Merry Christmas!

Dear Reader,

I hope that Christmas Eve and Christmas Day are wonderful celebrations for you and yours!  We are spending time with my parents today and time with my husband's family tomorrow, which is our usual holiday plan.  Our three year old is so excited that the holiday is finally here!

I will be taking a blogging break until the first week in January.  I already look forward to resuming posts, but until then I hope your time is filled with enjoyable moments with family and friends, great reflections on 2010, and hopeful thoughts for 2011!

Sincerely,
Abi

On the Menu: Crab Puffs

Dear Reader,

The Christmas Eve tradition with my family is to have a host of appetizers as dinner in the evening.  The recipe below for crab puffs makes the list each year.  It's a simple recipe and may be prepared quite quickly.  I've often thought that I should serve these when we have guests over, but for me the crab puffs are a once a year Christmas Eve treat.  Enjoy!

Sincerely,
Abi

Inspiring Words...

"When we do the best that we can, we never know what miracle is wrought in our life, or in the life of another."

- Helen Keller

Friday's Feature: Expressing thanks

Dear Reader,

This is my final Friday's Feature of the year.  (No, it's not the final Friday of the year, but with Christmas Eve and New Year's Eve on Friday, I'm thinking this is my last post on a Friday!)  I want to use this post to thank the shops that have been featured over the year.  I have had the pleasure of communicating with each shop owner with regard to the Friday's Feature, and each one has been so gracious and kind (no exceptions!)

You may have noticed that all of the shops I have highlighted so far are Michigan based.   Perhaps in 2011 I will branch out a bit, but it's been fun to find so many talented individuals in my state.  I wish only the best to each of these shops and shop owners in the year ahead!

Sincerely,
Abi

On the Menu: Oreo Truffles

Dear Reader,

This is a great recipe that I've used the last few years.  It requires very few ingredients, and I love that the resulting truffles look like snowballs - how appropriate for this time of year.  Last year our family made these to give as holiday treats for our neighbors, which went over well.  Enjoy!

Sincerely,
Abi

Inspiring Words...

"Nothing great was ever achieved without enthusiasm."

- Ralph Waldo Emerson

Gifts for Great Teachers

Dear Reader,

My son is taking a number of early childhood classes through our school district this year.  I wanted to give a small gift to the two teachers that work with the students to offer our thanks for their efforts!  I decided to decoupage a clip board using a fun Amy Butler print.  I added a raffia ribbon and clipped a few notepads and pens and a Christmas card.  Now, let's hope the teachers find this gift useful (and maybe even a little fun!)

Sincerely,
Abi

 

A Word of Thanks...

Dear Reader,

I have come to love doing features each Friday as I am overwhelmed by the number of people using their gifts to create handmade items.
 
This morning I had the pleasure of reading a blog post featuring my shop.  What a fun way to start out the day!  Please feel free to take a look at this feature on Cora Anne (and all of the amazing favorite things included in this series.)  Thank you so much for thinking of me, Jill!

Sincerely,
Abi

Friday's Feature: A & B Shoppe

Dear Reader,

You may have noticed that often the quote that I select for the week is from the vantage point of motherhood.  Since my role as a mom is woven through so much of my life these days, I appreciate the words of others that share the experience.  This week I am featuring a shop which has found its inspiration in motherhood.

A good friend of mine suggested that I check out A & B Shoppe, and  I'm thrilled that she introduced me to this place on Etsy!  I really enjoy the variety of useful and fun products, each with a beautifully selected pattern or detail.  The hooded towels would be an ideal baby shower gift or welcome package for a new arrival.  The bean bags and dolls would make a great Christmas or birthday present.  And I love the bags for, well, any occasion (as continuing with my bag obsession!)  I have highlighted three of my favorite items below.  Please consider checking out this shop.  Enjoy!

Sincerely,
Abi

Fabulous Shopper in Olive Dot
Reusable Compactable Foldable Hobo Market Shopping Tote Reuse Bag

Hooded Towel Modern Dot Baby Toddler

MOD FOREST Bean Bags Set -
Imaginative Play Sensory Educational Toy Game

Renegade Recap

Dear Reader,

I had an absolutely lovely time at the Renegade Craft Fair Holiday Show.  With about 150 exhibitors, so much talent and handmade innovation radiated from the Pulaski Park venue.  I attended with my very talented friend Jill, and not only did we enjoy the Renegade Craft Fair, but we also shopped the Renegade Handmade store and other beautiful little shops surrounding it.  And, if that weren't enough, we took in the One of a Kind Show and Sale at the Merchandise Mart.  So. much. fun.

