etsy finds

A list of gifts for foodies. Okay, part 1 of a list of gifts for foodies, because my personal belief is the more dishware, the better. All of these are reasonably priced as well, which makes for satisfying shopping.

Chip and Dip by Dishfulsofdoodles $95



Charcoal and Orange Serving Bowl by utilemud $32



I love your eggbeaters by dazeychic $20


Crows Teapot by soule $35


Custom Napkin Rings by raedunn $44 (set of 4)


Stand Mixer Recipe Cards by winifredStudios $14 (set of 24)



All Set-decals by TastySuite $16


Custom House Portrait Tea Towels by Leannegraeff $75 (set of 3)


Pots and Pans by ModernClassicsPaper $20

I feel gross

I know most people feel stuffed and practically comatose after Thanksgiving dinner. It's a disgusting tradition we all must take part in. But going to the in-laws for me means day after day of gorging myself on some seriously heavy food. I try to eat fruit, maybe even a raw vegetable here and there, but it's hard when you're staying with a meat and potatoes kind of family. Why then, was I remotely intrigued when I smelled french fries cooking the the airport? You have to understand, the last time I remember even being in a fast food "restaurant" was about 4 years ago. I'm a vegetarian, a foodie, and I believe that fast food chains are responsible for the world's hunger problems, as well as the obesity epidemic. And still, we went in. I asked if they had some sort of vegie burger, and the cashier nodded yes. Cristina commented that things are changing, even in the fast food world. I ordered that, and Cristina got a meaty burger and fries and soda to share.


When I opened my "burger" and showed her, Cristina stared to laugh hysterically. Four lettuce leaves wrapped around pickles, onion, lettuce and cheese. Ugh, what a disappointment. Do people really eat this? I didn't. It was too sad, too pathetic. This is not food.

etsy finds

And now for a fantastic selection of gifts for your most girly girlfriends/wives/and sisters. (Cristina, please take note.)

Medium Frame Pouch by oktak $28


Poppy Pouch by moxieandoliver $55


Arboretum Bracelet by MonkeyBuns $26


Victoriana Sarflette by TickledPinkKnits $76


Critalline Orange by bronwenhandcrafted $89


Circus B'zerkus Platform Pumps by zerkahloostrah $365


Large Felt Handbag by lusitania $115


Seafoam Earrings by sweptfromthesea $22


Orange Sun Flowers Necklace by tijusai $34

what designers

Lesley over at What designers has put together a fantastic selection of holiday presents made by independent designers (including ciuccio.) Take a look for gift ideas.

etsy finds

Let's face it, buying gifts for your mom or sister is much easier than your brother or husband. So let's get the hard stuff out of the way first. This list is focused on gifts for guys, or someone with a special sense of humor. And if you don't see the perfect item, stay tuned-I've got so many more suggestions coming in the next few weeks.

Custom 6 pack carrier by RobertoSand $24


Knitting in Biology 101 by CraftyHedgehog $62


Bedside Table, ASSEMBLAGE series by jeanpelle $175


4 Pint Glasses by BreadandBadger $50


Hatemail 365-2009 Desktop Calendar by CarolLeeDesgins $15


You Park Like a Jerk by Earmark $5 (set of 5)


Antique Map of San Francisco 1904 by blacksheepyarns $14.95


Miniature Feltidermy Rabbit by girlsavage $25


Deluxe Metro Man Bifold Wallet by sewlutionsbyamo $50


Bottle Opener by anthonydavidoliver $17


Laminated Bowl (21) by woodbyderaud $120

give thanks

Hello Everyone,
Today is Thanksgiving here in the US. It's easy to get caught up in pumpkin pie and mashed potatoes, so take a moment to think of all the people and things you are grateful for. I took this photo a few evenings ago while driving home (fyi, I was stopped at a light.) It struck me how long it has been since I actually saw the sunset and this one was a particularly nice one.

etsy finds

For me, the Thanksgiving holiday officially begins today. I have about a million things to accomplish before heading to the in-laws tomorrow.
I've been gearing up for a massive etsy finds holiday shopping guide, and I hope you'll come back in the coming weeks to see. During the holidays, I try to remind myself on a regular basis what it's all about. I'm not religious, but I find it disgusting how much our culture makes Christmas all about consumption. Instead of going to the mall, and getting caught up in it, why not keep it simple? Choose gifts that are made with care, by a real person. It's about giving, not buying.Autumn Leaf Print by redelephant $10


Handprinted Napkins by peanutbutterandjelly $15 (set of 4)


Felted Acorns by truLuxe $10 (set of 5)


Reversible Swing Coat by WholeGrainBaby $56.50


Vinyl Wall Art by janeymacpress $42.50


Large Clutch by girlbyAileen $42

damn economy

It was another bust of a craft show yesterday. Only 1 non-friend sale! I have to say that almost no one showed up, but those of you who did, made it a much more enjoyable time, so thanks.

feeling gray

Actually, I'm in a super mood today, the gray is more about planning to paint our hallway and kitchen. I'm thinking a medium toned warm gray. Benjamin Moore and Pottery Barn have teamed up, which seems dependable, especially since they have a low VOC line. So my plan is to use them. I'm liking the bedroom image below which is Granite, but looking for suggestions. Anyone? (The rest of the images are from Flickr.)

gravy

Every year I get a couple of desperate phone calls from friends needing this recipe. Thanksgiving seems to be all about the turkey, but truth is, I've never eaten it in my life, and I still look forward to the feast. Mom's cashew gravy is insanely delicious, and non-vegetarians will go wild for it as well. It can be made a few days in advance, but will need a bit of stock to thin out as you re-heat.

Cashew Gravy
adapted from Simply Vegetarian

6 T butter
1 med onion, chopped
6 T flour
1 1/4 c raw finely ground cashews (do not use salted!)
4 c stock, heated
5 T soy sauce
3/8 t garlic powder
pepper, to taste

Melt the butter in a large skillet, add onion and cook until translucent. Stir in the flour and cashews and cook for 3 minutes, stirring constantly. Whisk in the stock until smooth. Add soy sauce, garlic powder and pepper. Bring gravy to a boil, turn down and simmer until thick. Using a standard or immersion blender, blend until smooth.

taking advantage

Both the girls fell asleep in the car with 1/2 hr left until we had to get big sis from school. Seemed as good a time as any for a photo shoot. I brought the laptop out, and checked my email while they snoozed.