Momathon Blog

Valentine's Day Printable: Pink Roses Box

Hello, friends. Today I'm offering a free printable gift box I created that features a bouquet of pink roses. Perfect for Valentine's Day! Link to download this printable below. 

Free Printable: Pink Roses Box

The digital PDF file includes one pillow box designed by me and featuring a photo image of roses taken by me. Box is the perfect size for holding a gift card.

Printables are easy to use. All you need for this craft is the free downloadable PDF file, 8.5"x11" card stock paper, glue or double-sided tap, and scissors. You can also embellish the box with glitter.  

Link to the downloadable PDF and directions for printing and assembling the box in the steps below.

It's So Etsy: Retro Typewriter Keyboard for Your iPad

While sipping coffee and reading my favorite blogs before I went to my studio this morning, I came across this one-of-a-kind keyboard on the splendid blog by Erin at Design For Mankind. 

Imagine sitting down to type—really type on real keys—at your iPad with this AWESOME keyboard. So cool. The Etsy shop USBTypewriter sells the amazing USB Typewriter Computer Keyboard Smith Corona.

If you like this cool + tech accessory, then I know you will love the Holiday gift guide for the nerds and geeks created by Erin at her blog Design For Mankind. 

Check out more items in my Etsy series.

Handmade Holiday {The Dreamy Edition Gift Guide}

It's So Etsy: Handmade Holiday II

It's So Etsy: Handmade Holiday

It's so Etsy: London Calling

City Dogs {Frenchies}

As you know, I love to draw dogs and I've added new products for dog lovers in my Society6 shop—everything from pillows, iPhone cases & skins, laptop skins, framed art prints, stretched canvases and more. Check out the pillow featured below here. If you order any items from my shop, you get free shipping—just you use this promo. (The free-shipping promo is available through December 9, 2012).

Above: City Dogs {Frenchies} Throw Pillow by Chris Olson at Society6.
The Society6 Throw Pillows are made from 100% spun polyester poplin fabric (giving it a nice cotton feel), a stylish statement that will liven up any room. Available in three sizes - 16", 18" and 20". Individually cut and sewn by hand (yes, the folks at Society6 are using their hands as usual), each throw pillow features a double-sided print of your artwork and is finished with a concealed zipper for ease of care and at a price that will impress your best collectors. For even greater affordability and options, the Throw Pillows are sold with or without a faux down pillow insert.

Below: more of my Society6 products featuring French Bulldogs including an iPad skin, iPhone case, and framed art.  

 

Images: CITY DOGS {FRENCHIES} graphics by me, Chris Olson, and feature my original artwork of French Bulldogs. Feel free to pin image on Pinterest with a link back to this post. Thanks!

 

Holiday Tipping Guide

'Tis the season for giving and remembering to thank those folks who have helped you throughout the year. If figuring out how to thank all of these important people in your life seems daunting, check out the handy holiday tipping guide I created below. The tipping amounts vary from city to city and a range of amounts to consider is included in the tip chart. I don't consider myself an expert on tipping, but I did scour a variety of sources to come up with a guide that offers a range of tipping ideas. 

December can be an expensive month. If you are feeling strapped for cash this month, consider giving your tip as a New Year's gift during the first week of January. Of course, giving cash is not the only way to show your appreciation. A thoughtful note expressing your gratitude is meaningful too. 

 

 

Image: HOLIDAY TIPPING GUIDE graphic by me, Chris Olson. Feel free to pin image on Pinterest with a link back to this post. Thanks!

 

Handmade Holiday {The Dreamy Edition Gift Guide}

 

I heart handmade items. Here are a few of my faves for gift giving—The Dreamy Edition.

I am a tad obsessed with Paris, so this photo tops my dreamy list.

Source: etsy.com via Chris on Pinterest

 

A shimmer of color with pastel peach earrings dresses up your favorite jeans or adds some bling to your LBD.

Source: etsy.com via Chris on Pinterest

 

A colorful scarf fits nicely in a gift box—and definitely in my suitcase!

