Wednesday, July 27, 2011

Mt Horeb Art & Craft Fair – A followup

Editors Note: Major props to a couple of my besties who helped me work this show. Pedicures for all.

This is a good show. I would do it again. Let’s cut to the chase…

The Pros

  • It’s close to home. Like 15 minutes away. Score.
  • My booth was 3 spaces off the corner of Main and Third Street which mean I could pull my car RIGHT IN FRONT of my booth for BOTH loading and unloading. This may be lost on the average reader but not having to haul heavy stuff for any distance is amazeballs. Especially since it was beyond hot. I’ll get to that later.
  • My booth was also like ½ block from the artists center which meant an air conditioned building and real potties. No port-a-potties. Praise Jesus!
  • People spent. It helps that my price point even with my recent price increase is still pretty reasonable, but I was consistently busy, despite the heat. An influx of cash helped me feel less hot. Just sayin’. And there was no balking at my adjusted price points. Hurray.

The cons

  • The heat. Hot. Hot. And more hot. Oh and humid too. It was more or less tolerable in the shade but take down was a beast. There is nothing quite like standing on asphalt, in the full sun, in 95 degree weather trying to stuff a 10x10 EZ up tent into an uncooperative bag. Good times.
  • Whiny kids. There were a lot of them too. Excessive heat brings out the cranky-pants in kids and adults alike. And lets face it – I was hot and cranky too. Crankyness is contagious when the temperature is midway between a sauna and Turkish bath.

Bottom Line

  • Good show. Well organized. Well attended. On the list for next year. Check.

Buy unique. Buy handmade. It’s my new mantra.

Sunday, July 24, 2011

Liquid Goodness

Sangria.

It’s my new favorite thing.

It’s also a perfectly refreshing summertime libation. And given the recent heat wave that has, unfortunately, settled into Wisconsin, a must have summertime survival cocktail. We’re not talking mildly hot. I’m talking African veldt hot.

Hot.

Hotter.

Hottest.

Sticky, sweaty, stifling heat. The kind of heat that foreshadows hell, if you believe in that sort of thing.

Sangria is wine with a kick. And it has fruit. So it’s practically healthy.

I will admit, I initially balked at Sangria. It has brandy. Not a lot. Just enough for a little buzz boost. I was skeptical. I have bad brandy history. One erroneous over-indulgence when I was 19, when Ann Felachino snuck my under-aged sorry-self into the Nitty Gritty and fed me unhealthy quantities of brandy old fashioned sweets. It didn’t end well. I was a victim. Needless to say I can barely look at brandy some 20+ years later. Happily the brandy is just a background buzz boost and the wine + fruit is center stage.

My Sangria recipe has undergone a bit of tweaking. Tweaking being defined as “more booze, less mixer”. My first pass at Sangria had 32 ounces of mixer. 32 ounces!. That’s 4 cups mixer to one bottle of wine and 3 Tbls of brandy + fruit. It was a little flat.

I did what any good amateur mixologist would do. I Googled. I read. I made some notes. I tried again. And this is what has evolved into my new favorite summertime big girl fruit punch.

Important note –  Sangria is cold and refreshing and slips right down. Probably a bit too quickly,  so be sure to pace your chemicals (and eat some real food) so you don’t have a nasty hangover.

Stefanie’s Sangria
  • 1 Cup of chopped fresh pineapple or apple – you choose, they are both good. You could also use pitted cherries but I found cherry pitting to be more of a hassle then it’s worth.
  • 1 lemon and orange – thinly sliced
  • ¾ cup of brandy
  • 1 cup orange juice
  • 1 bottle red wine. I used Rioja which is from Spain but a decent Pinot Noir works too…or you can use a Merlot if you like something drier. Both wines used were in the less than $10 range. Sa-weet!
  • 2 cups diet white soda
Prepare fruit. Add brandy and OJ and let ruminate for a few hours. Overnight is ok. I mean really, is there anything better than boozey fruit? I think no.

Meanwhile, chill the wine and soda. Then mix the whole mess up. Give it quick stir. Pour into a wine glass over ice.

Sigh contentedly.

 

Friday, July 22, 2011

Facebook – it’s not for thank you notes

Ever.

Just so my position is clear right out of the gate.

