tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-68361872993303656492024-02-19T09:01:32.729-08:00Home DeconomicsA little Home Ec and a little Home DecHome Deconomicshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01048482857144218800noreply@blogger.comBlogger155125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6836187299330365649.post-88344501969390811782012-05-31T07:46:00.004-07:002012-05-31T07:46:58.605-07:00We've moved!I don't know why I say "we". It's just little ol' me.<br />
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Regardless, I have finally moved to my own domain! I've had it for years, just gathering dust but it's now finally live! I will leave this blog up for a while but will not be posting here any longer.<br />
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Come on over to the new home of<a href="http://homedeconomics.net/" target="_blank"> Home Deconomics! </a>Home Deconomicshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01048482857144218800noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6836187299330365649.post-22236012178689190812012-05-07T05:00:00.000-07:002012-05-07T05:00:01.769-07:00Take the Transition Challenge!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Have you heard of <a href="http://transitionus.org/" target="_blank">Transition US</a>? It's an amazing grass roots organization helping communities find and create ways to lessen their dependency on petroleum. And it takes many, many shapes and forms, big and small, public and private, from re-skilling fairs to bike tuning workshops to city wide solar installations. I'll bet you anything there is an already formed <a href="http://www.transitionnetwork.org/initiatives/map" target="_blank">group near you</a>!<br />
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I had been wanting to connect with others who were in the same place as me, as far as improving our lifestyle, and knew our town was full of these folks. But how to find them? Then someone told me about Transition and that we had a local chapter. Oh joy! I have just begun getting involved with our chapter (<a href="http://transitionfidalgo.org/" target="_blank">Transition Fidalgo and Friends</a>) and am very excited to have them team up with our Farmers' Market (where I am a vendor/volunteer) and present<a href="http://transitionfidalgo.org/skill-share" target="_blank"> workshops </a>all season!<br />
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I am also taking part in the <a href="http://transitionus.org/actions/transition-challenge" target="_blank">Transition Challenge</a>!<br />
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"Join the thousands of people taking the Transition Challenge this
May. There are any number of actions you can take to improve the place
where you live while at the same time showing support for local
businesses & efforts, educating & raising awareness, building
community and empowering youth.<br />
Pick up your shovels and tools. Help construct rainwater harvesting
systems. Install solar panels. Make energy efficiency improvements, and
share garden know-how with their friends and neighbors. Have a potluck!<br /><br />
This is an opportunity to promote and increase participation in city
and county programs for lawn removal, greywater and healthy food while
creating innovative demonstration gardens in communities ranging from
front yards to apartment patios, city landscapes, schools, churches,
organizations and businesses."<br />
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We are putting in a rain barrel system and planting for fruit! You can even see our initiative under "Growing Paynes" on the map in NW WA.<br />
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Join us! Do something small or dream up something big! Share it with everyone and watch how everyone progresses!<br />
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Are you already part of a Transition group? Tell us where!<br />
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Did you take the plunge and register a project? Please share it!<br />
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Let's do something really swell, shall we?Home Deconomicshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01048482857144218800noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6836187299330365649.post-15282728047766516442012-04-30T04:00:00.000-07:002012-05-04T17:27:21.100-07:00Oilcloth Table Covers<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkEnBUFiVVYhmaDY85DFpKL3v0B7Mo00TXmMbNR9llm_L8XofbxEGEWTIze-ObGLCsInvFEVUGCY_5xfzKxmgMzCy8jnzjAGtLGZBpBxuWOztlATtt2rtyhL3HCubB2BoYQC7C8SDw9BI/s1600/P4260011.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkEnBUFiVVYhmaDY85DFpKL3v0B7Mo00TXmMbNR9llm_L8XofbxEGEWTIze-ObGLCsInvFEVUGCY_5xfzKxmgMzCy8jnzjAGtLGZBpBxuWOztlATtt2rtyhL3HCubB2BoYQC7C8SDw9BI/s320/P4260011.JPG" width="319" /></a></div>
Oh how I love the happy colors of oilcloth. I am already preparing inventory for the <a href="http://thefarmchicks.com/show.html" target="_blank">Farm Chicks show</a> in June and these table covers are always a hit.There are 23 tablecloths in that stack and it looks so small in the picture! They are all bound in my own handmade bias binding :)<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7e4f4pE4ciseJO_5foK-ARI247hOMVTDw6wQpDz2k9H1qxu7YwMvIYYc327AUWj9892GO6XRjLqKIg5R47aYULO85TCjYwTORmhX6OAh691ngYWIhCgg3qaMIbWFfLdmyaUH1yv9K42c/s1600/P4230003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="264" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7e4f4pE4ciseJO_5foK-ARI247hOMVTDw6wQpDz2k9H1qxu7YwMvIYYc327AUWj9892GO6XRjLqKIg5R47aYULO85TCjYwTORmhX6OAh691ngYWIhCgg3qaMIbWFfLdmyaUH1yv9K42c/s320/P4230003.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
Here they are as I picked out the trims. I haven't seen the table underneath in a week! I may be listing some of these on <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/HomeDeconomics?ref=si_shop" target="_blank">Etsy</a> but most of them are destined for Farm Chicks. You just may have to go to Spokane to get one!<br />
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As I mentioned in my<a href="http://homedeconomics.blogspot.com/2012/04/really-long-note-to-self.html" target="_blank"> last post</a>, I love oilcloth but am afraid I am going to discontinue using it. I just have too many issues with plastic guys! I will use up what's left of my inventory and then it will be no more :( But have no fear, there are many super awesome shops on Etsy who will continue to supply you all with their super awesome oilcloth goods! <br />
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<br /></div>Home Deconomicshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01048482857144218800noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6836187299330365649.post-6333786188422823442012-04-26T17:29:00.000-07:002012-04-26T17:29:24.905-07:00A really long note to selfI've just made a decision. I've just stepped over the line between <i>acceptance</i> to <i>action</i>. Now this is no major event or anything, in fact it's quite a small step but a huge shift in my thinking.<br />
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To live a sustainable, self-sufficient lifestyle. This may be a let down or boring to some of you but it marks a significant moment in our household and I want to document our steps. I mentioned it here briefly but this is another, bigger step.<br />
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I often watch documentaries to entertain myself while I'm cutting and sewing my goods for sale. My favorites are social and political commentary, especially involving our food system. I was watching one last week (not a very good one but poignant nonetheless) when someone made the observation that the public is going through the equivalent of the stages of grief (denial, anger, bargaining, depression, acceptance) in relation to our environment and added one more step. Action. For many years I was stuck in the depression mode, feeling helpless against the mega-corps and corrupt government agencies. How can we, the little guy, fight against that?<br />
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I kept learning more, read a lot of books and watched way too many documentaries, talked with family and local community groups and entered the acceptance stage. Knowing and understanding how I can make a change but not yet walking the walk. After all, it's no small step for an average consumption-based household to suddenly make a big change. We talked a lot about what we'd<i> like</i> to do but never really followed through.<br />
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But some where, suddenly I mentally crossed that line into action.( I mean really sudden, like an epiphany while doing the dishes.) I'm ready. <i>It's time</i>. My mind raced for days, to the point I actually gave myself an anxiety attack. Were we ready for this? And there was the crux of the matter. <i>We</i>. Not just me. So the hubby and I sat down over a nice (local, organic and seasonal) lunch and talked about it. He's on board! There wasn't the same Jesus-ray-of-light-through-the-clouds-moment as mine but he's on board.<br />
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So here we are. How to the two of us, the little guys, fight against that broken system?<br />
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Well, you don't. You simply<i> remove yourself from that system</i>. I found that by taking what I call a self-centered approach, I am able
to feel more productive and like I'm making a difference. Don't save the
world. Save yourself. Worried about GM'd food? Grow your own (with heirloom seeds of course). Worried about the state of the economy? Get out of debt, not by earning more, but by consuming/buying less. What if the "grid" goes down? Have alternatives ready.<br />
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What I didn't expect was to feel so empowered and secure. Knowing you can take care of your family on your own, without "outside" help is very empowering. It removes any remaining feeling of denial, anger and depression.<br />
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That's why I'm writing all this down. It hit me like a bolt out of the blue. I am not religious but I have been joking that <i>this</i> is my religion now. I am a born-again tree hugger, a newly devout self-sufficiency disciple!<br />
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There are many of you out there who have always lived this way. Quietly, without bragging or lecturing, you just<i> Do</i>. That is my goal. And I hope to document some of that here. Not for you, but for me (there's that self-centered bit again).<br />
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This is our starting point. I want to note our beginnings so we can look back later and compare. We're pretty average, really.<br />
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We own 2 cars and my husband travels a lot for work. I don't drive much but do drive downtown everytime i need to run errands in our small town.<br />
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While we endeavor to eat healthful meals both at home and out, we happily slip up once in a while and get a greasy burger or gooey nachos. We eat mainly meat-centric meals but try to buy organic whenever possible.<br />
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We don't get sick, don't have any nasty vices and consider ourselves "healthy" but we don't exercise and are pretty soft and sedentary.<br />
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I am a very novice, intermittent gardener. I get lots of help and advice from others. I have a newly enlarged garden space that I am just getting ready to plant.<br />
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I try to keep spending under modest control but I don't keep a budget and we use our credit cards too much. We have the usual debt a lot of Americans have (credit cards, car payments, student loans etc).<br />
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Here are just a few things we would like to accomplish in the next year or so and have even made some minor changes to already;<br />
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I have dusted off my husband's bicycle and have begun to ride it downtown for my errands. More for my health than for saving gas (but at the rate gas is going up, why not save?). I have fantasized about getting a cargo bike!<br />