Source: etsy.com via Chris on Pinterest

 

 

This adorable clutch reminds me of riding scooters on a vacation in Europe. And I can't resist a few polka dots :)

Source: etsy.com via Chris on Pinterest

 

OK, I know this gift idea only works if you know someone with a 5-1/2 shoe size—but I love a cute vintage boot. 

Source: etsy.com via Chris on Pinterest

 

You can find these gift giving ideas and more at my Pinterest board Gift Ideas.

IMAGES via my Pinterest board Gift Ideas. Check out these gift ideas at their shops on ETSY: Paris photo via Fine Art Paris Photography France and Europe by PhotographyDream, Earrings via Cardioceras handmade jewellery by cardioceras on Etsy, Scarf via Felted scarves felted wraps felted clothing by by nafanyafelt, Purse via Handmade purses pouches and many more by octopurse on Etsy, Shoes via vintage clothing jewelry and accessories by capricorne on Etsy 

Weekend Playlist {Random Happiness}

I took the bird's eye view photo of the yoga studio above while walking along the elevated urban park The High Line on Manhattan's West Side. This NYC parkway path transformed an out-of-use railroad trestle into a beautiful public landscape that gives you a unique perspective of the city. It reminds me of walking on a bridge, but with the added benefits of the natural elements in a park.

Due to Hurricane Sandy and significant flood damage to some of the park’s utility connections, the park was running on a limited schedule—you can read more about the park and the schedule on their blog or follow the @highlinenyc on Twitter. If you want to help the recovery process, you can support the park by becoming a member of the nonprofit. You can even support the organization by shopping at their one-of-a-kind shop online. I'm loving the High Line photo magnet set below ($15).

Because it's a Friday, I'm in the mood for some totally random, feel-good music. Here's my weekend playlist via 8Tracks. Enjoy!

most random mix ever from blinkydiver on 8tracks Radio.

... A few on the playlist... I Saw You Blink, Stornoway... Hollywood (ft. Penguin Prison), RAC... Givers Up Up Up, Glassnotemusic... Bright Idea, Mother Mother... The Palace Garden 4 am, Beat Connection... Best Day of Your Life, Katie Herzog... Kangaroo Court, Capital Cities... Make a Wish OK!, Good Records2... Can You Tell, RaRaRiot...

 

Images: NYC YOGA and THE HIGH LINE MAGNETS photos by me, Chris Olson. Feel free to pin images on Pinterest with a link back to this post. Thanks!

 

It's So Etsy: Handmade Holiday II

Add  a vintage touch to your mantle or on a coffee table with this magical winterland scene by Julie at her JoyfulStudio shop on Etsy. The woodland winterland scene in a vintage Ball glass jar features a deer, pine tree, with snow, and 3 hanging stars that glow in the dark. 

These red felted wool slippers are more than comfortable. The felted slippers  are handmade by Ilona at her Etsy shop Kadabros. Looking for an another style or color? Check out the lovely selection of slippers in many colors and styles a Ilona's shop.

Antique brass and sunflower yellow Swarovski rivoli crystal earrings are handmade by Erin at her Etsy shop OstaraMoonJewelry.

IMAGES via JoyfulStudio, Kadabros, OstaraMoonJewelry.

Handmade Holiday {Learn to Knit Kit}

I'm on a mission to make this a handmade holiday season. I love to knit and when I saw this new kit at Purl Soho I knew it was perfect for gift giving. I remember my first knitting projects as a teen. I made cozy scarves and even a baby sweater for my niece. Fortunately I had a very patient Norwegian friend teaching me how to knit and eventually I got the hang of it and now I'm addicted :)  

Knitting is a craft you can do almost anywhere. I'm the type of person that likes to keep busy, so I carry my projects on subways, buses, planes, and of course, in the car. I love the message on the Purl Soho blog:

Our new Learn To Knit kit is specially designed to spark a creative fire in the hearts of new knitters everywhere! Our goal was to create an experience for new knitters that would be as satisfying and enchanted as were our own first forays into knits and purls.



Do you know someone who would like to learn to knit? Check out the Purl Soho kit here.