Sincerely,
Abi

Metro Patterned Blocks

Dear Reader,

I just added another set of blocks to the line-up.  Please feel free to check them out in the shop.  In the midst of the busy times that come with this month, I hope you're finding some spare moments to enjoy the snow (if you have some!) and anticipate Christmas!

Sincerely,
Abi

Metro Patterned and Milk Painted Wooden Blocks (Set of Six)

On the Menu: Anise Drop Cookies

Dear Reader,

For as long as I can remember, anise cookies were my choice Christmas cookies.  (Weird, right?!  I should note that artichokes were also my favorite vegetable by the age of 5.)  My dad's mom would make Springerle, a German cookie, each year, and these cookies were tasty and beautiful (as they were made in molds with beautiful patterns on each cookie.)  When my dad's mom passed away, my mom's mom decided to start making anise drop cookies each year and lovingly mail them from Arizona to my hometown in Illinois.  In the midst of such a busy time of year, I so appreciated the thoughtfulness of both of my grandmas in making certain that these favorite cookies were around for me (and others) to enjoy!

Sincerely,
Abi

Inspiring Words...

"Imagination is the highest kite one can fly."

- Lauren Bacall

Friday's Feature: Holiday Renegade Craft Fair

Dear Reader,

Instead of featuring a shop this week, I picked a whole craft fair!  I can't wait to check out the Renegade Craft Fair this weekend.  Full report to follow.

Sincerely,
Abi

Business Cards

Dear Reader,

I decided to take the plunge and order some business cards last week (after trying to just make do with my first few Etsy sales.)  The small package arrived in the mail this week, and I love how the cards turned out.  I debated a DIY attempt and am really happy that I didn't do that.  Here they are...

Sincerely,
Abi

Google Today

Dear Reader,

Have you seen the way Google is honoring Rosa Parks today?  What a courageous decision she made 55 years ago today.  This is a beautiful picture, a hopeful image of community.

Sincerely,
Abi

On the Menu: White Chocolate Cherry Cookies

Dear Reader,

These cookies came from modifying a recipe for "Island Cookies."  My family is not too exited about coconut and nuts, so I decided to add in dried cherries.  What a great treat when having friends over!  I've also considered these for gifts to the neighbors as Christmas cookies; given the red of the cherries I think they would be festive.  Enjoy!

Sincerely,
Abi

Inspiring Words...

"If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more, you are a leader."

- John Quincy Adams

Friday's Feature: Cora Anne

Dear Reader,

I hope you had a wonderful Thanksgiving celebration with family and friends.  We certainly did.  This post at the conclusion of Thanksgiving and the start of the Christmas season seems to be the perfect intersection of time to highlight Cora Anne.  

I am so thankful for the friendship that I share with my friend Jill.  She was my college roommate who also has been (and continues to be) one of my dearest and closest friends.  We've stood up in each other's weddings, worked across the hall from each other for the same employer for a number of years, and entered motherhood at very similar times.  Jill deeply commits herself the roles she fulfills in her life, and the start of her Cora Anne Etsy shop and craft business is no exception.  She makes a variety of products, each new one ending up just as impressive as the previous.  Her sales on Etsy and the offering of her products at a new downtown shop called Minty Keen demonstrate the innovative and lovely nature of her designs. 

It gives me great pleasure to have the opportunity to highlight three items from Cora Anne today.  Since, indeed it is the day after Thanksgiving, I think the Christmas season has begun.  These gift tags would be a wonderful way to place the finishing touch (and give a fabulous first impression) on a holiday gift.  Enjoy!

Sincerely,
Abi

Peace and Noel Gift Tags (set of 4)

Green Chandelier Folded Tags (set of 2)

HO HO HO Large Christmas Tags (set of 4)

Happy Thanksgiving!

"Give thanks in all circumstances for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus."

- 1 Thessalonians 5:18

On the Menu: Grape Salad

Dear Reader,

My dear little niece was baptized this past weekend, and I brought this side dish to the delicious luncheon following the service.  I recall receiving the recipe at a church potluck almost a decade ago, and this recipe has made it's way to many a family gathering.  Is it fruit salad?  Is it dessert?  Maybe a bit of both.  Regardless, it's a tasty addition to the table.

Sincerely,
Abi

Inspiring Words...

"Be present in all things and thankful for all things."

- Maya Angelou

Friday's Feature: On a Roll Cozies

Dear Reader,

I learned to knit on a spring break trip to Florida with my college roommate (and wonderful friend) and her parents.  It rained often the first few days of the week, so my friend's mom kindly taught us how to knit as we waited for beach time.  I have held onto that lesson and have knit a number of scarves over the years, but have never progressed much beyond this point.