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I want to rid ourselves of as much plastic as possible. Not getting militant or anything but the crap is poison and I don't want it near my body or my food. (This means altering my product line as well - say goodbye to oilcloth)<br />
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Meat has got to go. Animal fats and proteins are just too harmful. This will be a more difficult shift for us but I am already trying to use less meat. When we do buy meat I will try to buy organic at our farmers market and to grind my own meats and burgers. But don't ever deny me bacon! (I found a local provider, yay!)<br />
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I want to grow and preserve as much of our own food as possible. Organically and from heirloom seed. I want to learn to save seed as well. I have seeds, the space, canning and dehydrating supplies. Time to put them to use! I must learn about winter crops.<br />
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We are looking in to solar and even possible wind power options.<br />
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By being more self-sufficient I hope to spend less and reduce our debt. I also want to just buy less. Who needs all this stuff? We have way too much junk and I am already purging our home of it. I have realized that the clutter in the home has been cluttering my mind as well. Junk be gone! <br />
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So there we are. I had to get that off my chest. I thought about just journaling for myself but a small part of me wanted to share in case there are others in the same place as me. Indeed, please share your experiences in making change. <br />
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<br />Home Deconomicshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01048482857144218800noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6836187299330365649.post-80773543253750575982012-03-30T08:06:00.003-07:002012-03-30T08:06:53.159-07:00C'mon Spring!Spring in Western Washington is a very fickle thing. She'll tease you early on with some nice warm days so you can mow your lawn and get some yard work done. A few more nice days and you think "Wow, this is going to be a warm spring!" and you decide to plant some seeds because you just can't wait any longer. Then Spring gives an evil laugh and sends in either snow and freezing temps or a torrential downpour and gale-force winds.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Baker Creek Seeds - (gorgeous photos)</td></tr>
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So I must content myself with organizing and re-organizing my seeds (my orders arrived weeks ago) and longingly gazing at their full grown images on the package. Then I work and rework my garden plan. Erasing, moving and replotting where every seed and start will go. I've worn holes in the paper (companion planting revision!).<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.territorialseed.com/images/products/hr1043.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="214" src="http://www.territorialseed.com/images/products/hr1043.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Territorial Seed Co- Basil</td></tr>
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I'm even dreaming of how I can further expand my garden, which I had just ripped out and completely reworked in the fall. The virgin beds are not yet planted (ok, that's a lie. I couldn't help it.) and I'm already trying to dig out more lawn to make room for berries and maybe some espalliered fruit trees.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.growgardentomatoes.com/image-files/tomato-trellis-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://www.growgardentomatoes.com/image-files/tomato-trellis-1.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">grow up!</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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Then I think "don't go out, go up!" and start dreaming up giant towers for my beans and peas, or perhaps stringing wires all the way over to the fence to create a living arbor for the trailing nasturtiums. And let's not forget that cukes and squash can be grown vertically as well. This may or may not be a better use of my time but I sure have fun killing time on a stormy day by browsing books and websites for awesome garden ideas. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.easy-vegetable-gardening.com/images/bed-vegetable-gardening.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="173" src="http://www.easy-vegetable-gardening.com/images/bed-vegetable-gardening.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">simple garden plan</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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How about you? Have you been an impatient gardener and planted too early (remember Feb '11 and those 80 degree days?) or are you the opposite and don't think of planting until summer is in full swing?Home Deconomicshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01048482857144218800noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6836187299330365649.post-40328313494557703142012-01-27T12:36:00.000-08:002012-01-27T12:36:57.146-08:00Collage<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHTexZZlfuBnIFaf8HLt0TREnQBiFALe-duGoYC69zFqqSVo6AnZDAL8kr2B4p-twLOjIa6nZnJgZekJypHI6QxOqH16UwXFZLjhOt3A5HTNWtZx2uXpwH3BaAsFbZtGVXhVfKR37e2-8/s1600/bigcollage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHTexZZlfuBnIFaf8HLt0TREnQBiFALe-duGoYC69zFqqSVo6AnZDAL8kr2B4p-twLOjIa6nZnJgZekJypHI6QxOqH16UwXFZLjhOt3A5HTNWtZx2uXpwH3BaAsFbZtGVXhVfKR37e2-8/s320/bigcollage.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Looky!</td></tr>
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<span id="goog_1943062152"></span><span id="goog_1943062153"></span>Home Deconomicshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01048482857144218800noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6836187299330365649.post-36058997265965613232010-08-09T14:12:00.001-07:002010-08-09T14:12:20.930-07:00What’s New and Up and Coming too<p>Hey Gang! I’ve been a busy, busy bee this summer. Spring and summer shows, two farmers markets each weekend as well as creating and producing new items.</p> <p>Here’s a peek at what’s new!</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/53207288/everyday-cotton-napkins-honey-bees"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="honey bees cloth napkins " border="0" alt="honey bees cloth napkins " src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_aT6a7SlX1H0/TGBvKzt02_I/AAAAAAAAA_g/x5lOnt80S6A/P6080113%5B4%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="260" height="236" /></a> </p> <p><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/53234636/everyday-cotton-napkins-garden-gnomes"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="garden gnomes napkins" border="0" alt="garden gnomes napkins" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_aT6a7SlX1H0/TGBvLX4kaqI/AAAAAAAAA_k/NDKSU7klPVU/P7270028%5B4%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="260" height="238" /></a> </p> <p>Cloth Napkins! Oodles of fun fabrics with more being added all the time.</p> <p>For all those going back to school, or if you are just in need of something to liven up your desk – Mouse pads! You’ll find the usual fun and playful fabrics as well as some newer florals and sophisticated designs.</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/52415361/magenta-botanical-mouse-pad"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA " border="0" alt="OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA " src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_aT6a7SlX1H0/TGBvLyPyCZI/AAAAAAAAA_o/ukyuzHjG0UA/P3310034%5B4%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="260" height="231" /></a> </p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/43897585/oak-leaf-mouse-pad"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="oak leaves mouse pad " border="0" alt="oak leaves mouse pad " src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_aT6a7SlX1H0/TGBvMTL_IzI/AAAAAAAAA_s/tIWzZckKwdU/P3310004%5B4%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="260" height="260" /></a> </p> <p>And last but definitely not least, my most favorite new item;</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/53442365/oilcloth-place-mats-aqua-cherries-set-of"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="oilcloth place mats - aqua cherries " border="0" alt="oilcloth place mats - aqua cherries " src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_aT6a7SlX1H0/TGBvM6HtIvI/AAAAAAAAA_w/4IVWAdcoyIk/P8020006-1%5B5%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="282" height="348" /></a> </p> <p align="left">Oil cloth place mats! So retro and sweet I want to keep them all to myself! And do I spot some really swell cloth napkins in that photo? Gee, I wonder where I can <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/52916418/everyday-cotton-napkins-red-gingham">get some of those too</a>…</p> <p align="left">There is so much more to show you! Chalk-cloth place mats, oil cloth table cloths, up-cycled paper envelopes and paper-wrapped pencils, more greeting cards, and sweet pin cushions.</p> <p align="left">BUT WAIT, THERE’S MORE! Also in the works – my new website and newsletter! Finally. For reals this time. Due this fall (fingers crossed).</p> <p align="left">Ta ta for now, I have more goodies to photograph!</p> <div style="padding-bottom: 0px; margin: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; float: none; padding-top: 0px" id="scid:0767317B-992E-4b12-91E0-4F059A8CECA8:70d88dbd-bdfb-443b-993d-b723ec74d038" class="wlWriterEditableSmartContent">Technorati Tags: <a href="http://technorati.com/tags/etsy+shop" rel="tag">etsy shop</a>,<a href="http://technorati.com/tags/oilcloth" rel="tag">oilcloth</a>,<a href="http://technorati.com/tags/place+mats" rel="tag">place mats</a>,<a href="http://technorati.com/tags/cloth+napkins" rel="tag">cloth napkins</a>,<a href="http://technorati.com/tags/mouse+pads" rel="tag">mouse pads</a>,<a href="http://technorati.com/tags/home+deconomics" rel="tag">home deconomics</a></div> Home Deconomicshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01048482857144218800noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6836187299330365649.post-72875010611022038812010-03-29T14:34:00.001-07:002010-03-29T14:34:40.104-07:00Craft Show and Tulip Festival<p>It’s <a href="http://www.tulipfestival.org/" target="_blank">tulip time</a> again and if you’ve never been, now’s the time! The weather may be grey but the tulips and daffodils are popping open like mad and the fields are aglow with color. This weekend is also our “Something Different” craft show at the Rexville Grocery pavilion. </p> <p align="center"><a href="http://bluecollardogtreats.blogspot.com/"><img title="rexville flyer" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="403" alt="rexville flyer" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_aT6a7SlX1H0/S7Ec5y1YsXI/AAAAAAAAA_U/Rl2xVUIJ-Cg/rexville%20flyer%5B5%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="312" border="0" /></a> </p> <p align="left">It’s Easter weekend so pack up the family and take a drive through the Skagit Valley and see the gorgeous tulips and daffs then swing by the grocery for a snack or a sandwich and come browse the crafts. See <a href="http://bluecollardogtreats.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Bev’s blog, Blue Collar Dog Treats</a> for the whole scoop and lots of pictures! She has done an excellent job and you can even find pictures and bios of the crafters.</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_aT6a7SlX1H0/S7Ec6fF0nWI/AAAAAAAAA_Y/o03qPLHCVPQ/s1600-h/image%5B9%5D.png"><img title="image" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-bottom: 0px" height="211" alt="image" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_aT6a7SlX1H0/S7Ec7lPk5LI/AAAAAAAAA_c/k5O3GhIOlHI/image_thumb%5B5%5D.png?imgmax=800" width="274" border="0" /></a> </p> <p>Alert Tulip Visitors! Tulips are early this year! The next two weeks will be prime viewing. Daffodils are left to wither on the stem so there but <em>tulips are topped just after full bloom.</em> Then there is no color left at all (this is done so all the plant’s energy is sent to the bulb. While there are plenty of cut tulips to be found, the tulips in the valley are grown for the bulb). So don’t put off your visit, come soon!