Note to my readers: This is not a sponsored post. I just love crafts and Purl Soho is one of my faves!

Images: LEARN TO KNIT KIT graphics by me, Chris Olson and feature photos from the fabulous Purl Soho. Feel free to Pin images on Pinterest with a link back to this post. Thanks!

It's so Etsy: London Calling

 

1) London Calling Art Print by Sacred and Profane on Etsy $8.50
2) London England Art Print for Nursery by My Tiny Tot Creative on Etsy $16

3) Vintage London British Phonebooth iPhone 4 case by Case Orama on Etsy $18.95
4) Passport Fabric Case Cover - I Love London by Baffin Bags on Etsy $8

 >•<  Connect on Facebook  >•<  

Photos via 1) My Tiny Tot Creative on Etsy, 2) My Tiny Tot Creative on Etsy, 3) Case Orama on Etsy 4) Baffin Bags on Etsy.

Free Printable Gift Tags: English and French Sayings

Hello, friends. Handmade tags are wonderful to have on hand to attach to a gift so today I'm offering a free printable gift tag file for you to download. The digital PDF file includes 9 designs I created. Great for packaged gifts--and several tags with a L-O-V-E theme are perfect for Valentines. The 3" x 2" tags include the following sayings in a versatile graphite hue font: happy birthday, cheers, to, and I love you. Plus these sayings in French:  bonjour, je t'aime, and l'amour. The Valentine-y tags also have light pink hearts. The back side of the tags is left blank for you to write on.

All you need is the PDF file, 8.5"x11" card stock paper, a printer, hole punch. To attach the tags to a gift use ribbon, yarn, or twine. You can also embellish the cards with glitter. I added a hint of pink glitter to the hearts after I printed them.

Here is a link to the PDF file that you may download and print. Please use these for personal use only. Thanks!

DIY: Handmade Heart Pin

Create my handmade heart pin to add some Valentine bling. Or attach the heart to a postcard. For this easy craft I use felt as the heart structure and add embellishments using embroidery thread, beads, more felt hearts, sequins, and even recycled jewelry. The dark pink heart uses medium-size pearl beads from a favorite bracelet that unfortunately broke one day. Instead of throwing away all those adorable beads I add a few here and there to craft projects. Easy peasy! See the complete directions below.

Step-by-step directions below.

Valentine-y things for you

 

Valentine's Day has always been one of my faves, so it isn't surprising I keep adding new heart-worthy Etsy items to my Salt and Paper Designs  shop.

I love printables. Here are just a few of mine for Valentines:

Pink Flower Printable Gift Box 

Eiffel Tower Printable Gift Box

Valentine Yorkie Set "Be Mine" and "Hello Love"

Valentine Yorkie printable envelope

Minty Heart Valentine Postcard with Envelope at LunaBlueStudio

Sweet things you can print

Valentines come in all shapes and sizes. My faves are easy-to-make cards. This year I decided to make printables--easy to print PDF files that make it a snap to make as many as you want. 

Do you like to use printable cards and gift wrap? Here are the two newest items at my Salt and Paper Designs shop on Etsy:

Valentine Eiffel Tower PRINTABLE Pillow Box and Valentine HELLO LOVE and HELLO Printable Note Cards

Cool + Plus: A chic water bottle that is easy to clean

 

You know how even after you clean ordinary water bottles they still end up with a stinky, gunky mess at the bottom of the bottles. Gross. Finally a company with an incredibly simple invention makes the reusable water bottle easier to clean--the Clean Bottle opens at both ends.

I also like the fact this company is a giver: 10% of all Clean Bottle profits are donated to eco and cycling friendly charities that you vote for.

New York Magazine likes the Clean Bottle: "Both the bottom and top ends of the 22-ounce Clean Bottle can be unscrewed for easier rinsing."  

Features:

• Both top and bottom of bottle unscrew for cleaning
• made of BPA free plastic
• 10% of all Clean Bottle profits are donated to eco and cycling friendly charities that you vote for
• dishwasher safe
• holds 22 oz.
• available at REI and other stores
• $9.95 

See more of my Cool + Plus series featuring products that not only have amazing design, but also benefit the environment and society. Check out Cool + Plus.

