2010 ~ SIMPLIFY

"The ability to simplify means to eliminate the unnecessary

so that the necessary may speak"  ~ Hans Hofmann

I've long held the belief in QUALITY over QUANTITY, and each year strive to further pare down the superflouous layers of my life, and focus on what is most near and dear to my heart. 

This year I managed to sign-up and volunteer for less, thereby having more time to devote my love, energy and creativity to those places and people that I still chose to commit to.  My stress level decreased, my family felt more stable and happy, and my productivity increased. 

One area where my participaton and time were still wildly out of control, however, was the blogosphere.    Since my blog only really started to pick up this year, I got swept up in a wave of excitment, inspiration, and fascination that led to many hours spent online that probably should have been more evenly distributed between my online and offline committments. 

Have you made any New Year's Resolutions

with regard to blogging? 

What do you hope to accomplish in 2010? 

What will you do differently?

I'm taking the same approach with my blog as I have with several other aspects of my life ~ SIMPLIFICATION. 

My goal is to improve my content, stay engaged with my readers and followers, enjoy reading and commenting on the blogs I follow, and continuing to find new blogs and make new friends. 

In order to accomplish this I feel I need to trim the fat.  I pulled up my list of "Blogs I Follow" and am in the process of visiting each and every one (100+).  There are dozens of reasons why I've clicked that little "Follow" button at one time or another, and now that I've becomed a more seasoned blogger and commenter, I've become more discriminating about who I follow and read. 

By paring down my reading list, I'll be better able to comment, visit, and enjoy the blogs and bloggers that I have established relationships with.   Yes, another application of QUALITY over QUANTITY.

I am going to continue to enjoy:

1)  Blogs and/or Bloggers I like ~ whose ideas, content, creativity, style, or writing inspire, make me smile, laugh, or otherwise entertain. 

2)  Blogs written by those who follow Rook No. 17.  I'm going to slowly, but surely make my way through my list of "followers" and make sure that I follow their blogs in return.  I treasure each and every one of you and the friendships we build through blogging.

3)  Blogs written by those who participate or comment in discussions here.  You care enough to read and comment on what I have to say?  I want to get to know you better too!

So, where to trim?

I guess it all comes down to blogs that I've followed for various reasons at one time or another that I don't necessarily jive with.  They don't visit, don't comment, and don't follow, and I don't begrudge them.  But if I've followed, commented, and tried to engage and have only met with dead air --AND-- the blog simply isn't my cup o' tea, then it just doesn't make sense to continue to spend my energy in a place that can better be spent elsewhere?  Right?  Your thoughts?  It's nothing personal, and I mean no disrespect to those I chose to un-follow.  It just boils down to what seems to me to be good common sense. 

I want my "FOLLOW" to actually mean something ~ An affirmation that I read, support, like and genuinely regard you.

How do you keep your blogging a healthy

and balanced part of your life? 

Have you been successfully able to manage

your reading list/blogroll? 

On what criteria do you base your following? 

Please contribute your insights, comments,

and experiences to this discussion.

COUTURE CANDY DIY, PART II ~ Chocolate Transfer Sheets for you to try

UPDATE:  Thank you for commenting and following, and thereby entering this little giveaway.  Ladies, here are your numbers:

1. Conquer the Monkey
2. Lee the Hot Flash Queen
3. Foxy
4. Caroline
5. Marilyn
6. Holly
7. Kimberly
8. Shannon

Compliments of Random.org, the winner is:

RANDOM.ORG Integer Widget:

Min: 1

Max: 8

Result:  5

CONGRATULATIONS Marilyn! 

Please email me to let me know where to send your transfer sheets.

If you've ever felt inspired to try your hand at working with Chocolate Transfer Sheets, here's your chance:

After writing the post"Couture Candy DIY" and ruminating over the lack of traffic in my Etsy store, I decided to go ahead and list some of the Chocolate Transfer Sheets from my inventory.  I've priced them competitively, and am offering flat rate shipping, whether you buy one sheet or 10.  Three patterns are available: 

To purchase, please visit my Etsy store:

the cute little shop on the corner

Become a follower, and comment below (or, if you're already a follower, just comment) for a chance to win one sheet of each to play around with.  I'll be doing a random drawing on Monday, December 21. 