</p> <div class="wlWriterEditableSmartContent" id="scid:0767317B-992E-4b12-91E0-4F059A8CECA8:834cc050-1e9e-4040-b49d-fa4227584f95" style="padding-right: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; float: none; padding-bottom: 0px; margin: 0px; padding-top: 0px">Technorati Tags: <a href="http://technorati.com/tags/rexville+grocery" rel="tag">rexville grocery</a>,<a href="http://technorati.com/tags/skagit+tulip+festival" rel="tag">skagit tulip festival</a>,<a href="http://technorati.com/tags/craft+shows" rel="tag">craft shows</a>,<a href="http://technorati.com/tags/Something+Different" rel="tag">Something Different</a>,<a href="http://technorati.com/tags/skagit+county" rel="tag">skagit county</a>,<a href="http://technorati.com/tags/tulips" rel="tag">tulips</a>,<a href="http://technorati.com/tags/daffodils" rel="tag">daffodils</a></div> Home Deconomicshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01048482857144218800noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6836187299330365649.post-39539640434328630992010-03-03T14:15:00.001-08:002010-03-03T14:15:24.985-08:00I’ve Sprouted!<p align="center"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_aT6a7SlX1H0/S47fbh7MszI/AAAAAAAAA-8/PkoH4fAm7Tg/s1600-h/P30300035.jpg"><img title="OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA " style="border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; border-left-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px" height="238" alt="OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA " src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_aT6a7SlX1H0/S47fcYTL87I/AAAAAAAAA_A/ANxfF0t60oQ/P3030003_thumb3.jpg?imgmax=800" width="310" border="0" /></a> </p> <p>I’m so excited! My lovely little basil and tomato seeds are well on their way to deliciousness! Ever since I <a href="http://homedeconomics.blogspot.com/2010/02/home-made-mozzarella.html" target="_blank">made my own mozzarella</a> I’ve been dreaming about making insalata caprese. What could be tastier than fresher than fresh, home-grown ingredients? </p> <p>Soon these little beauties will plump, sweet tomatoes…</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_aT6a7SlX1H0/S47fdI4t1RI/AAAAAAAAA_E/LF3-dOmcAbk/s1600-h/P3030005%5B4%5D.jpg"><img title="OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA " style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="304" alt="OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA " src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_aT6a7SlX1H0/S47fdnvN-aI/AAAAAAAAA_I/alkO9RXWz_c/P3030005_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="233" border="0" /></a> </p> <p align="left">And these will be fragrant, yummy basil…</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_aT6a7SlX1H0/S47feVBfHWI/AAAAAAAAA_M/O1A3406h4gY/s1600-h/P3030004%5B5%5D.jpg"><img title="OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA " style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="314" alt="OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA " src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_aT6a7SlX1H0/S47fexuCT2I/AAAAAAAAA_Q/xTv6e_fty4Q/P3030004_thumb%5B3%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="240" border="0" /></a> </p> <p align="left">Combine it with the nutty, delicate mozzarella, a dash of sea salt and fresh ground pepper and a sprinkle of balsamic vinegar. We put ours on a baguette slice to mop up the juices. Yummmm.</p> <p align="left">Hurry up summer!</p> <div class="wlWriterEditableSmartContent" id="scid:0767317B-992E-4b12-91E0-4F059A8CECA8:c9de2460-1fc6-4775-8717-6d03b9caab63" style="padding-right: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; float: none; padding-bottom: 0px; margin: 0px; padding-top: 0px">Technorati Tags: <a href="http://technorati.com/tags/fresh+mozzarella" rel="tag">fresh mozzarella</a>,<a href="http://technorati.com/tags/tomatoes" rel="tag">tomatoes</a>,<a href="http://technorati.com/tags/caprese" rel="tag">caprese</a>,<a href="http://technorati.com/tags/seed+sprouts" rel="tag">seed sprouts</a>,<a href="http://technorati.com/tags/spring" rel="tag">spring</a>,<a href="http://technorati.com/tags/basil" rel="tag">basil</a></div> Home Deconomicshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01048482857144218800noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6836187299330365649.post-36837588472884923362010-02-05T09:06:00.001-08:002010-02-05T09:06:42.335-08:00Home-made Mozzarella<p>In Barbara Kingsolver’s <em>Animal, Vegetable, Miracle</em> they talk about making mozzarella cheese in less than 30 minutes. I love fresh mozzarella and decided this was something I had to try. Yesterday, I did.</p> <p>For the full directions go <a href="http://www.animalvegetablemiracle.com/Mozzarella.pdf" target="_blank">here</a>.</p> <p>This was so easy it’s criminal. The only possible hitch might be finding the proper ingredients. </p> <p>You will need <strong>one gallon pasteurized milk</strong>. NOT ULTRA-PASTEURIZED. Sometimes this can be more of a challenge than you’d think. I used organic vat-pasteurized whole milk. ( I have no idea what vat-pasteurized means but it worked). One gallon of milk will yield 2 fist sized cheeses.</p> <p>Also 1 1/2 tsp <strong>citric acid</strong>. I found it in my local health food store bulk aisle. I bought a few tablespoons worth for .49.</p> <p><strong>Rennet</strong>. No one in my town had this, which surprised me. My local super-healthy grocery store never even had a request for this before. I found it in a food co-op in the next town. It was in a refrigerated section but sometimes you will find it in the dessert aisle with the Jell-O. It looks like this:</p> <p align="center"><img height="182" src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/511LpDgWffL._SL500_AA280_PIbundle-2,TopRight,0,0_AA280_SH20_.jpg" width="182" /> </p> <p>The directions recommend a stainless-steel pot and glass or ceramic measuring cups but I believe you may use other materials as long as they are VERY CLEAN. You do not want any foreign bacteria on your utensils! And we used a candy thermometer instead of an instant-read.</p> <p>For full instructions remember to go <a href="http://www.animalvegetablemiracle.com/Mozzarella.pdf" target="_blank">here</a>!</p> <p>First you slowly heat the milk on the stove. As it reaches room temp you add the diluted citric-acid. As it warms more it will begin to curdle. You then add the diluted rennet. It began to develop curds immediately. In just a few minutes the remaining whey should be a pretty clear yellow and the curds ready to remove.</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_aT6a7SlX1H0/S2xQFaFrUnI/AAAAAAAAA-c/9-0OOYaSpNo/s1600-h/P2040080%5B5%5D.jpg"><img title="OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA " style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="245" alt="OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA " src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_aT6a7SlX1H0/S2xQGG82XUI/AAAAAAAAA-g/MXaZfEDzbbI/P2040080_thumb%5B3%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="320" border="0" /></a> </p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_aT6a7SlX1H0/S2xQG11PWiI/AAAAAAAAA-o/adlvu0TptVg/s1600-h/P2040081%5B4%5D.jpg"><img title="OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA " style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="246" alt="OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA " src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_aT6a7SlX1H0/S2xQHY6rNVI/AAAAAAAAA-s/FV6zm1R3v7A/P2040081_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="322" border="0" /></a> </p> <p>Place curds in a large microwavable bowl (Large enough so you can knead it right in the dish) and press out as much liquid as possible. It feels and looks a bit like firm bread dough at this point.</p> <p align="left">Nuke it for one minute and press and knead out more moisture. It can get HOT so use caution. Heat for 30 more seconds and repeat. When hot you can pull and stretch it like taffy. Pretty neat. Add some salt and nuke-and-knead again. It now feels like silly putty. Very HOT silly putty. </p> <p align="left">I divided it into 2 palm-sized pieces and shaped them into balls.</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_aT6a7SlX1H0/S2xQH9hXoPI/AAAAAAAAA-w/7TJbS0OyBmw/s1600-h/P2040084%5B4%5D.jpg"><img title="OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA " style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="254" alt="OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA " src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_aT6a7SlX1H0/S2xQIeezNZI/AAAAAAAAA-0/fFFCpzj39Pk/P2040084_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="332" border="0" /></a> </p> <p></p> <p>Done! The flavor turned out deep and nutty, probably because I used whole milk. One issue I noticed and that was it was a little firmer than I expected and I suspect that’s from over-handling it. I was a little rough on it during the kneading process.</p> <p>I can’t wait to try this again! It was so easy (and fairly mess-free too) you could do this before dinner and eat it fresh! The deep flavor will be absolutely delicious with fresh home-grown tomatoes and basil on a home-made baguette with a dash of balsamic vinegar. YUM! Can’t wait for summer!</p> <div class="wlWriterEditableSmartContent" id="scid:0767317B-992E-4b12-91E0-4F059A8CECA8:af9e0b5b-c65a-47c2-86d0-901eb95d7e90" style="padding-right: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; float: none; padding-bottom: 0px; margin: 0px; padding-top: 0px">Technorati Tags: <a href="http://technorati.com/tags/home-made+cheese" rel="tag">home-made cheese</a>,<a href="http://technorati.com/tags/fresh+mozzarella" rel="tag">fresh mozzarella</a>,<a href="http://technorati.com/tags/cheese+making" rel="tag">cheese making</a>,<a href="http://technorati.com/tags/Kingsolver+recipe" rel="tag">Kingsolver recipe</a></div> Home Deconomicshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01048482857144218800noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6836187299330365649.post-79223743788037995022010-01-23T09:06:00.001-08:002010-01-23T09:06:26.151-08:00Inspiration and galvanization<p>First off, I want to say I’m not one of “those” people. I’m not one of those uber-eco folks whose blood runs green and who lectures others when they eat meat or throw something away that could be recycled. I’m just a regular gal who wants to be a little more involved in my little town and to eat fresh, yummy food that’s safe and unmodified. I’m finally ready to get off my ass and <em>do</em> something.</p> <p>Scare yourself in to action! (ie, educate yourself)</p> <p>I like to make educated, informed decisions. I read a lot. I watch movies and documentaries. I love research and enjoy exploring certain subjects. The following books inspired me, and the film scared me into action. There are many, many more out there but I think these 3 are great primers and introductions to examining food, and how it is grown or manufactured (when I get a third column added to this blog I will create a list of many more).</p> <p><strong>In Defense of Food by Michael Pollan</strong></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://www.michaelpollan.com/indefense.php#" target="_blank"><img src="http://www.michaelpollan.com/InDefenseFood_cover_thumb.jpg" /></a> </p> <p align="left">I enjoy most of Pollan’s books. I was dubious about this one because the premise doesn’t really sound like a whole books worth of writing. It is. He is a very accessible writer and lovely to read. Here he addresses, among other things, the problem with adding nutrients to manufactured, processed food, and the ramifications of eating such. It all makes such perfect sense!</p> <p align="left"><strong>Animal, Vegetable, Miracle by Barbara Kingsolver</strong></p> <p align="center"><strong><a href="http://www.animalvegetablemiracle.com/" target="_blank"><img height="250" src="http://www.harpercollins.com/harperimages/isbn/medium/9/9780060852559.jpg" width="165" /></a> </strong></p> <p>Kingsolver’s family moves to a farm and elects to feed themselves solely on what they grow or can trade from other farms. Written in monthly chapters it’s not only a beautiful read but quite helpful as a primer for doing it yourself. For example what will you do with surpluses of food in the summer? How will you get through the lean winter months?</p> <p><strong>Food, Inc</strong></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://www.foodincmovie.