Photo: Clean Bottle

Cool + Plus: Eco-Friendly Sunnan Lamp

Today is the first in my Cool + Plus series featuring products that not only have amazing design, but also benefit the environment and society.

IKEA Sunnan rechargeable solar lamp 

Thanks to a collaboration between UNICEF and IKEA, for every lamp purchased another is donated to a child living without electricity in the developing world including:

• remote areas of Pakistan
• rural school children in India
• children in the cotton districts in Maharashtra, India (Save the Children)

“Millions of children can’t draw, write or read after sunset, limiting their horizons and possibly their futures,” according to Marianne Barner, head of IKEA Social Initiative. “We hope our lamps are a small but important contribution to improving the lives of children in developing countries.”

Sunnan Solar Lamp features

• rechargeable batteries and solar panel
• use this lamp practically anywhere--no plugs or cables needed
• charge lamp and/or solar unit on the window sill as needed
• built-in LED light source with a life time approx. 25,000 hours
• weighs only 2 lbs
• affordable at $20

 

Photo: IKEA

 

Blog Red, Buy Red, and Support World AIDS Day

 

Last week the NIH announced a major advancement in HIV prevention research: A daily pill that treats HIV also apprears to help prevent HIV infection. A new vaginal gel shows promise in preventing HIV infection in women.

Research studies like this are key to helping save lives. Approximately 2.6 million people each year become infected with HIV worldwide. 56,000 become infected each year in the U.S. Today is World AIDS Day 2010 and the perfect time to be part of the cure.

Blog Red

Bloggers and Tweeters check out (BLOG) RED to find out how you can turn the World (RED) here. You can turn your profile picture red too.

Tweeting ideas from (BLOG) RED:

Dec 1 is World AIDS Day @joinred fact: 430,000 babies born with HIV last yr. By 2015 that could be 0. #turnred www.joinred.com 

Dec 1 is World AIDS Day. Tell the world that an AIDS Free Generation is due in 2015. #turnred to map it. @joinred www.joinred.com 

Tweet #turnred & turn this map of the world (RED). Dec 1 is World AIDS Day. Join @joinred www.joinred.com  

 

Buy Red

When you buy (PRODUCT)RED™ items, up to 50% of the profits go directly to those who need it. Some of the (PRODUCT) RED Partners include American Express, Apple, Bugaboo, Converse, Dell, Emporio Armani, GAP, Hallmark, NIKE, Penguin Classics, and Starbucks. Product Red Partners support the global fund to help eliminate AIDS in Africa. Here are just a few examples of how the Partners are helping:

NIKE: 100% of the profits from every pair of Nike RED laces you buy go to help fight AIDS in Africa. 

GAP: 50% of profits from the sale of all (GAP)RED (GAP)RED products go to help eliminate AIDS in Africa

APPLE: Buy the Apple (PRODUCT)RED™  iPod nano and Apple donates portion of the purchase price to the Global Fund to help eliminate AIDS in Africa. 

STARBUCKS: The (STARBUCKS)RED Ceramic To-Go Cup contributes $1US/L3/E3 from the sale of each Cup to the Global Fund. (STARBUCKS)RED Jonathan Adler Card. The (STARBUCKS) RED Card generates 5c/5p for the Global Fund every time it is used. 

Many more companies are involved in Buy (Red). Check out the link to see the many other companies are involved in BUY(RED). 

 

 

It's so Etsy: Down2Earth handmade jewelry

   

I have two relatives with birthdays coming up and I'm thinking of buying them each a piece of hand-hammered and hand-stamped jewelry created by Michell Mathis, an Etsy artist and mother of two. The handmade jewelry is available at down2earthjewelry at Etsy. All jewelry is made of natural and vintage materials and gift packaged in an earthy brown box made of 100% recycled materials.

For more beautiful handmade items at Etsy, check out Momathon's Etsy faves.