I understand that we have evolved into the mecca of social media; however I would like to point out that facebook is not a vehicle for sending thank you notes.

I’m a stickler on this.

I was schooled in Etiquette in the house of Donna (my mother). I have my own copy of Emily Posts Guide to Etiquette. I have used it often. There are very specific rules about thank you notes and I don’t care that facebook is the whiz bang new thing. Facebook is not a vehicle for a thank you note even if that note is a “private message”.

I sent some baby gifts to extended family members. Two of the three “thank yous”, I received were via facebook. Uh, really? I didn’t post a picture of the gift on facebook. I actually picked something out, wrapped it, shipped it and included a card. The receiver of said gift should sending a HANDWRITTEN thank you note, putting a stamp on it and dropping it in the mail.

I can’t bend on this one. There is a protocol for the formalized hand-written note and I don’t care what kind of technology is in place today. Technology is not a replacement for etiquette; although I am finding it is eroding it and lowering our collective standards for acceptable behavior in polite society.

As a refresher…gifts given for weddings, baby/bridal showers, confirmations/graduations deserve a HANDWRITTEN thank you note. Birthday gifts that the receiver is unable to the giver in person (such as a card that includes cash/check) also deserve a HANDWRITTEN thank you note.

Not a text message.

Not an email.

And not a facebook post.

A thoughtful gesture deserves a thoughtful HANDWRITTEN response.

No exceptions.

Tuesday, July 19, 2011

Stuff I like - Cute Lamby Cards

I really dig Etsy.com.  For those of you not following along, Etsy is a web-portal that allows artists to “set-up” their own shop and hock their stuff to the internet buying public.

Etsy is awesome because it’s pretty inexpensive and easy to navigate; however it totally over-saturated. There are thousands and thousands of artists all clamoring to be found. It can well worth it to take some time and sniff around the various showcases and listings; albeit time consuming.

I stumbled across this artist who takes oh-so adorable pictures of lambs. You can buy the prints or she also makes cards. I bought the cards. I love these cards and the little lambs on them. They look so happy. They are more original then your garden variety Hallmark and I’m pretty sure if you send someone a little note with this cute little lamby on the front is bound to generate a smile.

Rescue yourself from homogenized sameness. Buy unique. Buy handmade.

Friday, July 15, 2011

In search of a thicker skin

I’m 43. And I still need the stamp of approval. Sometimes. Not always. But definitely sometimes.

Oh sure. I’d like to be able to portray myself as a strong, vibrant women who doesn’t care what anyone thinks. And sometimes I actually believe that about myself. Almost. But my skin isn’t quite as thick as I would like to think it is. Sometimes it’s downright papery thin.

Case in point. I follow a local blog and occasionally comment on said blog. I made a fairly lengthy comment recently and oh brother… right between the eyes with the “you’re opinions are so lame” by fellow blgogers.. Which, ya know, shouldn’t really bother me because c’mon, it’s an anonymous blog comment. But geesh. I felt unliked and unloved. Why do I care? I was probably looking for validation which I clearly wasn’t going to get, but searched for it anyway.

Pathetic.

I so need to get over myself and grower a thicker skin.

Working on it…

Thursday, July 14, 2011

The Lowering of our Collective Standards

“What do you think the Devil is going to look like if he's around? Nobody is going to be taken in if he has a long, red, pointy tail. No. I'm semi-serious here. He will look attractive and he will be nice and helpful and he will get a job where he influences a great God-fearing nation and he will never do an evil thing... he will just bit by little bit lower standards where they are important. Just coax along flash over substance... Just a tiny bit. And he will talk about all of us really being salesmen. And he'll get all the great women.” – Aaron Altman, Broadcast News

 
This blog was never intended to be a political forum but I struggle with not commenting on what has become an obvious blemish on our collective standards regarding the news. And it’s my blog so I can do what I want. So there. Insert foot stomping here.

Reading the news take time.

Time is precious commodity. There is never enough of it. I get it. I do.

We have evolved into a society of must have it right now this second information at our fingertips. Unfortunately we want all the facts from one source in easy to digest, 10 words or less, bite size bulleted chunks of information.