THE HOSTESS WITH THE MOSTEST ~ A HOSTESS GIFT DIY PROJECT

WHIMSICAL, VERSATILE, AND VERY SIMPLE
TO PUT TOGETHER,

THESE CHARMING CANDLES ARE THE PERFECT CRAFT

FOR THOUGHTFUL FRIENDS ON A BUDGET:

To make one candle, assemble the following:

1 Mexican Prayer Candle (can be found at Target and many grocery stores for between $1 -$2)
1 Sheet High Quality Self-Adhesive Inkjet Paper
Hostess With the Mostest Template -- or -- Happy New Year Template -- or -- your own image (approx. 6" tall)
Mod Podge
Fine Glitter (my favorite is Martha Stewart Antique Silver)
A fine-tipped paint brush, dry
A soft, loose-tipped paint brush, dry
Scissors
Scrapbook or vintage music paper
A light weight cardboard, such as cereal box cardboard
Small Single Hole Punch
Ribbon (my favorite is Martha Stewart's 3/16" Piped Nylon Ribbon in "Putty"

 Print your candle label and tag label on high quality self-adhesive inkjet paper.

Trim label, leaving a smal border to help guide you when you add the glue for the glittered border.  Remove sticker backing, and slowly apply the label.  I like to work from left to right, smoothing up and down as I go to avoid trapping air bubbles. 

Using a high output glue pen, or simply your Mod Podge and a fine tipped brush, apply a thin border of glue to the entire label

Liberally coat glue border with glitter.  When glue has dried, brush off excess with a soft, broad bristled paint brush.

For the gift tag, trim, peel, and apply to cardboard.  I like to use the cardboard recycled from cereal boxes.  Flip cardboard over to opposite side.  Completely coat with Mod Podge and adhere a sheet of decorative paper.  I like to use vintage sheet music.  When dry, trim label(s) and punch a small hole in one end for the ribbon. 

To create the glittered border on the tag, dip each side alternately in lines of Mod Podge and Glitter, and allow to dry.

Using a fine-tipped brush, apply tiny bits of glue where you would like to accent the image with colored glitter.  On this design I like to highlight the pink flowers with a translucent pink glitter, and add a few touches of antique silver on her dress to tie it all together.

Tie your length of ribbon around the neck of the candle and secure with a double knot.  Thread gift tag through one end of the ribbon.  Tie the ribbon in a bow.

HOLIDAY MEMORIES ~ SHARING THE BEST AND BRIGHTEST MOMENTS

This was the best part of my Christmas:  The looks on the girls' faces when they came down the stairs and saw the "magic" that Santa had made while they slept.

What was yours?

LAST MINUTE STOCKING STUFFERS FOR THE HOME CHEF

 KITCHEN TOOLS

EVERY HOME CHEF

SHOULD NOT BE WITHOUT

1. SILICONE SPATULA ~ the essential tool for getting every last bit clinging to a bowl, container, or jar. The silicone spatula is non-stick, so it’s perfect for candy-making (caramels, marshmallows, etc.). They’re heat resistant (usually up to about 600 degrees f), so they’re perfect for stirring pots of hot stuff on the stove.

2. MICROPLANE GRATER ~ eliminates the need for such costly tools as a zester, nutmeg grater, and fine cheese grater. The microplane is positively the best zester for your citrus. Works beautifully on hard cheeses for a fine grate, and is a whiz with nutmeg, allspice, cinnamon sticks and fresh ginger. Makes those delicious little chocolate shavings on your hot cocoa too!

3. BENCH SCRAPER ~ makes clean-up a breeze. Great for cleaning crumbs from the table, removing flour and sticky dough from a counter or board, and carmelized bits from your stainless steel pans. You can find bench-scrapers in the kitchen section of most stores, or for an inexpensive option, try a broad plastic putty knife from your local hardware store . It’ll cost you just under a dollar.

4. KITCHEN SHEARS ~ not just for snipping open packages, kitchen shears are major multi-taskers. They are wonderful for snipping fresh herbs and a must-have for parents: kitchen shears make cutting kid-foods like quesadillas, grilled cheese sandwiches, pizza, and even long spaghetti in to bite-size and smaller sized portions easy. Making crustless PB&J for your child’s lunch? Make the sandwich, then use your kitchen shears to snip the crusts directly into the trash (or your snack plate). Some times it just makes more sense to snip than slice.