Photo above is a screenshot of the Mathis online Etsy store, down2earthjewelry. Sending a special shout out to my best bud and a craft guru, Kathy, who introduced me to this jewelry. 

It's So Etsy: Honey Drop Earrings

 

These honey drop earrings look delish! Etsy jewlelry designer Nanette Bevan says it best: my earrings "look as though amber honey is slipping off a spoon, just catching the light." 

The handmade glass drops measure 30 x 10 mm. The entire earring from the arc of the sterling ear wire to the bottom of the luscious drop measures 47 mm. $28. Bevan has more delectible earrings and other jewelry in her Etsy shop.

 

 

Bevan is a member of the Creative Glass Guild of Etsy (CGGE) www.cgge.org. For more about her jewelry visit her blog: Nanette Bevan. 

For more of my handmade favorites, check out Momathon loves Etsy.

It's so Etsy: Pink sunhats for babies and toddlers

Looking for the perfect baby shower gift? Check out the handmade hats and bows and more at the Etsy.com store TinyTotsBows.

A mother of two in Wisconsin designs these adorable hats and bows. One of my personal faves is the Hot Pink Sunhat with Interchangeable Zebra Gerbera, $22.95. This hat set is available in a variety of sizes: infant (0-6+months) and toddler (6-18+months).

According to her Etsy store: 

"This sunhat is made of special water resistant UV fabric (50+ UPF) with an extra wide brim to provide excellent sun protection! It is adjustable to achieve the perfect fit and has a chin strap, so it can't be pulled off. Attached to the hat is an interchangeable strip, so all bows and flowers can be attached to create a custom look to match any outfit!"

(Photo above from the TinyTotsBows online store; photography by www.siribenrudphotography.com)

DIY no-sew tutu by Gabrielle @ DesignMom.com

Yep, I admit my weakness. I am obsessed with craft projects and anything with loads of fluffy tulle. 

 

Gabrielle offers step-by-step directions and great photos showing how to make this no-sew tutu on her blog Design Mom. Perfect DIY gift to make for kids. Love the fact you can adjust the length of the tutu pattern easily.

(Tutu Photo: Design Mom blog)

It's so Etsy: Polka dot Easter basket for toddlers

This cheerful Hippity Hop Bunny Dots basket is perfect for toddlers to gather eggs. Or fill it with decorated eggs--the perfect addition to a springtime dinner table. Fanciful citrus shades celebrate the season on this fully-lined Easter basket by Sew Gracious on Etsy. 

Each handmade basket is unique. Dimensions: 8" wide at the bottom, 6" deep, 6" tall at the highest point; excluding handles. ($18)

(Photo: SewGracious) 

 

It's so Etsy: Sweet tutus for little girls

 

 

Love this sweet and fluffy cotton candy tutu available at Simply Sweet Shoppe at Etsy.com. A variety of sizes available--newborn to 5 year-old sizes. Matching hats and headbands available too. (Tutu, $30)

(Image: Cotton Candy Tutu Aqua by SimplySweetShoppe)

It's so Etsy: Baby teddy bear ear hat for newborn

Baby photographers get your cameras ready! This olive green beanie hat with teddy bear ears and ear flaps is hand knit by KnittedByNanny on Etsy. Knit with Australian wool with mohair trim. $25.00

Valentine's Day spending trivia

 

Budgets are tighter this Valentine's Day and just like the saying goes, it's the thought that counts. Jewelry, fancy bouquets, and chocolates have been the staple of Valentine's Day spending for decades. But this year more people are shopping for more practical gifts. Does that mean your bouquet of red roses will be a bouquet of tulips? 

The average American consumer is expected to spend $103 on Valentine's Day this year according the NRF in a report in Current.com. Sounds like a lot to me, but in 2008 consumers on average spent $20 more. 

I love the fact that Valentine's Day falls on a three-day weekend this year. A perfect time for travel and dining out. But the timing is not so good for the flower industry, which is often closed on Sunday.

Why do women love Cupid's day so much? Could be the fact that men do the bulk of the Valentine shopping. The NRF says men spend twice as much as women on gifts.

