Category Archives: Uncategorized

Sep16

Happy Anniversary –how to say I love you without spending a dime

Posted on September 16, 2014 by thecraftylawyer

My husband, Michael, and I celebrated our 17th wedding anniversary a few weeks ago. It’s been an expensive year–medical bills and the early demise of our 2006 VW Jetta–so neither one of us was inclined to spend money. In fact, the car died the week before our anniversary, so I guess you could say that we bought each other a new car as a present, although he did all the research and narrowed it down to a few choices for me–so maybe I should just graciously say, he gave me a car for our anniversary. But you know, when you HAVE to buy a car, it’s not really so much a gift as a necessity. Or, as one friend said–it isn’t exactly like the Christmas Lexis commercials where you step outside and there’s a new car with a bow on it. Still, kudos to him for steering us to an electric car.

So if his gift was high tech, mine was unabashedly low tech. I essentially made him a gigantic card, spanning the length of our dining room table. I came up with 8 pairs of objects that either naturally go together or are forced together, and one extra. Feel free to steal the idea (the scissors ARE the best). Here goes:

1. You need: string, markers, card stock , blank paper, or index cards, random things you have around the house that you never thought were crafty, and your favorite chocolate chip cookie recipe.

2. Tie a string to the bedpost, the stairs, or any other place that can’t be missed and attach an arrow to it, or, as I did, a card that says “you are”

3. Match common objects bacon with eggs (OK, confession, i found these great tin bacon and egg pieces on ebay and had them on hand because they were cool–they actually inspired the card), chips and dip, salt and pepper, matches and candles, etc. I made 8 pairs, as you can see below, which equals 16 years plus an extra special message for year seventeen. If you are in an even numbered year (although let’s face it, every year of marriage is an odd year, right?), then you will have to split the last pairing to make the point. See below.

Start with a teaser . . .

The Eggs to My Bacon

The Match to My Candle

The Pop to my Soda

The crab to my dip

The D to my C

The chip to my cookie

The Light to my Life

The POINT to it all

I do understand that not everyone has battery operated christmas lights or an old bubblegum dispenser, but you probably have a string of lights, or even a candle operated tea light somewhere in your house. And there are probably all kinds of things you all do together, eat together, or watch together that lend itself to pairings.

The POINT of it all, really, is that love is boundless, and endlessly creative, and one never has to spend money to show that.

So, happy anniversary to my beloved husband, yet again. Thanks for tolerating the inevitable mess that seems to accompany all my projects and for cherishing these curious little presents you get every year. And good luck to the rest of you–send me a picture if you do a dining room table card.

Sep11

Takoma Park, Here I Come!

Posted on September 11, 2014 by thecraftylawyer

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I haven’t written for a while–sorry Mom (and my other loyal followers). I have been busy in the creative department, however, and will share a few of those activities in subsequent posts. My immediate artsy project, however, has been getting ready for the craftylawyer’s debut at the Grant Avenue Vintage Market in Takoma Park, Maryland. It’s a fun group of vendors and artisans who sell cool old stuff–some of it repurposed, some of it waiting for you to turn into something fun. This will be my first market of this kind–requiring my own little vendor tent, a mobile credit card reader, and a receipt book! I’ve sold some things on Etsy and at school craft fairs, but there remains a strong element of angst–will people like my stuff? And if they don’t, does that mean they don’t like me? Of course not, but still, putting my little pieces of whimsy out there is like putting a bit of my own humor and personality out there. I find that my little artsy vignettes really are like sharing a piece of myself. So, what parts of me will I be putting on display? Lots and lots of soldered charms, featuring images from 1920s to 1960s textbooks, old magazines, post cards, and vintage photos.

Some really fun pieces made from Crackerjack prizes–this fan features a flower spinning top, an old barrette, and vintage costume jewelry pearls. Lots more fun and quirky combinations as well.

Experiments in rulers and resin. These pieces are hard to make–very time consuming. I cut up old rulers, solder the pieces together, coat them with non-toxic resin, and then enhance them with old charms and jewels, odds and ends of chain and whatever else strikes my fancy.

So please come visit me on Sunday, September 14–or visit craftylawyer27 at Etsy.com to see other creations. Come find some whimsy you can wear!