5. INSTANT READ THERMOMETER ~ kitchen thermometers are handy dandy, but if you have to pick just one, get yourself an instant-read. This tool is invaluable when cooking any type of meat. Simply insert in the thickest part of the meat to know exactly when to remove from oven, pan, or grill. It’s also great for checking the temperature of liquids when making a yeast bread, and for checking the inner temp of breads while they’re baking (no more mushy middle banana loaves). Reheating left-overs? Avoid the scalding finger method, and prevent potential food-borne illness caused by improperly reheated food by simply checking the temperature. Just make sure you don’t leave the thermometer in whatever you are cooking. These guys are not oven-proof.

WHAT IS YOUR KITCHEN "MUST HAVE"?

O CHRISTMAS TREE, O CHRISTMAS TREE

WELCOME FRIENDS!

A PEEK INSIDE "THE ROOKERY"

OUR CHRISTMAS TREE ~

 Cherished ornaments in antique white, shimmery beige, and lots of German glass glitter

 Vintage silver christmas candle clips hold German beeswax candles

 Little papier mache angels by Nicol Sayre spread holiday magic throughout

 My vintage music Magnolias

And, of course ~ birds

Papier Mache, glass glitter, crepe paper, and candles ~
Christmas tree decorations of a time gone by.

What traditions or decorations from the past
do you cherish in the present?

Wishing you and yours a most joyful, magical,
and peaceful holiday season!

~ Jenn

WINNER WINNER, CHICKEN DINNER...

First, I just have to say a big thanks to my friend Sam who first introduced me to the phrase, "Winner, Winner, Chicken Dinner."  It's just so homey!  It evokes thoughts of warm biscuits wrapped in a blue gingham napkin, a favorite quilt passed down from one generation to the next, a rocking chair on the porch, and of course that comfort of all comfort foods, good-old fashioned fried chicken. 

Must be near dinner time, because I'm thinking food!  Ah yes, 5:00 P.M. PST, and that means it's time to announce the winners of the lovely jewelry, so generously donated by my friend Iris of Arco Iris and Till Death Do Us Art. 

Here's how it all broke down:

1. Holly Entered by following TDDUA & Rook No. 17, and commenting on fav jewelry piece
2. Holly Posted Giveaway on Sidebar
3. Holly Posted Giveaway on Sidebar
4. Holly Posted Giveaway on Sidebar
5. Holly Is a FB Fan
6. Kys Entered by following TDDUA & Rook No. 17, and commenting on fav jewelry piece
7. carma Entered by following TDDUA & Rook No. 17, and commenting on fav jewelry piece
8. Molly Entered by following TDDUA & Rook No. 17, and commenting on fav jewelry piece
9. Amy Entered by following TDDUA & Rook No. 17, and commenting on fav jewelry piece
10. Amy Is a FB Fan
11. Amy Did a FB shout out
12. Lysa Entered by following TDDUA & Rook No. 17, and commenting on fav jewelry piece
13. Lysa Did a FB shout out
14. Sara Tried to follow, but had tech difficulties. She's a FB fan, and her effort merrits 1 entry

Using Random.org, the first winner was:  #12: 

Lysa ~ Mini Harvest Leaves Trio Pendant

Using Random.org, the second winner was #9: 

Amy ~ Tasi Earrings

Congratulations!

If you didn't win, hang on there...I'll try to make it worth your while:

I am so incredibly grateful to the 7 ladies who took the time to lend their support to me and to Iris by entering the contest.  I can't even tell you how much this meant.  These contests can be a double-edged sword in that if they are a popular success, you get a lot of warm fuzzies and feel like you've "done good".  If the contest doesn't generate much interest, it can really make a gal second guess herself.  I put out a plea to my SITStas, posted to linkys, put a post on my FB Wall, and even sent a personal message to some friends.  I'm a little beside myself.  I know that it's a very, very busy time of year (an understatment, I know), but something still doesn't jive. 

 

Are the giveaways worth it?  Am I delusional?  I've been blogging along thinking that I've been writing some interesting posts, giving away a lot of free recipes, craft tutorials, clipart, graphics, and more.  I follow a lot of other blogs and try to be a thoughtful commenter, frequent visitor, and all-around cheerleader for my peers.  I enter other bloggers giveaways, not always because I'm really jazzed about the item, but to show some support (not that I'd ever be disingenous, but you can tell when someone is getting disheartened, and I like to be there to rally their spirits). 