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://www.foodincmovie.com/img/site/movie_poster-large.jpg" /></a> </p> <p align="left">This film is a great, gentle introduction into how our food has been changed and manipulated. There are many others out there that go in to more detail or try to terrify you but this one is just an all around great eye-opener. Personally I think it should be shown in classrooms. Most people have no idea how little food is in our “food”. If this doesn’t make you think more about growing your own non-gmo food or shopping at your local farmers market, I don’t know what will.</p> <p align="left">There is a new small film out called <a href="http://www.freshthemovie.com/" target="_blank"><strong>Fresh</strong></a><strong> </strong>that I have yet to see (limited release). This film focuses on action – what you can do about the very things <em>Food, Inc</em> brings up. I’d love to hear from anyone who’s seen it.</p> <p align="left">There you have it. My new direction and basis for what I feel should be the new Home Ec. Not just the care and feeding of your family but knowing <em>what </em>you are feeding them.</p> <div class="wlWriterEditableSmartContent" id="scid:0767317B-992E-4b12-91E0-4F059A8CECA8:093ce577-781c-4dbe-a515-4c99d702c4fc" style="padding-right: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; float: none; padding-bottom: 0px; margin: 0px; padding-top: 0px">Technorati Tags: <a href="http://technorati.com/tags/food+culture" rel="tag">food culture</a>,<a href="http://technorati.com/tags/healthy+food" rel="tag">healthy food</a>,<a href="http://technorati.com/tags/gmo" rel="tag">gmo</a>,<a href="http://technorati.com/tags/home+economics" rel="tag">home economics</a>,<a href="http://technorati.com/tags/gardening" rel="tag">gardening</a>,<a href="http://technorati.com/tags/locavore" rel="tag">locavore</a></div> Home Deconomicshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01048482857144218800noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6836187299330365649.post-35452405596045236362010-01-22T06:31:00.000-08:002010-01-22T06:31:00.337-08:00Lynden Craft and Antique Show<p>Another 6 months has passed and I’m gearing up for the spring show!</p> <p> If you are in the north Puget Sound area, come visit me and many, many others this March 18-21.</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://www.lyndencraftantiqueshow.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://www.lyndencraftantiqueshow.com/images/postcardspr2010.jpg" /></a> </p> <div class="wlWriterEditableSmartContent" id="scid:0767317B-992E-4b12-91E0-4F059A8CECA8:f90b31aa-3e50-49ba-89ba-496d91d894f5" style="padding-right: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; float: none; padding-bottom: 0px; margin: 0px; padding-top: 0px">Technorati Tags: <a href="http://technorati.com/tags/craft+shows" rel="tag">craft shows</a>,<a href="http://technorati.com/tags/lynden+WA" rel="tag">lynden WA</a>,<a href="http://technorati.com/tags/Home+deconomics" rel="tag">Home deconomics</a></div> Home Deconomicshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01048482857144218800noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6836187299330365649.post-1786448709848481172010-01-21T09:24:00.001-08:002010-01-21T09:24:02.349-08:00Happy New Year!<p>Yes, I know it’s almost the end of the month already but in my usual procrastinator’s manner, I’m way behind.</p> <p>I’ve been thinking long and hard about this blog and I think I will be making a few changes in direction. I’ve always wanted to write about what I think modern Home Economics is, but was unsure how to focus my efforts. Simply put, Home Economics is the care and management of your home and family.</p> <p>I had originally wanted to share tips and information, from past and present, on the topic of running a household. More recently an interest of mine has turned into a compulsion. This year I am going to try to be a locavore. A slow-food eater. A sustainable gardener. An active member in my community. This could be a rather large undertaking but it is very important to me so I hope it will “stick”. By this I mean I hope it’s not another one of my big ideas that I’m passionate about for 6-12 months then move on. I want this to become part of our lives. Perhaps by sharing my goals with you it will add some accountability.</p> <p>This means that running my household will now be a lot more hands-on. I will try growing more food (I am a procrastinator and a lazy gardener. Not a good combo for this) and eating what’s in season (that means no more imported winter tomatoes from Mexico! gulp). Exploring more regional foods (seafood!). It means paying more attention to what’s in packaged foods and educating myself on how foods are manufactured and processed.</p> <p>I’m going to take baby steps. Not everything will be possible but we will make small changes where we can (buying Washington wines instead of our usual Yellow Tail). I plan on spending the whole year easing into this, not jumping in head first right away. Perhaps some of you will join me. I hope many of you already have and can share your experiences.</p> <p>At the risk of boring you before I even get started, here are the basic tenets I’m going to try and follow (from the <a href="http://www.locavores.com/" target="_blank">Locavores</a> website):</p> <p>If not LOCALLY PRODUCED, then <strong>Organic</strong>. This is one of the most readily available alternatives in the market and making this choice protects the environment and your body from harsh chemicals and hormones.</p> <p>If not ORGANIC, then <strong>Family farm</strong>. When faced with Kraft or Cabot cheeses, Cabot, a dairy co-op in Vermont, is the better choice. Supporting family farms helps to keep food processing decisions out of the hands of corporate conglomeration.</p> <p>If not FAMILY FARM, then <strong>Local business</strong>. Basics like coffee and bread make buying local difficult. Try a local coffee shop or bakery to keep your food dollar close to home.</p> <p>If not a LOCAL BUSINESS, then <strong>Terroir</strong>, which means 'taste of the Earth'. Purchase foods famous for the region they are grown in and support the agriculture that produces your favorite non-local foods such as Brie cheese from Brie, France or parmesan cheese from Parma, Italy.</p> <p>Hit the <strong>farmers' market</strong> before the supermarket. Plan your meal around local ingredients you find at the market.</p> <p><strong>Branch out</strong>. Maybe your usual food repertoire could use some fresh ideas. The farmers' market provides a perfect chance to try a new ingredient when it's in season, and lets you talk to its grower to find out the best way to prepare your new food. Flirt with your food producer!</p> <p><strong>Feed the freezer</strong>. Can't cook every night? Worried about your fresh produce going bad? It's easy. Make lasagna with local tomatoes or a soup packed with fresh veggies and freeze it! You can also make personal size meals for a brown bag lunch.</p> <p><strong>Go out!</strong> Many area restaurants emphasize local foods in their dishes. Ask around, you might be surprised how many options you find that serve up local flavor.</p> <div class="wlWriterEditableSmartContent" id="scid:0767317B-992E-4b12-91E0-4F059A8CECA8:ce3d3806-f461-47fe-b8a8-60c8f7c3d916" style="padding-right: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; float: none; padding-bottom: 0px; margin: 0px; padding-top: 0px">Technorati Tags: <a href="http://technorati.com/tags/locavore" rel="tag">locavore</a>,<a href="http://technorati.com/tags/100-mile+diet" rel="tag">100-mile diet</a>,<a href="http://technorati.com/tags/sustainable+gardening" rel="tag">sustainable gardening</a>,<a href="http://technorati.com/tags/organic+food" rel="tag">organic food</a></div> Home Deconomicshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01048482857144218800noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6836187299330365649.post-44753542406601188962009-09-24T11:00:00.001-07:002009-09-24T11:00:05.627-07:00Upcoming Shows<p>I’ve got a lot in the works this coming holiday season and I can’t wait to share it all with you. Whether you are a local or might just happen to be passing through, be sure to stop in and say hello!</p> <p><strong>Gal-apalooza, Oct 24</strong></p> <p>This is the first show I have scheduled and is in downtown Everett, WA. This will be my third year. It’s more than a craft show, it’s an event! In the upstairs mezzanine, overlooking the main floor, are all the pampering services. Get a massage, facial, manicure etc. On the main floor are all the booths, food, wine (yes, wine!) as well as the entertainment; cake walks, raffles, belly dancers, hula hoop artists and more! I have so much fun I’d do it even if I didn’t make any money.</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://www.artscouncilofsnoco.org/events/gno/galapalooza.html"><img title="image" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="237" alt="image" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_aT6a7SlX1H0/SruzpMmO1MI/AAAAAAAAA-U/7nY-7_Ae-5k/image%5B4%5D.png?imgmax=800" width="354" border="0" /></a> </p> <p><strong>Anacortes Farmers Market Holiday Show, Nov 21</strong></p> <p>For you locals, this should be another fun market event! Come stock up on holiday goodies and gifts from your favorite vendors! It will be held inside the Depot building. More details to come.</p> <p>I’m still waiting to hear back from another show so keep your fingers crossed for me ( I <em>really </em>want it)! </p> <p>Hope to see you at a show this season!</p> <div class="wlWriterEditableSmartContent" id="scid:0767317B-992E-4b12-91E0-4F059A8CECA8:9fef8a61-8f82-4971-9b50-0caeb81a7533" style="padding-right: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; float: none; padding-bottom: 0px; margin: 0px; padding-top: 0px">Technorati Tags: <a href="http://technorati.com/tags/craft+shows" rel="tag">craft shows</a>,<a href="http://technorati.com/tags/art+festivals" rel="tag">art festivals</a>,<a href="http://technorati.com/tags/everett" rel="tag">everett</a>,<a href="http://technorati.com/tags/galapalooza" rel="tag">galapalooza</a>,<a href="http://technorati.com/tags/anacortes+farmers+market" rel="tag">anacortes farmers market</a>,<a href="http://technorati.com/tags/holiday+shows" rel="tag">holiday shows</a>,<a href="http://technorati.com/tags/home+deconomics" rel="tag">home deconomics</a>,<a href="http://technorati.com/tags/hbic" rel="tag">hbic</a>,<a href="http://technorati.com/tags/upcoming+events" rel="tag">upcoming events</a></div> Home Deconomicshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01048482857144218800noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6836187299330365649.post-19444910059728617352009-09-23T09:19:00.001-07:002009-09-23T09:19:18.498-07:00Grand Re-Opening!<p>At last! I feel like I’ve completed the move. The shop is open under the new business name (Home Deconomics) and is quickly filling with goodies.</p> <p>Something I didn’t take into account was how long it takes to get a shop up and rolling. Even though I’ve been selling on Etsy for years and have just changed names, I have essentially started all over again. I have no feedback yet and very few hearts. I may lose a lot of my regular customers with this move. But it was a risk I was willing to take for the sake of my business in the long run. Please don’t forget to heart the new shop so you can find me again!</p> <p>I am, however, very excited to be listing some brand new items! I gave you a sneak peek at the greeting cards last time and there are now a few listed. More of those to come as well.</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=31336212"><img title="OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA " style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="336" alt="OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA " src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_aT6a7SlX1H0/SrpKWnkpoDI/AAAAAAAAA9w/10gVHX6pOUo/P9200148%5B5%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="291" border="0" /></a> </p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_aT6a7SlX1H0/SrpKXtUUOMI/AAAAAAAAA90/1Qafv6lEtc8/s1600-h/P9200150%5B4%5D.jpg"><img title="OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA " style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="344" alt="OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA " src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_aT6a7SlX1H0/SrpKZDvWzgI/AAAAAAAAA94/JOYZ2M_Ky7U/P9200150_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="263" border="0" /></a> </p> <p align="left">Something else I’ve been working hard on is my new heavy duty craft/utility aprons! I wanted to make a durable apron to wear at shows and markets yet be cute and go with my booth decor. Then all the other vendors wanted one too. I will have plain, unadorned ones coming soon as well.