I tell my son often that if you want to take a position on an issue, fine, but you better do your due diligence before you stand up on a soapbox. And due diligence takes time. A responsible citizen of the world digging into any number of the litany of issues should be reading a variety of sources, asking questions, probing, digging, listening objectively to both sides of an argument before forming an opinion. Color me simplistic but it seems like critical thinking 101 to me.

I have turned into a big of a news junkie of late. Not on every issue. Probably not even on most issues. But I follow a few blogs around Madison and read a lot of sources on some of the hot issues around town. I admit shock and awe at what passes for thoughtful journalism. Or even thoughtful commentary. Instead there is biased, knee jerk, “journalists” who read one source and one source only, never ask any questions much less address them and then put it in print – where it is read by the masses. Masses who are want their news in easy to digest bite size chunks.

And that’s just what they are getting. Flash over substance.

Shame. Shame. Shame.

Monday, July 11, 2011

Stuff I like - Warm Glass

Important disclaimer.

Art is subjective. Some local handmade stuff is tripe. Really. It’s truly awful stuff. The ceramic painted figurines spring to mind. So do dried floral arrangements. Or the wishing wells made out of logs. I’m sure some people like ceramic painted figurines, dried floral wreaths and log wishing wells… but I am not one of them. More often than not if someone is making crap I’ll probably be a bit snarky and poke some fun. I’m an equal opportunist that way.

The cool thing about the local handmade market is I get to meet other artists and check out the cool stuff people make and sell. I met this artist at a show last year. I really like her fused glass magnets and coasters. I own some magnets and have given a set as gifts. I plan on giving more sets as gifts. Everyone likes magnets and coasters. And they are cool looking. I mean you could buy a set of coasters from Crate and Barrel (don’t get me wrong I love Crate and Barrel) or you could buy something unique and handmade. A one of a kind original. And the magnets are strong. Not that I don’t appreciate my “Middleton Vet” magnets complete with phone number, but these magnets are pretty and actually hold up a few things. Sa-weet!

As a tangent to this subject, I know there are other bloggers who endorse a lot of artists and their hand-made wares in exchange based on a review of their product. I know this because I receive emails on a regular basis from bloggers who find my online etsy shop and want me to send them a “free” sample of my work so they can review and blog about it.

It’s a good gig if you can get it; American resourcefulness at its finest. And I will admit I’ve fallen for it a few times. And then I grew a brain and realized all I was doing was giving away free baby bodysuits with no hope of repeat business. I don’t do that anymore. If you want a tye dye t-shirt, buy it like everyone else.

My philosophy is more straight-forward and less loosey-goosey. If I like your product. I’ll buy it. And if I really like it I’ll probably mention it here because I’m all about sharing the good stuff. And I believe that handmade can be truly awesome and maybe we can rescue ourselves from a houseful of items with “made in china” stamped on the back.

Go for unique. Go for handmade.

Friday, July 8, 2011

The Friday Fun Initiative

I made the executive decision to take off every Friday afternoon this summer (June- August). My intent is to do something “fun” for myself.

To date I have failed the Friday fun challenge.

So far one Friday afternoon consisted of a trip to the grocery store. Not a quick trip for a coupla-things. The big trip. The trip that requires like 2 carts. And if you’ve been paying attention, going to the grocery store is absolute torture for me. I’m a hater of the grocery store.

Another Friday consisted of my little out-patient thingy. Sure the IV drugs were good but there was nothing really fun about it and I missed my son’s baseball game. And I was still recovering on the third Friday. Even though I wasn’t working, laying around with a hoochie full of stitches is definitely not fun.

Current Score: Friday Fun: 0, Friday non-fun things: 3

So I’ve recommitted myself to the Friday fun challenge. Oh sure I could do laundry and cleaning and other assorted tasks. But the whole purpose of 3 hours of vacation in the afternoon is to recharge and refresh.

This Friday I think I’m going to get it right. I have a date with some work peeps to hang at the Union Terrace. Despite living in this city for the whole of my adult life, I rarely get down there. So the fun will consist of a few big girl lemonades, chatting with my friends, excellent people watching and of course Babcock Hall Ice cream. (Ice cream of course if the subject of a whole other blog entry which you can read about here).

New Score: Friday Fun: 1 , Friday non-fun things: 3

I have some making up to do – stay tuned.

Wednesday, July 6, 2011

Coochie. An Update.