The day of hearts is special for our other sweethearts too. Researchers found that even though couples are planning to spend less on each other this year, they are spending more on their pets, friends, and co-workers.

(photo: Claudia - Assad)

 

So many reasons why I love Paris are found in the new book "Paris: Made by Hand"

Pia Jane Bijkerk is an internationally acclaimed stylist, photographer and author specializing in interiors, still life & food.  Her first book titled Paris: Made by Hand is available now. The photos in her book are so lovely. I want to live in her book! Time to book a flight to visit this city again.

Here is what Pia has to say about her new book on her blog:

"This is a book for lovers of all things handmade, the chic and unique, and of course Paris. In this book I take you off the tourist streets of this incredible city in search of Parisian artisans whose work is truly inspirational, and secreted studio boutiques filled with exquisite Parisian handmade treasures. I’ve been collecting these special addresses in my stylist’s little black book over the past couple of years and now with great delight, share them all with you in Paris: Made by Hand. Expect to see this fine city in a whole new light…"

It's so Etsy: Dew Drop Moonstone ring

Luminous. Dreamy. Fabulous. That's my take on the lovely Dew Drop Moonstone ring by OneGarnetGirl at her shop on Etsy. Ring features a 10mm (slightly less than 1/2 inch) white moonstone cabochon and bezel set in a sterling band. Available in size 6.5. $74.00.

Etsy is the place to find wonderful handmade items.

(image by onegarnetgirl on Etsy)
 

Free shipping day? No kidding!

 

(image by mysza831)

Practically everyone on my Christmas gift list lives out of town. That's why I was so excited to discover December 17th is National Free Shipping Day for participating merchants (see partial list below). And shipped items are guaranteed to arrive by Christmas eve.

Check out their website for participating merchants. So far, Free Shipping Day includes 407 participating merchants and counting. On Thursday, December 17th at 12:00AM EST the Free Shipping Day promotions for participating merchants will be revealed.

Here are a few of the National Free Shipping Day merchants as of this post date:

• Aeropostale
• American Eagle Outfitters
• Apple Store
• ShopAddidas.com
• BabiesRUs
• BabyAge.com
• Bebe
• Borders
• Brookstone
• Chronicle Books
• Crabtree & Evelyn
• Discovery Store
• Eddie Bauer
• FAO Schwarz
• Godiva Chocolatier
• The Land of Nod
• Macy's
• Nike
• Nordstrom
• OverStock.com
• PetSmart
• Red Envelope
• Sears
• Sephora
• 7 for all mankind
• The Body Shop
• Tommy Bahamas
• Toys R Us
• and many more

 
Mark December 17th on your calendar. Happy Shopping.

Love this book: One-yard wonders

If you like to sew--no matter your ability level--this book is for you. Filled with 101 quick sewing projects that only need one yard of material.

 

The book written by Rebecca Yaker and Patricia Hoskins includes easy directions with patterns and full color photos to help you complete your project in an afternoon. Projects include apparel, plush toys, bags, pet beds, baby items, home decor items, and more.

Give a laptop to children in developing countries and change the world.

The XO laptop: A small computer that serves a big cause. 

Most of the more than one billion children in the emerging world do not have access to education. The rugged and inexpensive XO laptop can help solve that problem. 

The nonprofit organization One Laptop per Child provides poor children in developing countries a sturdy laptop that works even in harshest conditions. The OLPC has big goals that have met some criticism in part because the OLPC has has only distributed laptops in smaller, isolated areas. But after three years the nonprofit has expanded its outreach. According to the NYTimes.com: "Late last month the Uruguayan government completed the process of distributing an XO to each of its 415,000 elementary school children as the first phase of the Plan Ciebal initiative to provide a laptop for every student and teacher in the country."

You can make a difference. Give a laptop. Change the world.

One Laptop per Child : Zimi's Story FULL
Uploaded by olpcfoundation.