Jun28

Three Hours on Boston’s Newbury Street

Posted on June 28, 2014 by thecraftylawyer

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Work took me to Boston for a conference last week. And I know that when in Boston, one should walk the Freedom Trail, absorbing the history of our nation. But I had little free time—random hours here and there between meetings and events and other duties—leading me to look close to my hotel for inspiration. Turns out that my hotel, connected to expensive shopping malls and near the convention center, was only a few blocks away from Newbury Street, a beloved Boston destination for quirky shopping. As I discovered, it can also be expensive shopping, but there are treasures on this street for all tastes. And because it was so close to my hotel, I could run over for an hour here or there, tackling a different block each time. The results of my exploration are below—the time estimate is probably on the low side, but come on, if you really have more than three hours at a time, you should probably be doing something patriotic, no?

Go! Go! Etsy sellers. Pop up shops give you a chance to hold etsy in your hand

This all started because I heard that an Etsy Pop-up shop was open on Newbury Street. As an Etsian (don’t forget to visit my shop, craftylawyer27 on etsy.com) I had to check out a brick and mortar shop devoted to artists and crafters. The Newbury Handmade Market, open til August 3, 2014, was filled with handmade jewelry, photography, painted glass, beautiful scarves and more. As much as I love Etsy, the chance to touch items and talk to their makers in person was too much fun to pass up. On a whim, I stopped at a nearby salon, Viselli Santoro, to see if I could get my hair cut before my organization’s big fundraiser—nothing that evening, but one early morning appointment the next day.

Colleen, one of my guides to Boston

Thus, I came back to Newbury Street for a second time, getting a great cut and lots of advice from Colleen Coen Finley, a native Bostonian. Colleen has lived all over the city, makes her own furniture, and collects skeleton keys. She gave me a bit of background on Newbury Street, sharing concerns I heard from several independent merchants. Like so many popular places, their beloved Newbury Street , with its 1880 and 1890 brownstones, had changed over the years, with more major chains and high end stores snapping up the spaces once occupied by one of a kind boutiques. Newbury Street is a highly desirable Boston address—back in the day it was one of the THE places to live in Boston–and that prestige continues. All of this makes it harder for the smaller shops to keep their doors open.

Fortunately, one of those unique shope, Lunarik Fashions, was near the salon. It’s a dangerous place, filled with hundreds of handcrafted bags. Let’s just say that the longer I talked to the owner, Rik, and petted his beautiful dog, the more I realized I probably wasn’t going to leave the store without a new bag. Turquoise leather tote? HOBO (one of my favorite brands) shopping bag, gorgeous small bag with the cottonwood textile pattern? In the end I chose a beautiful South End bag, made by an artist whom Rick has worked with for years—who does great shapes and unusual color blocked patterns, marching to her own design drummer. Rik promised me that no one in Washington was likely to have this bag—and that people would stop me on the street when they saw it. While the latter hasn’t happened, within days of purchasing it a savvy Bostonian said—”That’s a South End bag—you definitely found something they won’t have back home.” So trust in the Rik, I think.

Anyway, another wonderful, gorgeous place on the street is Prem-la, a lovely collection of Nepalese wares. Pralhad K.C., who owns the store, has held court in half a dozen Newbury St addresses since he bought the business as a college student in the 1980s. He, too, bemoans the changes on the street that make it tougher and tougher for independent businessmen like him to keep his doors open. Fortunately for shoppers, Prem-la is a labor of love. Go in there and be transported to Nepal—bring home some prayer flags or beads or the gorgeous silver pendants that he carries. He warned that these elaborate pendants and prayer scroll necklaces are also becoming a lost art, so don’t miss the chance to talk to someone who is happy to share his history and culture with you.

Be transported to the Himalayas and support craftsmen and culture of Nepal

No matter how long you may be on the street, you are definitely going to need yummy treats. I was struck by the pretty cupcakes at Sweet, but even more by their ingenious frosting shots. As someone who believes cake is a vehicle for frosting, I was lucky that the sales clerk had not yet set cups of frosting out for sale. I can handle cake or pie for breakfast, but a pure infusion of butter and powdered sugar is too much for even me! On an afternoon visit the next day I succumbed to a new pizza place–Scissors and Pie, where they cut their Roman pizza with big kitchen shears. The tremendous advantage of this method is that you can customize your meal, getting a few small squares of different flavors. My pick: prosciutto, mozzarella, potato, and rosemary. Also, try the iced tea made from cocoa husks at Hotel Chocolat or anything from the French pastry shop, Patisserie on Newbury.

Parisian macarons at Patisserie

A few other exciting places to visit: The extremely sugary and sparkly Robin’s candy store that sells childhood favorites, sophisticated treats, and gigantic gummy candies. Knowing just how tempting their sweets can be, every

You will need one of Robin’s toothbrushes after working your way through this lot!