I came across On the Roll Cozies, and I love the twist that these knitted creations take on everyday use items.  Cup cozies, iPod and cell phone cases, and even the patterns if I ever get brave enough to venture beyond scarf-making.  And the added detail of buttons are adorable!  These items would be a wonderful holiday gift (or even stocking stuffer), and the variety of styles and colors leaves something fun for all. 

I have highlighted three of the shop's items below.  Enjoy!

Sincerely,
Abi

Handmade Light Blue Cup Cozy (eco-friendly, hand knit coffee cup sleeve or wrist warmer)

Hand knit iPod or iPhone cozy in Pumpkin Yellow (MP3 player, cell phone, or camera case)

Handmade Bright Green Cup Cozy (eco-friendly, hand knit coffee cup sleeve or wrist warmer)

On the Menu: Crusty Parmesan Chicken

Dear Reader,

When we have people over, I like to be able to put at least part of dinner in the oven and know that I'm freed up to make sides and appropriately welcome people when they arrive.  This recipe is quite ideal for that purpose.  I often pair crusty parmesan chicken with my oven roasted potatoes, add a nice salad, and some rolls to round out the meal.  Enjoy!

Sincerely,
Abi

Alphabet and Duck Patterned Blocks...

Dear Reader,

I found the October Afternoon "Ducks in a Row," and knew that these cheery patterns needed to be applied to a set of blocks.  And now they are.  Enjoy!

Sincerely,
Abi 

Alphabet and Duck Patterned and Milk Painted Wooden Blocks (Set of Six) 

 

 

Inspiring Words...

"Do the things You believe in,
In the name of love,
And know that,
You aren't alone,
We all have fears and doubts."

- Carole King

Last trip to the beach before winter...

Friday's Feature: Ely Low Handmade Bags

Dear Reader,

I have mentioned my significant slight affection for bags.  I came across Ely Low bags and wanted to share them with you.  These bags are functional, practical, and beautifully original.  And the bags are often crafted with repurposed materials.  Winning combination?  Why, yes.  

Three of the bags are highlighted below.  The robin's egg blue messenger is my favorite, but all three are entirely great.  Enjoy!

Sincerely,
Abi

Tall Messenger in Robin's Egg Blue

Messenger in Flax

Messenger in Rich Steel Blue

On the Menu: Orange Carrots

Dear Reader,

Do you like to plan ahead?  I'm certainly one of those people.  If you're starting to think about your Thanksgiving menu, here is a suggested side dish.  This recipe is from the mom of one of my closest high school friends, a woman who shares the same first name as my mom.  She's a wonderful lady, and her recipe for carrots is yummy.

Sincerely,
Abi

Inspiring Words...

"Last night I lay in bed with my children as they were falling asleep, and I stopped making lists in my head.  I stopped fretting about money and work.  I stopped wishing the kids would fall asleep already so I could be somewhere else, doing something else.  Instead I noticed the dark crescents of their eyelashes.  I watched as the moonlight turned their cheeks to white apricots.  And I felt my heart swell with joy and gratitude.  It was utterly ordinary.  And utterly extraordinary.  It was an everyday blessing."

- Catherine Newman from her article titled "Dalai Mama"

Spare Moments

Dear Reader,

I'm so sorry to have been off the radar for a few days.  I have been spending my spare moments working on some new blocks.  I added three sets to the shop moments ago, and I have a few more sets in process.  These are really fun to make.  It's kind of addicting, actually.

I hope that the extra hour of sleep last night agreed with you, and have a lovely start to the week.

Sincerely,
Abi

P.S.  Pictures of the new blocks included below. 

Pink Pastel Patterned and Milk Painted Wooden Blocks (Set of Six)

Polka Dot Patterned and Milk Painted Wooden Blocks (Set of Six)

Pink Floral Patterned and Milk Painted Wooden Blocks (Set of Six)

On the Menu: Baked Oatmeal

Dear Reader,

My aunt and godmother gave this recipe to me many years ago.  She is an excellent cook and equally amazing hostess.  I recall her making this recipe for a group of college students following a worship service at their campus center church.  She put such thoughtful effort into making it a wonderfully warming meal on a cold January morning.  It's November, and with that change in the calendar month comes the chill in the air that makes warm comfort food all the better.  Enjoy!

Sincerely,
Abi

Inspiring Words...

"Just don't give up trying to do what you really want to do.  Where there is love and inspiration, I don't think you can go wrong."

- Ella Fitzgerald

Please allow me to introduce...

Dear Reader,

Over the weekend I listed these sets of blocks:

BINGO Numbered Boldly Patterned and Milk Painted
Wooden Blocks (Set of Six)

Brightly Patterned and Milk Painted Wooden Blocks (Set of Six)

I may be going for longest titles of items on Etsy ever.  I'm having a lot of fun preparing these blocks.  My dear three year old keeps asking me why the patterns don't all "match" (as he wants all of the blocks to share the same pattern.)   Always good to get some feedback!