It's so Etsy: Snuggly warm knit hats for babies and kids by Malindi

 

Elizabeth knit hat by Malindi on Etsy

Snug as a bug white knit Elizabeth hat with a rose pink flower is handmade by Malindi, a proud member of the Etsymoms Street Team. The wool hat is hand knitted with a seed stitch rim and stockinette stitch. Rose flower is crocheted. Available in newborn, 0-6 months, 6-24 months and 2T+ sizes. The Elizabeth hat featured in the picture above is size newborn, $22.

 

Penelope knit hat by Malindi on Etsy

The adorable dark heather grey Penelope hat with a heather grey rose is also handmade by Malindi. The wool hat is hand knitted with a seed stitch rim and stockinette stitch. Flower is crocheted. Available in newborn, 0-6 months, 6-24 months and 2T+, teen/adult sizes, $22. The Penelope hat featured in the Etsy photo above is an teen/adult size.

Malindi has hats available in a variety of styles and sizes. If you would like to have the hat made in a different size or color combo just contact Malindi at Etsy.

It's So Etsy: Sweetie Pie Tutu for Babies

Love, love this Etsy tutu:  

Teeny, Tiny Sweetie Pie Tutu for ages newborn-24 months. 

You choose the color. FREE coordinating soft headband. $16.75 

image via ny-image0.etsy.com

Summer Reading for Crafters

I love to make things: Sew, cook, draw, paint, knit, bead, and more. Reading a crafting book always motivates me to start a new project.

Now more and more women are turning their love of crafts into a business. Here are a few books that just might inspire you to do the same.

Craft, Inc.: Turn Your Creative Hobby into a Business

Meg Mateo Ilasco

Designer, writer and pro crafter Meg Mateo Ilasco offers a step-by-step guide to everything from developing products and naming the company to writing a business plan, applying for licenses, and paying taxes. 

My favorite part: In-depth interviews with such craft luminaries as Jonathan Adler, Lotta Jansdotter, Denyse Schmidt, and Jill Bliss provide inspiration and practical advice.

Country Living Crafting a Business: Make Money Doing What You Love

Kathie Fitzgerald

If you are thinking of starting a home-based craft business, this book by the editors of Country Living tells the real-life success stories of women artisans.

My favorite part: Even if you are only interested in one type of craft, the diversity of in-depth profiles featured in this book is a real plus. As crafters we can learn so much from successful women--from hand-weaving, doll making, and rug hooking to travel, interior design, and photography. Filled with great advice on how to get started, develop a saleable product, organize a company, market your goods, manage the finances, and handle staffing.

Perfume Cravings

Maybe it's because I have a cold, whatever the reason I have been craving perfume. Or maybe it's because it's so so darn cold out I don't think my nose will ever thaw out. 

I am craving something I would wear with jeans and flip flops while eating fish tacos at a Tommy Bahama Cafe in Hawaii. Yes, I know that sounds unlikely since the kids are in SCHOOL and my most recent mani-pedi was done by my daughter. Anyways. I guess I could wear it as I wander the aisles of Safeway or Target searching for cough medicine or while sipping a herbal tea with honey at Starbucks. 

My latest fascintation--dearest husband, please take notice because Valentine's Day is approaching--is an exotic fruity-floral scent, Incanto Charms by  Salavatore Ferragamo.

1 oz. Eau de Toilette Spray, $43 at Sephora

The Best Gift for Your Kids

If you are like me, you've scoured the mall, shopped the net, and even gotten a little crafty this Christmas. Even after all the shopping, I still feel like I never found the perfect gifts. Finding the best gift for your kids just might be simpler than you ever dreamed.

How about a gift of TIME. Yep. This Christmas I'm giving my kiddos some of my undivided attention--a family craft activity or two, some jigsaw puzzle time, a game of Monopoly or Scrabble, and an afternoon baking cookies or candy. Kids crave our attention 365 days a year, so why not splurge this holiday and give them the gift of you.

Try making a gift coupon suggesting a fun activity you can do together. The clever folks at RealSimple.com and Blue Mountain have a printable coupon templates you can personalize and print at home.

Peppermint Bark Candy Recipe

I found one more holiday recipe you might enjoy--classic peppermint bark. Recently Chef Kathleen Daelemans made the peppermint bark with Matt and Meredith on the TODAY Show and the TODAY Show editors have the complete recipe on the website.