</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=31415077"><img title="OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA " style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="313" alt="OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA " src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_aT6a7SlX1H0/SrpKZ-UFJRI/AAAAAAAAA98/0LIFbkw3FJY/P9200221%5B6%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="348" border="0" /></a> </p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_aT6a7SlX1H0/SrpKbU5k-zI/AAAAAAAAA-A/jmljNGZKxCE/s1600-h/P9200227%5B5%5D.jpg"><img title="OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA " style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="306" alt="OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA " src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_aT6a7SlX1H0/SrpKcconjAI/AAAAAAAAA-E/QfhVVupvwvU/P9200227_thumb%5B3%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="348" border="0" /></a> </p> <p align="center"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=31414341"><img title="OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA " style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="322" alt="OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA " src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_aT6a7SlX1H0/SrpKd1VVhfI/AAAAAAAAA-I/3hE1dcC-CGM/P9200237%5B6%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="351" border="0" /></a> </p> <p align="left">Also new to the shop: Tortilla warmers/potato bakers. Pretty handy little guys!</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=31395773"><img title="OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA " style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="301" alt="OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA " src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_aT6a7SlX1H0/SrpKfFYZBkI/AAAAAAAAA-M/-NHr-FbHdBE/P9200064%5B6%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="334" border="0" /></a> </p> <p align="center"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=31156773"><img title="OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA " style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="281" alt="OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA " src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_aT6a7SlX1H0/SrpKg_bQ44I/AAAAAAAAA-Q/bZ7qF-XTDOU/P7010111%5B6%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="331" border="0" /></a> </p> <p align="left">And more items to come! I still need to photograph the oilcloth table runners I hinted about a few posts back and some new retro shaped placemats.</p> <p align="left">I have some fun shows and opportunities coming up this fall and winter and I’ll share those once I have more details and dates.</p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <div class="wlWriterEditableSmartContent" id="scid:0767317B-992E-4b12-91E0-4F059A8CECA8:0b842d99-f973-4f5a-8496-526caebb1387" style="padding-right: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; float: none; padding-bottom: 0px; margin: 0px; padding-top: 0px">Technorati Tags: <a href="http://technorati.com/tags/new+product" rel="tag">new product</a>,<a href="http://technorati.com/tags/craft%2futility+apron" rel="tag">craft/utility apron</a>,<a href="http://technorati.com/tags/tortilla+warmer" rel="tag">tortilla warmer</a>,<a href="http://technorati.com/tags/potato+baker" rel="tag">potato baker</a>,<a href="http://technorati.com/tags/greeting+card" rel="tag">greeting card</a>,<a href="http://technorati.com/tags/thank+you+card" rel="tag">thank you card</a>,<a href="http://technorati.com/tags/home+deconomics" rel="tag">home deconomics</a>,<a href="http://technorati.com/tags/hbic" rel="tag">hbic</a></div> Home Deconomicshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01048482857144218800noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6836187299330365649.post-10745685002470792712009-08-28T08:59:00.001-07:002009-08-28T08:59:04.766-07:00Oh Joy!<p>I’ve got a scanner again!</p> <p>I have so many wonderful books to share and now I can begin scanning them. Unfortunately, my joy is short lived because I’m getting a new computer next week (yay!) and the scanner will not be compatible with it (boo Vista). I can’t wait to get my new super-duper rig ( “rig”, ha! Do I sound like a gaming nerd or what) but I know it will render all my peripherals obsolete. Anyway, back to our regularly scheduled program…</p> <p>(I really am excited! I will even have a better computer than my husband!)</p> <p>The business name change is complete and the <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=7781400">new shop</a> is up (but currently empty). I should be filling it up this week with some brand new items!</p> <p>One of which is greeting cards! I wanted to share my love of ugly vintage food photography with world. Ugly food is just misunderstood and needed a champion, and I,  1950s kitsch lover, am just the woman for the job.</p> <p>Behold!</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_aT6a7SlX1H0/Spf-jYNLq9I/AAAAAAAAA9Y/DsgzPVxXtMY/s1600-h/Scan001%2C%20August%2028%2C%202009%5B3%5D.jpg"><img title="Happy Anniversary!" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="218" alt="Happy Anniversary!" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_aT6a7SlX1H0/Spf-mcXm88I/AAAAAAAAA9c/Gfuuyy_2zQ8/Scan001%2C%20August%2028%2C%202009_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="297" border="0" /></a> </p> <p align="center">Happy Anniversary!</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_aT6a7SlX1H0/Spf-smvBDTI/AAAAAAAAA9g/TAWw1r3CxoI/s1600-h/Scan002%2C%20August%2028%2C%202009%5B3%5D.jpg"><img title="Scan002, August 28, 2009" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="221" alt="Scan002, August 28, 2009" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_aT6a7SlX1H0/Spf-uFxkDvI/AAAAAAAAA9k/4J7dVfhPkOM/Scan002%2C%20August%2028%2C%202009_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="298" border="0" /></a> </p> <p align="center">Thinking of You</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_aT6a7SlX1H0/Spf-xHa63II/AAAAAAAAA9o/e0DezWfe68c/s1600-h/Scan003%2C%20August%2028%2C%202009%5B3%5D.jpg"><img title="Scan003, August 28, 2009" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="214" alt="Scan003, August 28, 2009" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_aT6a7SlX1H0/Spf-x3oBcSI/AAAAAAAAA9s/9NdJIk_beiI/Scan003%2C%20August%2028%2C%202009_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="293" border="0" /></a> </p> <p align="center">Thank You</p> <p align="left">Now you too will be able to share the joy! Show someone you love just <em>how much</em> you care.</p> <p align="left">Cards will be in the shop soon, I hope, now that I have a scanner! They will be retailing for about $2.75. Each image is an original straight out of a vintage cookbook (other books coming soon as well) so once it’s gone, it’s gone. Unless I find another copy of the book. Some books are just so ugly I have to adopt every copy I find.</p> <p align="left">And with my new computer I will be able to save as many memory hogging images as I want! </p> <p align="left">(Did I mention it’s red? With a back-lit keyboard in blue?)</p> <p align="left">I’m thinking I may need to start doing a weekly or monthly ugly food pic. What do you think? I have oodles of gelled foods that are begging to be seen!</p> <div class="wlWriterEditableSmartContent" id="scid:0767317B-992E-4b12-91E0-4F059A8CECA8:ea3139b6-fc57-4827-9ae3-8e320698f8b0" style="padding-right: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; float: none; padding-bottom: 0px; margin: 0px; padding-top: 0px">Technorati Tags: <a href="http://technorati.com/tags/greeting+cards" rel="tag">greeting cards</a>,<a href="http://technorati.com/tags/thinking+of+you" rel="tag">thinking of you</a>,<a href="http://technorati.com/tags/happy+anniversary" rel="tag">happy anniversary</a>,<a href="http://technorati.com/tags/Thank+you" rel="tag">Thank you</a>,<a href="http://technorati.com/tags/hbic" rel="tag">hbic</a>,<a href="http://technorati.com/tags/home+deconomics" rel="tag">home deconomics</a></div> Home Deconomicshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01048482857144218800noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6836187299330365649.post-88356322783278463372009-08-13T13:46:00.001-07:002009-08-13T13:46:50.374-07:00I’ve been featured!<p>One of my wonderful fellow vendors at our local farmers market did a lovely post about me. Aw shucks, I feel swell! </p> <p>Take a look-see at <a href="http://bluecollardogtreats.blogspot.com/2009/08/test-post.html">Bev’s Blue Collar Dog Treats</a> and I should be back on my blogging schedule asap!</p> Home Deconomicshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01048482857144218800noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6836187299330365649.post-26014947939440985802009-07-30T08:04:00.001-07:002009-07-30T08:04:48.829-07:00Change is a-coming<p>What a busy bee I’ve been! In my efforts to grow my business I’ve been doing a lot of administrative duties, taking me away from the fun things for a bit. My new business name is applied for (Home Deconomics) and website is finally going to be built. As my husband always says, go big or go home!</p> <p>I’ve been taking a lot of photos. Photos for a wholesale catalog as well as booth and product pics for juried shows. I spent a lot of time creating some items at a lower price point, now I’m developing some for the other end of the spectrum, more art show worthy.</p> <p>I’m going to create some really nice new business cards (with pictures) and post cards (listing shows and markets I’ll be attending that season). </p> <p>Hopefully I can get my ducks in a row and have my website and catalog ready by fall in hopes of adding wholesale business when the farmers market season has ended.</p> <p>Hopefully I’ll get all my new goodies listed on Etsy soon (cotton napkins, book covers, tortilla warmers, craft aprons and table runners) . And that’s another thing…essentially starting over with my Etsy shop (and the new name).</p> <p>In the meantime, here’s a peek at my newest product, oilcloth table runners. I sold all my prototypes already at the last market!</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_aT6a7SlX1H0/SnG2hQ6lR1I/AAAAAAAAA9Q/wgrZMaQF6Yg/s1600-h/P7200068%5B4%5D.jpg"><img title="OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA " style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="280" alt="OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA " src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_aT6a7SlX1H0/SnG2j51PRBI/AAAAAAAAA9U/HiKWl7a264A/P7200068_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="367" border="0" /></a> </p> <p align="left">And if anyone knows of someone who does fun and unusual web design, drop me a link or send me an email please! I’m looking for retro-1950’s flair.</p> <p align="left"><a href="mailto:hb@headbitchincharge.com">hb@headbitchincharge.com</a></p> <p align="left"> </p> <div class="wlWriterEditableSmartContent" id="scid:0767317B-992E-4b12-91E0-4F059A8CECA8:54d0fd6f-d01c-413d-aea6-47e180400fb8" style="padding-right: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; float: none; padding-bottom: 0px; margin: 0px; padding-top: 0px">Technorati Tags: <a href="http://technorati.com/tags/wholesale" rel="tag">wholesale</a>,<a href="http://technorati.com/tags/catalog" rel="tag">catalog</a>,<a href="http://technorati.com/tags/webdesign" rel="tag">webdesign</a>,<a href="http://technorati.com/tags/oilcloth" rel="tag">oilcloth</a>,<a href="http://technorati.com/tags/hbic" rel="tag">hbic</a></div> Home Deconomicshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01048482857144218800noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6836187299330365649.post-91738228057063774242009-07-15T08:38:00.001-07:002009-07-15T08:38:23.497-07:00Tangy Mustard Coleslaw<p>I was never a coleslaw fan. It always tasted so bland and watery. Even our favorite pub has crappy fresh-made slaw. </p> <p>Then I tasted <em>real</em> home made slaw. I’m in love. Nothing says summer to me like cool, crisp, flavorful coleslaw. Where you can actually taste and identify the vegetables and the dressing merely compliments them, not hide them.