. How very Earth Friendly, eh?