Peppermint bark can be expensive when you buy it in the store. At  Williams-Sonoma the The Original Peppermint Bark is $26.50 for a one-pound tin.

Why not make it at home? The inexpensive homemade version is the perfect thing to make for a gift. The candy recipe only has four ingredients:

• bittersweet chocolate wafers or chips
• white chocolate wafers or white chocolate
• canola oil
• peppermint candy

Go to the TODAY show link above for the complete recipe. You can also watch a short how-to video on making the peppermint candy below. (Note: The TODAY Show clip starts out talking about cookie swaps with homemade gingerbread and then the next item they discuss is the peppermint bark.)

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(Video: TODAY Show segment on homemade cookies and candy.)

 

Holiday Gifts for Middle School Teachers?

As my kids grow up even the traditional holiday gift for the teacher changes. A class gift for elementary school teachers, bookstore gift cards, and Starbucks cards all seem like a fun and festive treats for teachers. What should you do when your kids are in middle school? My daughter has 13 teachers and aides. Many of her classes are co-taught. Trying to find an appropriate way to show how much you appreciate a diverse group of teachers is not always easy. 

Because the list of middle school teachers is so much larger than in elementary school, are holiday teacher gifts appropriate at this age? Will I seem like Scrooge if I tell my daughter we aren't giving gifts to her teachers?

A teacher friend mentioned that some of the best holiday gifts are not gifts at all, but instead a card with a personal thank you note from the student or the parents.

If you have any thoughts on holiday gifts for middle school teachers, please share your ideas in the comments section.

Meanwhile, I am procrastinating just one more day on the teacher shopping list. 

Momathon Fave: A Book of Ages

If you are like me, you rarely find enough time in the day to get all your errands done. Planning weeks--even months--ahead of time is the only solution for this optimistic mom wants to somehow magically squeeze in a few more hours into a 24-hour day. What to do? In September before the holiday shopping mania in December begins, I make my list and begin shopping for holiday gifts (and fall birthday gifts too). 

Best tip. I love gift ideas that multi-task --presents that will be the perfect gift for several people on my list. 

Here's a great multi-tasker for this year's holiday list: the witty new gift book by Eric Hanson, "A Book of Ages." This book will be a great birthday gift or holiday gift for so many of my friends. If you know me, then you probably recognize the name. Eric's my brother--and a talented writer/journalist and illustrator. 

Ever wonder about the triumphs as well as those failures, crossed paths, midlife crises, and missed chances that occurred in famous lives? As Hanson's book promo says:

"A witty, ironic collection of moments from famous lives--triumphs, failures, revealing anecdotes, odd incidents, crossed paths, missed chances, early and late masterpieces, mid-life crises and reinventions, great partnerships, changes of heart and changes of mind--organized by year of age."

Of course I had to get a copy for my bookshelf too. Check out "A Book of Ages" by Eric Hanson at Barnes & Noble. ($14.96)

Book synopsis courtesy of Barnes & Noble:

 

Age isn't just a number--it's a way of keeping score. This is your scorecard.

The day we turn any age, we become contemporaries of everyone who has ever been that age, and it becomes our business to know that Bob Dylan wrote “Blowin’ in the Wind” when he was twenty, Orson Welles cowrote, directed, and starred in Citizen Kane when he was twenty-five, Winston Churchill was fired from the Admiralty when he was forty and took up painting, and Jane Austen died, unmarried and mostly unknown, when she was forty-one. Knowing who did what when provides the yardstick by which to measure our own progress; it’s comforting to learn that Grandma Moses didn’t show her first painting until she was seventy-eight, and discouraging (but not surprising) to discover that Einstein was already smarter than you at age sixteen.

A witty, ironic collection of moments from famous lives organized by year of age from infancy to death, A Book of Ages tells you who is doing what, who is on top of the world, who is waiting for his luck to change, who is saying unkind things about whom, who is planning his revenge, who is meeting for the first time, and who Elizabeth Taylor is currently divorcing.