This is a much anticipated follow-up to the Same Time, Next Year post.

First…commence involuntary leg crossing.

Okay. Now you can read.

Thankfully my procedure time was bumped up from 3:00pm on a Friday afternoon to 11:30am on a Friday morning. I mean, come on! I know what my attention span is like on a Friday afternoon in the middle of summer. I don’t care what you do for a living. I’m sure the medical professionals of the world are just as anxious to kick off the weekend as much as the next guy. I wasn’t too jazzed about a room full of people with a “that’s good enough” attitude itching to find the nearest happy hour.

I am told the procedure went well. I was blissfully un-aware. The bliss was administered by way of the wonder drug Fentanyl and one other drug with a name too long to remember, by a very attentive anesthesiologist. I said “I want to remember nothing” and she obliged by pushing little syringes of liquid goodness into my IV about 2 minutes after I arrived in the OR. I love this woman. I would paint her house.

There was also Lidocaine administered, you know, in the coochie. I don’t remember this. I am glad.

When the Lidocaine wears off – say 3- 4 hours later it don’t feel so good. I recommend ice packs. Lots of ice packs. Ice packs + 1 vicodin + 3 episodes of Sex and the City. And maybe a dish of ice cream which may not help, but it can’t hurt.

I finally got up the nerve to take a peek at the cooch; to make sure the lady parts still looked like, well,  lady parts. Hard to say there was so much swelling. Bad swelling. Not good swelling like after a long 3-day weekend when you’re 21, with a hot guy named Brad. (Hypothetically speaking of course). Bad swelling lady parts that resembled a coupla Kielbasa sausages side by side. I know. Quite the mental image, isn’t it? Try living it. Good times.

All things being equal recovery hasn’t been too bad. The standard 2 naps a day for a few days, handful of painkillers and a couple dozen sitz baths.

Six days post op and the bad swelling is gone. Hallelujah! But the bruising was spectacular. I’m pretty sure he used a pony clamp. Again, glad I don’t remember. Not remembering is best for all parties involved.

Physician follow-up in about a week. I bet you can’t wait for another report!

Monday, July 4, 2011

I've fallen and I can't get up.

Thud.

Did you hear it?

The distinctive thud of me falling off the ‘sweets only once a month’ wagon? I’m not sure how you missed it. It’s become a daily occurrence.

Some say the road to hell is paved with good intentions. Actually, I think it’s paved with ice cream. Mint Chip, Chocolate Peanut Butter, Cookie Dough, Strawberry and Old Fashioned Vanilla. Sometimes the road to hell is dotted with ice cream sandwiches and sundae cones (also known as drumsticks, you know, the ones with the hard chocolate shell sprinkled with peanuts). The road could be paved with custard, but custard is too rich. Ice Cream is better. Real ice cream. Not soft serve. Ice cream. Am I making my point clear?

Ice cream is my Achilles heel. (As if you hadn’t guessed) And it’s summer. Summer is for ice cream. I’m screaming for ice cream. It’s so tasty. Curses!

The ‘sweets only once a month’ wagon has been rolling back and forth over my body for a few weeks now. But due to the uptick of butterfat and heavy cream in my diet, no bones have been broken. There is padding. Ice cream filled padding.

Fudge.

Except I’m not thinking fudge. Well, unless it’s Mackinac Island Fudge. I digress.

I’m thinking the "F – dash – dash - dash" word because I’ve failed the challenge. I’ve fallen off the  wagon but landed safely in the dish of ice cream. An endless dish. Yum.

I could sit here and flat out lie that I’m giving up ice cream for the summer, but honestly, I have a better chance of winning the SuperCash. I can’t do it. I can’t. I’ve tried. Not possible. I do have the ability to give up ice cream and everything else sweet in the winter/cooler months, but summer screams for ice cream. It calls to me and I’m answering. My only hope of surviving the ice cream phenomena is cramming in a few more workouts to keep all the ice cream goodness from permanently taking up residence in my thighs. My only saving grace is Wisconsin has only 3 months of summer and 9 months of winter so my deep dive in the ice cream bowl is short-lived.

Summer and ice cream is a big glorified rationalization. I admit it. I’m an ice cream-aholic. But to be honest, I have no real inclination to be cured of my addiction. None. Nada. Pass me a spoon.