 

Am I reminding you of the little blob from the Zoloft commercial yet?

Well, blah, blah, blah, poor little me.  A fellow blogger reminded me today to focus on all the blessings in my life.  There is certainly much to be thankful and happy for.  My online "popularity" shouldn't make or break my spirit.

 
 

oh Calgon, take me away...

 

Well, if you've stuck with me through the emotional quicksand above, I'd like to offer Holly, Kys, carma, Molly and Sara a little gesture of gratitude in the form of a consolation prize ~ this way, everybody wins.  Just email me let me know where I can mail my token of appreciation! 

FREE CHRISTMAS & HOLIDAY CLIPART ~ another installment of "Graphics & Gratitutde"

I'VE RECEIVED ANOTHER GENEROUS DOSE OF LOVE AND AFFIRMATION FROM MY FELLOW BLOGGERS IN THE FORM OF THREE NEW AWARDS. THANK YOU!

As is becoming my custom, I like to "give back" when something nice like this happens to me.  So, in continuing with the tradition, I give you some free Christmas clipart from my vintage postcard and German scrap collection:

And now, those lovely awards:

The "Heartfelt Blogger Award"

from Morgan at "Becoming Homegrown"

Made me feel all warm and happy inside!

I'm passing this one on to Nicole at Miss Dot's Cupcake Spot 
and now also at Saving the World One Cupcake at a Time 
because she always puts a smile on my face,
especially on Mustache Mondays!

The "Superior Scribbler Award"

from Dana at "Feeling Fit with Dana"

Another tremendous compliment from a blogger I greatly admire.

This one goes to Nicole at "Tattoos and Teething Rings"

 for some particulary candid, moving, and superlative writing this week.

Leave it to my pal Daffy at "Batcrap Crazy"

to come up with this saucy little number!

I love it and felt so honored that she thought of little ol' me!

I'm giving this one to my friend Iris at "Till Death Do Us Art"

A tres chic award for a tres chic blogger!

My humble apologies to the creators of these awards, who may have intended for the awards to be passed on to more than one nominee at a time.  My reason is twofold:

1) I feel, personally, that the more blogs I'm required to nominate, the more diluted the "award" and the compliment become.  I enjoy the challenge of considering all of my favorite bloggers, new and old, and carefully selecting which "ONE" best fits the award.  This keeps me feeling sincere and genuine in my accolades.

2)  I know that, beside the comaraderie and good vibes that the awards generate, their other purpose is to give us more exposure and help us to network.  I've found, however, that when I'm asked to pass an award on to 5+ other bloggers, I end up spending an hour or more creating the post, the compliments, and all the links, and get a response, or networked by only about 10% of the nominees.  There's nothing like spending all that time scratching someone else's back only to get an email response of "already got it", or worse yet, nothing at all.

So, with that said, if you're a recipient of any of the awards above, please feel free to pass it on to as many, or as few worthy bloggers as you wish.

And, because I like to take a good idea and put my own twist on it (Daffy, you inspired me), I'm creating the

"YOU GIVE BLOGGERS A GOOD NAME AWARD"

from Rook No. 17 

There is only one rule and it is simple:  Pass this award on to ONE blogger that you think is truly outstanding, in both in their writing/posting, and their treatment of fans, commenters, and fellow bloggers.

I'm starting off by nominating my dear friend Holly at

504 Main.

Hols, you get about a zillion awards a month,

but it's because you deserve it.

Your posts are interesting, thought provoking, relateable, funny and informative.  You have terrific style!  You're always a good read, a great commenter, and a frequent visitor. 

You Give Bloggers a Good Name

FROSTY THE SNOWMAN ~ Lost in Translation

I received a visit from my pal Marilyn over at A Lot of Loves today, and returned the favor with a visit to her lovely blog. She had a delightful post about her family’s animatronic snowman with an adorable video of her children dancing along and swaying their hips to the tune. It reminded me of another, less talented, linguistically challenged snowman that my husband and I received as a “bonus gift” from a travelling salesman when we owned our store.