</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_aT6a7SlX1H0/Sl333o2M5dI/AAAAAAAAA84/BjqXY2J5Xzs/s1600-h/P7140036%5B4%5D.jpg"><img title="fresh organic veggies " style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="246" alt="fresh organic veggies " src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_aT6a7SlX1H0/Sl334MXh3-I/AAAAAAAAA88/5BtE721kkI8/P7140036_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="321" border="0" /></a> </p> <p align="left">This recipe if from the <a href="http://homedeconomics.blogspot.com/2009/07/favorite-cookbooks-and-magazines.html">aforementioned Cooking Light</a> magazine. Hubby and I love mustard and this recipe is a hit!</p> <p align="left"><strong>Tangy Mustard Coleslaw</strong></p> <p align="left">7 cups finely shredded cabbage (I like to throw in a bit of red cabbage if I have it)</p> <p align="left">1 cup thin sliced red onion</p> <p align="left">1/4 cup white wine vinegar</p> <p align="left">2 Tbs sugar (use caution here, you can always add more later)</p> <p align="left">2 Tbs whole grain mustard (oh the choices!)</p> <p align="left">2-3 Tbs mayonnaise (someday I’ll make my own)</p> <p align="left">1/8 tsp salt & pepper</p> <p align="left">pinch of ground red pepper</p> <p align="left">*Combine cabbage, onion and carrot in a large bowl. Combine remaining ingredients in a small bowl and stir well (It might not look like enough dressing but it’s the perfect amount). Pour over cabbage mixture and toss well to coat. Chill before serving.*</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_aT6a7SlX1H0/Sl3351cc2hI/AAAAAAAAA9A/rZCturA2SKs/s1600-h/P7140038%5B4%5D.jpg"><img title="fresh, homemade coleslaw " style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="268" alt="fresh, homemade coleslaw " src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_aT6a7SlX1H0/Sl336XvVkfI/AAAAAAAAA9E/-5a4giIEwtc/P7140038_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="351" border="0" /></a> </p> <p align="left">It was a hot day yesterday and I had a spontaneous urge to make this slaw for lunch. De-licious!</p> <p align="left">And just because I felt like it, I made a malted milkshake too!</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_aT6a7SlX1H0/Sl336_HnBjI/AAAAAAAAA9I/FO6yxu9xvKo/s1600-h/P7140041%5B4%5D.jpg"><img title="vanilla malted " style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="269" alt="vanilla malted " src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_aT6a7SlX1H0/Sl337hbj0nI/AAAAAAAAA9M/K41QNE-DenY/P7140041_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="352" border="0" /></a> </p> <p></p> <div class="wlWriterEditableSmartContent" id="scid:0767317B-992E-4b12-91E0-4F059A8CECA8:6d4995c6-b0f0-415c-984a-9cf9b9455d21" style="padding-right: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; float: none; padding-bottom: 0px; margin: 0px; padding-top: 0px">Technorati Tags: <a href="http://technorati.com/tags/coleslaw+recipe" rel="tag">coleslaw recipe</a>,<a href="http://technorati.com/tags/tangy+mustard+coleslaw" rel="tag">tangy mustard coleslaw</a>,<a href="http://technorati.com/tags/cooking+light+magazine" rel="tag">cooking light magazine</a>,<a href="http://technorati.com/tags/hbic" rel="tag">hbic</a></div> Home Deconomicshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01048482857144218800noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6836187299330365649.post-83929037198435273792009-07-13T11:29:00.001-07:002009-07-13T11:29:25.920-07:00Spry – It’s Triple Creamed! or, Aunt Jenny Wants to Kill You!<p>My scanner is broken but I managed to dig up some previous scans of vintage cook booklets. These are a couple from Spry, a vegetable shortening, like Crisco.</p> <p>Here are the front and back covers of the earlier one, I’m guessing the mid 1940’s. All the graphics inside are illustrated like the covers. I wish I had a scan of the inside to show you what “Aunt Jenny’ looks like.</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_aT6a7SlX1H0/Slt8yjICy4I/AAAAAAAAA74/KDDxegbEJW0/s1600-h/IMG_0085%5B4%5D.jpg"><img title="IMG_0085" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="309" alt="IMG_0085" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_aT6a7SlX1H0/Slt8zdQAz9I/AAAAAAAAA78/1KIeG9_66kg/IMG_0085_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="261" border="0" /></a> </p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_aT6a7SlX1H0/Slt81MvcnvI/AAAAAAAAA8A/xzqpZKrc7iY/s1600-h/IMG_0086%5B4%5D.jpg"><img title="IMG_0086" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="315" alt="IMG_0086" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_aT6a7SlX1H0/Slt817boGBI/AAAAAAAAA8E/MrSUMP6A-FU/IMG_0086_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="265" border="0" /></a> </p> <p></p> <p>Now here is the later version, perhaps late 40’s very early 50’s.</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_aT6a7SlX1H0/Slt8279a-FI/AAAAAAAAA8I/wXT-zyzKpcY/s1600-h/IMG_0078%5B4%5D.jpg"><img title="IMG_0078" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="322" alt="IMG_0078" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_aT6a7SlX1H0/Slt83p0LFfI/AAAAAAAAA8M/JhsVPzSol8A/IMG_0078_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="274" border="0" /></a> </p> <p align="left">The copy on these cracks me up. “So digestible even a child can eat them!” Thank goodness for that! Below is a good shot of Aunt Jenny before she went off her meds.</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_aT6a7SlX1H0/Slt84vZTD5I/AAAAAAAAA8Q/SWoqX56xsfw/s1600-h/IMG_0079%5B6%5D.jpg"><img title="IMG_0079" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="383" alt="IMG_0079" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_aT6a7SlX1H0/Slt85kPSgBI/AAAAAAAAA8U/BDev0ReIJW8/IMG_0079_thumb%5B4%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="316" border="0" /></a> </p> <p align="left">The inside is where things get weird for me. Aunt Jenny is no longer illustrated. She’s a “real” person. My mother was the first one to notice something about sweet Aunt Jenny was…off. Like they tried to make her look older and more grandmotherly than she is.</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_aT6a7SlX1H0/Slt86ZjZB9I/AAAAAAAAA8Y/HQRcARW02PQ/s1600-h/IMG_0080%5B5%5D.jpg"><img title="IMG_0080" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="384" alt="IMG_0080" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_aT6a7SlX1H0/Slt86xP3lnI/AAAAAAAAA8c/hmBS8ROtJfo/IMG_0080_thumb%5B3%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="322" border="0" /></a> </p> <p></p> <p></p> <p>An’ they go a bit o’erboard on the country speak, don’t you know. But it’s so down home you know good things are comin’ outta this kitchen!</p> <p align="left">“Land sakes Ebeneezer…!”  </p> <p align="left">Here she is serving up one of her “magic meat pies”. Looks awful suspect to me. And where is Mr. Aunt Jenny? Does he approve of his wife serving meals to single men? I think they’re hinting that ole Aunt Jenny is a bit spry herself *wink, wink, nudge, nudge*</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_aT6a7SlX1H0/Slt87-2PxVI/AAAAAAAAA8g/bkGD2rllZOQ/s1600-h/IMG_0082%5B5%5D.jpg"><img title="IMG_0082" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="393" alt="IMG_0082" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_aT6a7SlX1H0/Slt88tG3WSI/AAAAAAAAA8k/lMMTqvrRe4A/IMG_0082_thumb%5B3%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="328" border="0" /></a> </p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_aT6a7SlX1H0/Slt89nC9BpI/AAAAAAAAA8o/IPeV7w7yEWE/s1600-h/IMG_0081%5B6%5D.jpg"><img title="IMG_0081" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="389" alt="IMG_0081" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_aT6a7SlX1H0/Slt8-kw4GXI/AAAAAAAAA8s/Tsafg1LYzP0/IMG_0081_thumb%5B4%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="326" border="0" /></a> </p> <p></p> <p>There is just something about Aunt Jenny that gives me the creeps. The fake “grandma-ness”, the overly beaming smile and the over the top country slang is too contrived. I hadn’t noticed her creepiness until after I scanned the booklet or I could give you some great examples of her crazed grin. Like she just served up her niece in the magic meat pie.</p> <p>Here is the back cover and a glimpse at the original Aunt Jenny. She is in the very upper right. Now that is a sweet grandma figure! I believe <em>that</em> Aunt Jenny. Sweet and kindly with rosy cheeks, not a smile frozen in rigor.</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_aT6a7SlX1H0/Slt9AUk7X6I/AAAAAAAAA8w/XtlKWk1dO68/s1600-h/IMG_0084%5B4%5D.jpg"><img title="IMG_0084" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="372" alt="IMG_0084" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_aT6a7SlX1H0/Slt9BKHDIaI/AAAAAAAAA80/5PrWKnW6BQQ/IMG_0084_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="300" border="0" /></a> </p> <p>I do not like the creepy Aunt Jenny. She reminds me of smiling, overly happy people that are hiding something. Like a knife behind their back.</p> <p>You know..if I squint just right I can make the copy above read “Aunt Jenny stars as Bride of Chucky”. Come ‘ere you! Aunt Jenny wants to bake you in, er, bake you a meat pie! You’ll DIE for it!</p> <div class="wlWriterEditableSmartContent" id="scid:0767317B-992E-4b12-91E0-4F059A8CECA8:9274c1bc-3e48-4d55-b87b-e095eddad714" style="padding-right: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; float: none; padding-bottom: 0px; margin: 0px; padding-top: 0px">Technorati Tags: <a href="http://technorati.com/tags/spry" rel="tag">spry</a>,<a href="http://technorati.com/tags/vintage+cookbooklet" rel="tag">vintage cookbooklet</a>,<a href="http://technorati.com/tags/vintage+advertising" rel="tag">vintage advertising</a>,<a href="http://technorati.com/tags/vegetable+shortening" rel="tag">vegetable shortening</a>,<a href="http://technorati.com/tags/Aunt+Jenny" rel="tag">Aunt Jenny</a>,<a href="http://technorati.com/tags/Bride+of+Chucky" rel="tag">Bride of Chucky</a>,<a href="http://technorati.com/tags/hbic" rel="tag">hbic</a>,<a href="http://technorati.com/tags/vintage+cook+book" rel="tag">vintage cook book</a></div> Home Deconomicshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01048482857144218800noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6836187299330365649.post-19495295033521249362009-07-08T09:16:00.001-07:002009-07-08T09:16:01.658-07:00Wordless Wednesday<p align="center"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_aT6a7SlX1H0/SlTGOYiYC2I/AAAAAAAAA7o/Lw_A3SZ2Jr4/s1600-h/P7010033%5B3%5D.jpg"><img title="OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA " style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="331" alt="OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA " src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_aT6a7SlX1H0/SlTGO1-CGxI/AAAAAAAAA7s/82ge7Na9Avc/P7010033_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="277" border="0" /></a> </p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_aT6a7SlX1H0/SlTGPoVlmbI/AAAAAAAAA7w/IoYvBlSCIPE/s1600-h/P7010034%5B3%5D.jpg"><img title="OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA " style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="331" alt="OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA " src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_aT6a7SlX1H0/SlTGQRybegI/AAAAAAAAA70/wZUA5H2VMSQ/P7010034_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="277" border="0" /></a> </p> <div class="wlWriterEditableSmartContent" id="scid:0767317B-992E-4b12-91E0-4F059A8CECA8:b2754735-7022-47e4-913f-e8a03cb893e0" style="padding-right: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; float: none; padding-bottom: 0px; margin: 0px; padding-top: 0px">Technorati Tags: <a href="http://technorati.com/tags/wordless+wednesday" rel="tag">wordless wednesday</a>,<a href="http://technorati.com/tags/tomatoes" rel="tag">tomatoes</a>,<a href="http://technorati.com/tags/tomato+plants" rel="tag">tomato plants</a>,<a href="http://technorati.com/tags/hbic" rel="tag">hbic</a></div> Home Deconomicshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01048482857144218800noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6836187299330365649.post-5601613633873374262009-07-02T04:27:00.000-07:002009-07-02T04:27:01.837-07:00Favorite Cookbooks and Magazines<p>I learned to cook rather late in life. My mother never really learned to cook from her mother (“children don’t belong in the kitchen!”), and I never really learned from mine.