Christmas in February

While uploading some pics of new etsy listings the other day, I came across some Christmas pictures that I had never seen. They were on a card we hadn't uploaded to iPhoto. Woohoo! I love discovering new photos.I thought I'd share some of the cuteness of my daughter and nieces, as well as a shot of a special gift. I made my first afghan, made from Granny Squares, in 2009 and gifted it to my newest niece, Lil, for Christmas. I love giving handmade gifts!

Featured Seller - Just Because Art and Greeting Cards

This week's featured seller from etsy is Jaleh from "Just Because Art and Greeting Cards." This Seattle artist's love of poetry allows her to share her experiences through drawings, cards, and paintings. She also has her own small alterations and dress-making shop, and does graphic design work during her off hours. Whew! I don't know how she finds the time for it all. A brief interview with the artist follows, as well as some of my faves from her shop. Be sure to visit etsy and "heart" her for future shopping trips!

What inspires you?

I find inspiration in colors, especially in the natural world. And in things around me, such as photos, paper, love, friends, words, or a story I hear. I also love computer graphic design.

What do you like most about running your own business?

I am blessed and honored to do what I love in my free time after work!

What is your least favorite part of the creative process?

Sketching and thinking about the color and words for what I have in my mind.

What prompted you to open an etsy shop?

All of my friends and family love my art .

What is the best piece of advice you have received from another etsy seller?

Display and impart the great value of your truly specialized, handmade products to potential buyers. I believe that valuing your product enhances your reputation.

Yummy Vegan Food

I tried a new recipe the other night that I would like to share with you. The pic is a little steamy. For some reason, I thought it would be a good idea to take the shot before I plated the food. Sorry. I think you can still get an idea of how yummy this looks though. I think this is a dish that non-vegans would enjoy as much as we vegans do. It's from the latest issue of Vegetarian Times (February).



Stir-Fried Shitake Mushrooms with Tofu and Bok Choy
Serves 4

1 t cornstarch
2 T low-sodium soy sauce
2 t minced fresh ginger
2 t Thai chile sauce, such as sriracha
2 cloves garlic, minced (2 t)
1 t sesame oil
3 T canola oil, divided
1 14-oz. Package extra-firm tofu, drained and cut into bite-sized cubes
1 lb. bok choy, cut into 1 1/2-inch pieces
2 cups sliced fresh shitake mushrooms (I used a wild mushroom mix.)

1. Whisk together cornstarch and 1 t water in bowl. Whisk in soy sauce, ginger, chile sauce, garlic, and sesame oil.
2. Heat 1 T canola oil in large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Stir-fry tofu 7 minutes, or until golden brown; transfer to plate. Add 1 T oil to pan. Stir-fry bok choy 4 minutes; transfer to plate.
3. Add remaining 1 T oil to pan. Stir-fry mushrooms 2 minutes, or until tender. Return tofu and bok choy to pan. Stir in soy sauce mixture, and stir-fry 1 minute, or until hot.

Little b Bunny on Etsy

I have been largely, woefully absent from etsy recently. Until yesterday, I hadn't listed anything new since December. I know, I know, I'm negligent. This week I got busy and made a few things. I've currently got three new items in the shop, several more ready to be photographed and a scrapbook/album in the works. There are also A LOT of sale items in the shop right now. Here are the most current listings:

"I love you" by Little b Bunny on etsy



"Purple" by Little b Bunny on etsy



"Stripe" by Little b Bunny on etsy

First Haircut

Yes, Brennan is three years old. Yes, she just got her first haircut. Her father didn't even want it cut this soon. I told him she was starting to look like Crystal Gayle, and we really had no choice. We took her to the person who has been cutting my hair off and on for over 20 years. Yes, I said 20 years. His name is Lindsey Harrison and he has owned shops all over Huntington, WV. When I lived in the area, he cut my hair. After I moved away, I would have him cut it when I came home for visits. I had other stylists in whatever city I was currently living, but I always trusted him the most with my hair. Well, maybe not always. In the sixth grade he cut my bangs too short and did something weird to make it look like I had a mullet. When I was in the eighth grade I had HUGE hair and he had a hand in that. However, big hair was in at the time. In fact, he made my hair even bigger using hair extensions, after which I starred in a commercial for his shop. Extensions were the new thing and I thought I was so cool. So, he was a natural choice for Brennan's first cut, as long as he didn't whip out the fake hair.

Brennan was really calm the entire time. She stared at Lindsey as though she didn't trust him one bit, but she didn't cry or fuss. I have heard of children being terrified, so I was relieved. After he cut her hair, I think he decided to take a walk down memory lane. He gave my baby big hair. It was different from what I had in the day. There was no Aqua Net and no wall of teased bangs. Actually, she looked like she was getting ready for a pageant. It was really cute to see her all curled for a day. And, of course, she thought it was wonderful and got on us any time we got near her "curlers."

Love.

A few of my February favorites. All were found on etsy using the search term "love."

Forever. Handmade by Stamped in Metal.



I Love Books. Handmade by Kukubee.



Thank You. Handmade by Artsy Nikki Design Studio.



If You Love Me. Handmade by So She Sews.



Feeling the Rhythm. Handmade by Itsy Bitsy Spill.



Love Birds. Handmade by One Reverie.