More to come.

Sincerely,
Abi

Friday's Feature: dede etsy shop

Dear Reader,

Accent pillows are such a fabulous way to brighten up a room and to give a fresh appearance to a space.  (Oh how my husband appreciates the times when I redecorate a room with new pillows rather than a paint job!)  I particularly enjoy tucking pillows in spaces where there are lots of hard surfaces - by the bench at the front door or on a side chair in the corner of our dining room.  What an easy means of softening and giving personality! 

The shop that I am featuring this week specializes in making beautiful pillows, rich with lovely textures and charming color palettes and themes.  Below I have highlighted three examples of the great finds you will discover in the dede etsy shop.  Enjoy!

Sincerely,
Abi

French Rose Pillow in Oatmeal and Robin Egg Blue Linen

Burlap Linen Nest Pillow

Green Hydrangea Bloom Pillow on Dusty Blue Linen

Apple Picking

Dear Reader,

My son and I have gone apple picking twice this year with my mother-in-law.  It's becoming an annual tradition (maybe it already is?), and I think it's one of my favorite signals of fall.  I am usually a Golden Delicious girl, loving the versatility of this variety.  This year, though, I really started liking the Empire apple.  I think we've picked about 40 lbs. of apples this year, and the amazing news is that there are probably only 8 apples remaining!  More next year.

Sincerely,
Abi

On the Menu: Pumpkin Bread

Dear Reader,

This is another tried and true recipe from a close family friend (and my first babysitter as a child!)  Enjoy!

Sincerely,
Abi

P.S. I've never tried substituting applesauce for some of the oil in this recipe, but I think that would work out fine.  (This is a once a year treat recipe for us!)

Inspiring Words...

"There are three things I've learned never to discuss with people: religion, politics, and The Great Pumpkin."

- Linus on It's the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown

[OK, not really inspiring, but a fun quote in celebration of Autumn and Halloween.  Trick or treat.  Sincerely,  Abi]

Friday's Feature: Maric Fine Goods

Dear Reader,

It is fair to say that I'm more than slightly obsessed with handbags.  I love that handbags can combine function and style so effortlessly.  With a good handbag, I am able to carry the necessities of everyday life in something that creates a fashionable accessory to my attire.  All in one.  Amazing. 

When my eye caught the Wool Tote in Yellow Plaid, I couldn't wait to feature Maric Fine Goods.  Mary has designed some exquisite handbags, totes, and clutches with very fresh, modern style.  And yet, if you read the detailed description of each item, these handbags are quite practical for everyday use as well.

I have highlighted three of my favorites below, but, really, I could have highlighted any item from this shop and thought it is such a find!  Enjoy!

Sincerely,
Abi

The Milano Handbag - Red Wool

Wool Tote Yellow Plaid - Milano Tote

Wool Clutch Grey Box Plaid Wool - Sapporo Clutch

A Sneak Peek...

On the Menu: Orange Julius

Dear Reader,

It is indeed the month where the color orange reigns.  I cannot remember a time in my life when I did not know about an Orange Julius.  This has always been a favorite addition to brunch or just a special treat for Saturday morning breakfast at my parents' home growing up.  Enjoy!

Sincerely,
Abi

Inspiring Words...

"If you obey all the rules, you will miss all the fun."

- Katharine Hepburn

Friday's Feature: Chella's Collection

Dear Reader,

Believe it or not, I'm starting to think towards December and the gift giving that comes with that time of year.  My goal with any gift is twofold: first, to find something that is useful, and, second, to seek out items that demonstrate awareness of the person's experiences and likes.

Chella's Collection is a lovely shop, producing some beautifully crafted map pendants (and staying very true to a product line, something I admire and appreciate.)  When I first looked at these pendants, I thought to myself this one would be perfect for... and this one for...  I could easily draw connections to family and friends who would appreciate the momento that one of these pendants would provide.  For example, one of my friends just returned from a fall getaway to Cape Cod with her husband.  What a great way to remember the trip!  Or a family friend of ours spent six months studying in Sydney, and she talks about her time there with such fondness.  I'm sure she'd love the pendant that takes her back to that location.  And, having grown up in Chicagoland, I have many friends and family who appreciate the Cubs and some who have even lived in Wrigleyville.  These are great!  

I have highlighted three of the pendants below.  Enjoy!

Sincerely,
Abi

CAPE COD Map Pendant in Silver

SYDNEY Australia Map Pendant

WRIGLEY FIELD (CUBS) Map Pendant