</p> <p>All through college I waited tables and got free or cheap meals. It wasn’t until I started working in bookstores that I learned the joy of reading cookbooks and took an interest in cooking for myself.</p> <p>Being a bibliophile for most of my life, I bought many cookbooks that were gorgeously photographed, specialty cuisines, ethnic or regional. But I didn’t know how to actually cook out of them. I lacked even the most basic cooking common sense. So I covertly and slyly bought Cooking for Dummies. The recipes weren’t that great( i never cooked out of it) but it explained a few technical things.</p> <p>After asking around I finally bought <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Cook-Everything-Completely-Revised-Anniversary/dp/0764578650">How to Cook Everything by Mark Bittman</a></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Cook-Everything-Completely-Revised-Anniversary/dp/0764578650"><img title="How to Cook Everything by Mark Bittman" height="229" alt="How to Cook Everything by Mark Bittman" src="http://images.amazon.com/images/P/0028610105.01.LZZZZZZZ.jpg" width="198" /></a> </p> <p align="left">I still use it to this day (there is now a new, revised version).</p> <p align="left">I’ve never been a dieter and normally eschew low-fat foods, opting for the bigger, fuller flavors of “regular” food. As I learned more about cooking I started getting more interested in healthier, lighter food. It was only because I was on vacation with little else to do but browse a huge stack of donated <a href="http://www.cookinglight.com/">Cooking Light</a> magazines, that I fell in love with them.</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://www.cookinglight.com/"><img title="cooking light magazine" height="294" alt="cooking light magazine" src="http://www.diabetesdaily.com/simplycooking/2009/05/29/cooking light.jpg" width="214" /></a> </p> <p align="left">It is not diet food! It is about using fresh, quality ingredients and using herbs and spices to get great flavor while eliminating fat and salt. I have learned a lot from this magazine. </p> <p align="left">Now I have two bookshelves of the magazines and a recipe box over-flowing with Cooking Light recipes. I was ready for something new.</p> <p align="left">Enter the book, <a href="http://www.cooksillustrated.com/bookstore/detail.asp?PID=336">America’s Test Kitchen</a>,</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://www.cooksillustrated.com/bookstore/detail.asp?PID=336"><img title="America's Test Kitchen Cookbook" height="305" alt="America's Test Kitchen Cookbook" src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51prwuJutdL._SL500_.jpg" width="267" /></a> </p> <p align="left">Since I had grown up lacking the basic fundamentals of cooking, I’ve always been fascinated with the “whys” of cooking, with the chemistry and science of it all. While I have a few books that discuss this down to the molecular level, America’s Test Kitchen makes it easy by doing all the hit and miss for you, and then explaining why it does or doesn’t work.</p> <p align="left">It also provides product recommendations. Truly tested ones, NOT sponsored ones. So not only do they tell you which canned corn tastes better, but <em>why,</em> and why it works better than fresh corn in the recipe.</p> <p align="left">The publishers of <a href="http://www.cooksillustrated.com/bookstore/detail.asp?PID=336">America’s Test Kitchen</a> also put out a few magazines, none of which really appealed to me before. <a href="http://www.cooksillustrated.com/default.asp">Cook’s Illustrated</a> was always a little too fancy and upscale for my tastes. But now that my skills have improved and I feel a little more confident, I now really enjoy the magazine.</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://www.cooksillustrated.com/default.asp"><img title="Cook's Illustrated" height="299" alt="Cook's Illustrated" src="http://capitalspice.files.wordpress.com/2008/10/cooks_illustrated.jpg" width="236" /></a> </p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p>There is no advertising in the magazine and a good number of the illustrations are detailed drawings. This is a very “how-to” magazine. It totally appeals to my inquiring mind about how and why certain things work. Like the book, it has product reviews and recommendations. </p> <p>And now my latest fave, also from the same publisher, <a href="http://www.cookscountry.com/byissue.asp">Cook’s Country</a>.</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://www.cookscountry.com/byissue.asp"><img title="Cook's Country" height="294" alt="Cook's Country" src="http://covers.magazine-agent.com/images/image.aspx?i=9265.jpg&w=303" width="243" /></a> </p> <p align="left"> </p> <p>First I had to admit I’m a little bit country. Maybe because I’m getting older or maybe because my style has evolved, but there is a bit of country in me. I think part of it is a lot of my retro-1950’s style goes so well with, and often doubles as the country aesthetic. Cherries, roosters, apple pie and rick rack. Country <em>and</em> retro!  The magazine has a distinct country-retro feel that I like.</p> <p>One of Cook’s Country regular features is Lost Recipes. Cooks looking for or sharing recipes from the past. The issue pictured above had recipes for <a href="http://homedeconomics.blogspot.com/2008/11/cooking-with-7-up.html">7-UP Pound Cake</a> and <a href="http://homedeconomics.blogspot.com/2009/02/jello-part-3-inconclusive.html">Stained Glass Cake</a>! I’m so in love. It doesn’t get more retro than that!</p> <p>I still own, and use all of these books and magazines. I have long since weeded out the fancy books that I’ll never cook out of. Now I stick to a handful of proven favorites. As my tastes continue to evolve (jello? ok, maybe devolve!) I may use some less and find new favorites, but for now these continue to serve me well.</p> <p>I don’t have children and I worked in restaurants all through my 20s and 30s so my cooking is very restaurant influenced. A piece of meat with a sauce, a sautéed or steamed veggie and an often garnished plate.</p> <p>What’s your style? What are your favorite cookbooks/magazines and why? If you didn’t learn to cook from a family member how did you teach yourself to cook? What types of food does your family like best?</p> <div class="wlWriterEditableSmartContent" id="scid:0767317B-992E-4b12-91E0-4F059A8CECA8:97f0fd19-6b74-49df-b6fb-30ef87fab55f" style="padding-right: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; float: none; padding-bottom: 0px; margin: 0px; padding-top: 0px">Technorati Tags: <a href="http://technorati.com/tags/cookbooks" rel="tag">cookbooks</a>,<a href="http://technorati.com/tags/cooking" rel="tag">cooking</a>,<a href="http://technorati.com/tags/cooking+magazines" rel="tag">cooking magazines</a>,<a href="http://technorati.com/tags/learning+to+cook" rel="tag">learning to cook</a>,<a href="http://technorati.com/tags/hbic" rel="tag">hbic</a></div> Home Deconomicshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01048482857144218800noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6836187299330365649.post-7737529341288916572009-06-30T09:35:00.001-07:002009-06-30T09:35:42.277-07:00Vintage Motel and Restaurant Signage<p>Alas, my scanner has died. I have stacks of vintage books sitting patiently, waiting to have their spines cracked in order to be shared with the world. Their spines will just have to remain intact for now and let photos do the talking.</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_aT6a7SlX1H0/Sko-o03ygoI/AAAAAAAAA6I/vgaej-zt7tU/s1600-h/B0000079%5B4%5D.jpg"><img title="vintage motel sign" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="260" alt="vintage motel sign" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_aT6a7SlX1H0/Sko-pTvHivI/AAAAAAAAA6M/VgvoqQo_Ok4/B0000079_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="207" border="0" /></a> </p> <p>I have a serious crush on vintage signs and typography. On my various travels around the west I’ve taken snapshots of some signs that are just totally lost in time. Unfortunately, most of them were taken from a moving vehicle, not the best method of getting a good photo. Lucky for me, I’m after the general shape and style of the sign than a beautiful shot.</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_aT6a7SlX1H0/Sko-qMfXsfI/AAAAAAAAA6Q/oT6XzRL-IVg/s1600-h/B0000083%5B3%5D.jpg"><img title="vintage motel sign" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="260" alt="vintage motel sign" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_aT6a7SlX1H0/Sko-rBfUOGI/AAAAAAAAA6U/X-reoOVkjro/B0000083_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="200" border="0" /></a> </p> <p align="left">This “checkmark and post” style is everywhere. I don’t know if it started out as a trademark for a single company or if it was just popular. Was Motor Lodge a company too, or just another word for motel? Dunno. The two signs above were within 2 blocks of each other.</p> <p align="left">Same style, different state. When I see these dynamic shapes I always wonder how I could incorporate them into my work.</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_aT6a7SlX1H0/Sko-sZMrdRI/AAAAAAAAA6Y/PePCf3CZ-3c/s1600-h/P4090037%5B3%5D.jpg"><img title="vintage motel sign " style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="260" alt="vintage motel sign " src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_aT6a7SlX1H0/Sko-tewYOiI/AAAAAAAAA6c/K0mjiq8LZ3s/P4090037_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="240" border="0" /></a> </p> <p align="left">I love the free-form blobby shape surrounding the trapezoid! I may have to design my business card like it.</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_aT6a7SlX1H0/Sko-ueur0VI/AAAAAAAAA6g/TDkaULASeXU/s1600-h/P4090040%5B5%5D.jpg"><img title="vintage motel sign" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="260" alt="vintage motel sign" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_aT6a7SlX1H0/Sko-vF16ENI/AAAAAAAAA6k/yvBJ9FyRmDI/P4090040_thumb%5B3%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="200" border="0" /></a> </p> <p align="left">I could see this shape as a business card or hang tag. I could even punch holes to simulate the lights.</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_aT6a7SlX1H0/Sko-v6RPbmI/AAAAAAAAA6o/0fApS6Mu2aU/s1600-h/P4090042%5B3%5D.jpg"><img title="vintage motel sign " style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="185" alt="vintage motel sign " src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_aT6a7SlX1H0/Sko-wVW7D3I/AAAAAAAAA6s/NTkCqM3vGfU/P4090042_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="260" border="0" /></a> </p> <p align="left">We’ve seen this shape before! A little less flashy but just as dynamic. Hey, I wonder if I could make a booth banner that shape! Both eye-catching and directional.</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_aT6a7SlX1H0/Sko-wqrSwFI/AAAAAAAAA6w/q_as9r_UWVg/s1600-h/P4090045%5B3%5D.jpg"><img title="vintage motel sign " style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="260" alt="vintage motel sign " src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_aT6a7SlX1H0/Sko-w48nlwI/AAAAAAAAA60/_jwCUoTbc9w/P4090045_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="186" border="0" /></a> </p> <p align="left">Too bad this one is such a poor shot. Great font style and I love the stacked shapes.</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_aT6a7SlX1H0/Sko-xQcF8wI/AAAAAAAAA64/7ytt1pNGT9U/s1600-h/P4090046%5B4%5D.jpg"><img title="vintage motel sign " style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="330" alt="vintage motel sign " src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_aT6a7SlX1H0/Sko-xg_zW0I/AAAAAAAAA68/S8FPmbQkeCw/P4090046_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="144" border="0" /></a> </p> <p align="left">This is a great example of efficient design. Two shapes, two colors, two fonts. Simple, bold and conveys frugality to the budget conscious traveler.</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_aT6a7SlX1H0/Sko-ySmO2uI/AAAAAAAAA7A/p9G1G59SQuY/s1600-h/P4090047%5B3%5D.jpg"><img title="vintage motel sign " style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="259" alt="vintage motel sign " src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_aT6a7SlX1H0/Sko-y6kmvDI/AAAAAAAAA7E/pzy7YKbwCos/P4090047_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="260" border="0" /></a> </p> <p align="left">I love this sign and I wish I had a better shot. I adore the swirly “motel” shape and simple font. It wants to be a pillow, or an appliqué on something fun.