This Frosty hails from China, and is for all intents and purposes benign and an adequate representation of the classic Christmas character. But, wait! Apparently something was lost in translation when his melody was recorded. Here are the “lyrics” as best as we’ve been able to interpret them:

"Frosty the Snowman

Was a Happy, Tolly Shmoe

With a Coined-up Pipe

And a Boddon Nose

And two Eye made I Don’t Know!"

We are, of course, completely enamored with this Misfit Toy! So much so, that Frosty has become the principal player in a game of “Snowman Tag” that we’ve had going with my brother and his wife for several years now. The object is to get the snowman to the other person’s house without their knowing it. Frosty cannot be sent through the mail or by a parcel service. My brother used to live in Las Vegas, but now lives with his family in NYC, so the challenge has increased (as we’re on the California coast).

Frosty has mysteriously shown up on our doorstep, our balcony, and in our luggage several times. He was delivered to my brother at work, when he was the GM at Rum Jungle in Mandalay Bay. He has arrived, shrink-wrapped with a palette of kitchen tile, and “materialized” in the trunk of my brother’s car. Frosty is currently in our possession. I grew irritated by his cheerful smirk as he sat perched upon a pile of miscellaneous in my office (a.k.a. the junk room) all summer long, and I finally shoved him in a box, which I promptly added to the stack in the garage. Out of sight; out of mind. Thank you, Marilyn, for reminding me that it’s time for Frosty to take on The Big Apple!

Happy Holidays to all the Tolly Shmoes out there!

May your coined-up pipe be full of good cheer, and Jack Frost go easy on your Boddon Nose!

WONKATEERS, PROJECT #4: CLASSIC DARK CHOCOLATE TRUFFLES

Classic Dark Chocolate Truffles

For this recipe, use a high quality chocolate. If making a large batch for holiday giving, I recommend the bittersweet “Pound Plus” Bar from Trader Joes.

You can in this instance use chocolate chips, but you will get better results from a higher quality of chocolate. If you’re limited to what you can find at your local grocery, try Guittard or Ghiradelli semisweet chocolate chips.

Ingredients:

1 ½ cups (350 grams) semisweet chocolate (around 50-62% cacao), finely chopped

1 cup (250) grams heavy cream (I prefer organic)

3 Tablespoons (50 grams) unsalted sweet cream butter, room temperature

Cocoa powder for coating

• Finely chop the chocolate and place in a medium bowl.

• In a microwave or on a stovetop, boil heavy cream.

• Pour over the chopped chocolate.

• Allow to sit for two minutes.

• Whisk until cream and chocolate are fully incorporated and no lumps remain.

• Stir in butter. You have now created a ganache.

• Refrigerate until firm (at least two hours).

• Fill a small shallow bowl with unsweetened cocoa powder.

• Using a small kitchen scoop, portion ganache, one scoop at a time directly into the cocoa powder.

• Lightly toss to coat and place finished truffle in a small paper candy cup.  You can typically find these at the grocery store and craft stores near the cupcake papers.

The truffles can be keep refrigerated for up to two weeks, or stored for three months in the freezer. Right! Like they'd last 24 hours in my house!

VARIATIONS

Instead of cocoa powder, roll in crushed nuts, shredded coconut, or chocolate sprinkles.

Rum Truffles: Add a tablespoon of dark rum to the ganache after adding the butter. Works with Kahlua, Baileys, or your favorite liqueur.

Espresso Truffles: Stir a tablespoon of espresso powder in to the cream before pouring over the chocolate.

Peppermint Truffles: Add a teaspoon of peppermint extract after adding the butter.

Tea Infused Truffles: Add a tea bag to the cream as you bring it to a boil.

Honey Truffles: Add a 2 Tablespoons honey to the cream before pouring over chocolate.

WONKATEERS, PROJECT #3: OREO TRUFFLES (ON A STICK!)

These delicious treats are ridiculously easy, make a lovely presentation, and are always the first to go at parties and bake sales.

There are only three ingredients: One package of oreos, one 8 oz. package of cream cheese, and chocolate candy coating. Sprinkles are optional.

Chocolate Dipped Oreo Truffles

Here is my favorite source for Nonpareils:  BETTERBYEZ ON EBAY

And my favorite source for fancy sprinkles:   

FANCY FLOURS

NEXT UP...CLASSIC DARK CHOCOLATE TRUFFLES