</p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_aT6a7SlX1H0/Sko-zWP_mgI/AAAAAAAAA7I/AMLKmZIBb7g/s1600-h/P4090048%5B3%5D.jpg"><img title="vintage motel sign " style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="260" alt="vintage motel sign " src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_aT6a7SlX1H0/Sko-zkZSQfI/AAAAAAAAA7M/vrbdm8Zr1pE/P4090048_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="163" border="0" /></a> </p> <p>But why should motels have all the fun?</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_aT6a7SlX1H0/Sko-0HFw0PI/AAAAAAAAA7Q/bNt-BnEB0_8/s1600-h/P4090041%5B3%5D.jpg"><img title="vintage restaurant sign " style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="260" alt="vintage restaurant sign " src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_aT6a7SlX1H0/Sko-0g9vAlI/AAAAAAAAA7U/4-BCJqrmEAc/P4090041_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="170" border="0" /></a> </p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_aT6a7SlX1H0/Sko-1nhNpPI/AAAAAAAAA7Y/TWCxOn_PKvU/s1600-h/P4160022%5B3%5D.jpg"><img title="vintage car wash sign, Seattle " style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="233" alt="vintage car wash sign, Seattle " src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_aT6a7SlX1H0/Sko-2EK09mI/AAAAAAAAA7c/TrpFuVV46Ic/P4160022_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="260" border="0" /></a> </p> <p align="left">I suspect that this one is a reproduction, not truly vintage but I like it anyway.</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_aT6a7SlX1H0/Sko-2xqQ8MI/AAAAAAAAA7g/QAbrlWPqNI4/s1600-h/P4090039%5B3%5D.jpg"><img title="retro sporting goods sign " style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="260" alt="retro sporting goods sign " src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_aT6a7SlX1H0/Sko-3X1JqqI/AAAAAAAAA7k/7BOTQ4UD3bE/P4090039_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="231" border="0" /></a> </p> <p align="left">I have many more but they are scattered across two hard drives and it’s getting more and more difficult to manage them!</p> <p align="left">I can’t wait to take another road trip and capture more lost-in-time signage!</p> <div class="wlWriterEditableSmartContent" id="scid:0767317B-992E-4b12-91E0-4F059A8CECA8:d10e8b32-af23-445a-bfc0-43996f485e12" style="padding-right: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; float: none; padding-bottom: 0px; margin: 0px; padding-top: 0px">Technorati Tags: <a href="http://technorati.com/tags/vintage+signs" rel="tag">vintage signs</a>,<a href="http://technorati.com/tags/vintage+motel+signs" rel="tag">vintage motel signs</a>,<a href="http://technorati.com/tags/vintage+design" rel="tag">vintage design</a>,<a href="http://technorati.com/tags/hbic" rel="tag">hbic</a></div> Home Deconomicshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01048482857144218800noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6836187299330365649.post-76207463467583237362009-06-24T07:34:00.001-07:002009-06-24T07:34:33.368-07:00Be careful what you wish for<p>I wanted business to pick up. Now I barely have time to blog. I wish the money were coming in as fast (are you listening, universe?) but that too, will come in time. </p> <p>I’ve gone on and on about how much I’m enjoying the Farmer’s Market so I won’t say it again today but here is one of the reasons why. Big special orders! This is what I was working on all last week. Three 6 foot table coverings, in oilcloth, with removable sides and back access.</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_aT6a7SlX1H0/SkI5R3AMuyI/AAAAAAAAA5I/bnNFnkzaA3M/s1600-h/P6160003%5B4%5D.jpg"><img title="OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA " style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="198" alt="OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA " src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_aT6a7SlX1H0/SkI5SefANiI/AAAAAAAAA5M/mAqTxYoIYvg/P6160003_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="292" border="0" /></a> </p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_aT6a7SlX1H0/SkI5UfgNLuI/AAAAAAAAA5Q/ap6XPWCcZcM/s1600-h/P6160001%5B4%5D.jpg"><img title="OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA " style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="220" alt="OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA " src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_aT6a7SlX1H0/SkI5U5ytLvI/AAAAAAAAA5U/7_jlIxz68Ws/P6160001_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="298" border="0" /></a> </p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_aT6a7SlX1H0/SkI5VyrGvaI/AAAAAAAAA5Y/jJ7PM3Ph3S4/s1600-h/P6160004%5B3%5D.jpg"><img title="OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA " style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="200" alt="OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA " src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_aT6a7SlX1H0/SkI5WSm5TQI/AAAAAAAAA5c/JOfXeDbiQLA/P6160004_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="260" border="0" /></a> </p> <p align="left">These babies were a bear! I thought it would be simple. It looks like they should be simple, right? I’d never made them before so I was lucky I had a table the same size to fit them to. Trying to sew 9+ feet of rather stiff material was more of a challenge than I expected but after ripping out only a couple seams and mitering the corners I arrived at a good fit.</p> <p>And just look how adorable they turned out!</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_aT6a7SlX1H0/SkI5XUfzhYI/AAAAAAAAA5g/zTwVYzUl7hU/s1600-h/P6200015%5B9%5D.jpg"><img title="OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA " style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="266" alt="OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA " src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_aT6a7SlX1H0/SkI5X3SWyrI/AAAAAAAAA5k/O8VKtCoIToE/P6200015_thumb%5B5%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="348" border="0" /></a> </p> <p align="left">The perfect backdrop for Auntie M’s Cupcakes! She knew exactly what she wanted and that helped a great deal. We were booth neighbors on the first day of market, the first time at market for both of us, and we hit it off ever since. Just look at these delicious little gems!</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_aT6a7SlX1H0/SkI5Yi4KqHI/AAAAAAAAA5o/i1Z5rG2I52A/s1600-h/P6200008%5B4%5D.jpg"><img title="OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA " style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="324" alt="OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA " src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_aT6a7SlX1H0/SkI5ZAa-Y_I/AAAAAAAAA5s/HN5QLIMFO9E/P6200008_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="248" border="0" /></a> </p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_aT6a7SlX1H0/SkI5aB19ZhI/AAAAAAAAA5w/2pw3WeThVOQ/s1600-h/P6200009%5B4%5D.jpg"><img title="OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA " style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="285" alt="OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA " src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_aT6a7SlX1H0/SkI5anRK35I/AAAAAAAAA50/m5xg6Tq-S_s/P6200009_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="274" border="0" /></a> </p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_aT6a7SlX1H0/SkI5bmSkPkI/AAAAAAAAA54/BaSCLASya0c/s1600-h/P6200011%5B4%5D.jpg"><img title="OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA " style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="239" alt="OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA " src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_aT6a7SlX1H0/SkI5b9I0E9I/AAAAAAAAA58/07otVpn-EjM/P6200011_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="282" border="0" /></a> </p> <p align="left">Displaying them under glass cloches is genius and truly sets her booth apart from the other bakers.</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_aT6a7SlX1H0/SkI5djOs3lI/AAAAAAAAA6A/X7VMesm5vnM/s1600-h/P6200013%5B7%5D.jpg"><img title="OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA " style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="258" alt="OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA " src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_aT6a7SlX1H0/SkI5eCH06iI/AAAAAAAAA6E/VVniXJNRKr8/P6200013_thumb%5B3%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="338" border="0" /></a> </p> <p align="left">Even though working on special orders takes me away from my regular work it’s actually a good thing. It’s a guaranteed sale. That’s a good thing too because market that day was terribly slow but my sales were outstanding due to special orders! (I also made up some sand bags for the market managers booth.)</p> <p align="left">And now Auntie M has asked me for sand bags too (notice the kitty litter buckets? Ew, not with cupcakes!). And more coverings for 2 end tables. And a cover for the water cooler. And eventually, 3 more covers for <em>8 ft</em> tables! Now that the hard part is over (engineering them) they will be much quicker. Then the second part of my wish will come true too!</p> <p align="left">Cha-ching!</p> <div class="wlWriterEditableSmartContent" id="scid:0767317B-992E-4b12-91E0-4F059A8CECA8:cfd516b4-1577-44bc-88d6-bb039d677fdc" style="padding-right: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; float: none; padding-bottom: 0px; margin: 0px; padding-top: 0px">Technorati Tags: <a href="http://technorati.com/tags/farmers+market" rel="tag">farmers market</a>,<a href="http://technorati.com/tags/special+orders" rel="tag">special orders</a>,<a href="http://technorati.com/tags/custom+orders" rel="tag">custom orders</a>,<a href="http://technorati.com/tags/table+coverings" rel="tag">table coverings</a>,<a href="http://technorati.com/tags/oil+cloth" rel="tag">oil cloth</a>,<a href="http://technorati.com/tags/Auntie+M's+Cupcakery" rel="tag">Auntie M's Cupcakery</a>,<a href="http://technorati.com/tags/Anacortes+WA" rel="tag">Anacortes WA</a>,<a href="http://technorati.com/tags/hbic" rel="tag">hbic</a></div> Home Deconomicshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01048482857144218800noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6836187299330365649.post-57134601116045681582009-06-19T11:56:00.001-07:002009-06-19T11:56:33.394-07:00Summertime<p align="center"><img height="422" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3547/3642046180_1fddefb0f4.jpg?v=0" width="422" /> </p> <p>Ah, summer! I am truly a solar powered gal. When the sun is out and shining I am up and at ‘em, full of energy and motivation. When it’s cloudy and grey I’m dragging my feet and procrastinate. Needless to say I love the long summer days!</p> <p>Here in the northwest we get a lot of those grey days but when summer rolls around the long 16 hour days make it worth the wait! Alas, things just start getting warmed up when solstice arrives (this sunday) and the days get shorter again.</p> <p>I am greatly looking forward to this summer. This year I am doing the Farmer’s Market, which I adore. I get to travel with my sweetie and see the country. I live on the water (surrounded by it, in fact) and get to admire it’s beauty every day. Summer means more parties and gatherings, sandals and skirts, eating outside, whether on out own deck or the local pub’s. Swimming, hiking, gardening, walks on the beach. Cheese burgers, cold beer and lemonade. Arts and Crafts festivals, flower festivals, boat festivals and farmers markets.</p> <p>Summer is a grand celebration and we’re all invited!</p> <div class="wlWriterEditableSmartContent" id="scid:0767317B-992E-4b12-91E0-4F059A8CECA8:387b4c6d-a26a-4d4f-b267-492fb96bcd77" style="padding-right: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; float: none; padding-bottom: 0px; margin: 0px; padding-top: 0px">Technorati Tags: <a href="http://technorati.com/tags/blog+carnival" rel="tag">blog carnival</a>,<a href="http://technorati.com/tags/etsybloggers+street+team" rel="tag">etsybloggers street team</a>,<a href="http://technorati.com/tags/summer" rel="tag">summer</a>,<a href="http://technorati.com/tags/hbic" rel="tag">hbic</a></div> Home Deconomicshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01048482857144218800noreply@blogger.com