The ceiling is as colorful as the candy in Robin’s

Amy models her bargain

purchase comes with a tiny Robin’s toothbrush. The Second Time Around (reminds me of the theme song for Orange is the New Black) (STA) consignment stores. Several locations on the street. Yes, a chain, but good deals if you have money to burn or are willing to dig. One of the stores has a $35 floor, where I picked up a gauzy black vest for $5. My colleague, Amy, on her own trek to Newbury Street scored a Coach bag for $35. I remain jealous, even if I do have my cool, nobody- else- in -Washington -has -my -bag, bag. And I probably could have spent three hours alone in the Society of Arts and Crafts store. Birch bark bathed in copper wall hangings blew me away, and I immediately embraced their motto–“Keep Calm and Buy Craft.” (My husband would probably say I invented that motto).

Maybe the best surprise of all , if you head to the beginning of the street (I started in the middle), is that you can also get in a beautiful one-two punch of history. First, stop in to visit the exquisite Emmanuel Church, a progressive, forward thinking church from the time of its founding in the 1860s — with interiors designed by the Tiffany Studios. A gorgeous, gigantic Tiffany pendant lamp, multiple stained glass windows, wood carvings and mosaics are all inside. The church is said to be the largest ecclesiastical collection of Tiffany and a reminder of Boston’s place in high society.

Finally, some history! Tiffany pendant lamp at Emmanuel Church

Georgeous day in the Public Gardens

A few steps away lies the Boston Public Garden, a beautiful Victorian oasis, even if you can see the skyscrapers from virtually every direction. The gardens, home to the ducks of Make Way for Ducklings (or their great great great great great great you get it, grand kids)

aaaaaaawwwwwwww!

also house one of the cheapest and best forms of entertainment in Boston—the Swan Boats. Take a ride on these people powered giant paddle boats, watch the ducklings and the swans, and drink in Boston. A great way to end my time on Newbury Street. And if I had a little more time, I could have even walked the Freedom Trail, which starts on the other side of the garden. Or, I could have headed the other way and tackled the remaining blocks of Newbury Street. Next time I am in Boston, I’ll let you know what I decide!

One of the park swans checks out the competition!

May18

Getting Crafty in Rochester

Posted on May 18, 2014 by thecraftylawyer

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It’s Day 12 of our month at Mayo Clinic and we are constantly finding surprises in the Rochester area. A great treat this week was a local arts fair–one block long–called Art on the Avenue (Fourth Avenue Southeast ). Since its inception a few years ago, the art fair has moved from block to block of Fourth Avenue. Every year, a different neighbor sponsors the event and hosts a sculpture created by a local artist that was specially designed for the event. There are bands

and food and local artists–some established and some just getting started. Here are some of our cool finds.

Yum–beautifully crafted macarons and Mondrian cake–pound cake cut and colored to represent a Mondrian painting. Almost too pretty too eat

Sharon Su of Persimmon Bakeshop stands by her yummy wares

from Persimmon Bakeshop.

Yard Art Flower Plates by Kim Phelps

Glass flowers. Kim Phelps, the creator of these jewel like flowers says she gathers old glass dishes from garage sales and such and then puts together many flowers at a time, moving dishes around until she finds the right fit, coming back at a later time to glue the pieces together, add glass baubles and finish her creations

Can you imagine how pretty these flowers would look in the snow? And check out the cheerful purple house in the background

Another great discovery, the creativity of Paul Bennett, whose Dwell Local line of upcycled, reclaimed, re-invented thrift store items and wall hangings is just too much fun. I’m particularly taken with his button flower signs and the terrific yardstick tables. I had to keep reminding myself that we couldn’t haul furniture back to DC–otherwise, I might have snagged a table.

At the heart of all this creativity is Concerned Citizens for A Creative Community, or C4 cooperative, a local group devoted to making space for art in Rochester. They offer all kinds of activities and display space, helping to nurture a creative spirit for Rochester residents–and for those of us who are calling the place home for even a little bit.

I will confess, however, that one of the best things about the fair, besides seeing my daughter out and about, was that people noticed my jewelry. You feel validated when people who actually have booths at an ART FAIR say, “Oh, I love your necklace.” There is something that makes you feel like part of the community–and the artists of Rochester are very welcoming, indeed.

I wore “She said good” and the happy homemaker “Amazing Self” to the fair that day. And they liked it, they liked it!!!!

May10

Hotel, Motel, Crafty Girl

Posted on May 10, 2014 by thecraftylawyer

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Well, we have been in Rochester for five days now, arriving on the train Monday night. We spent Tuesday getting oriented, ordering groceries, unpacking, etc and taking a test run to the Mayo Clinic. The next three days whirred by, as Rebecca’s Pediatric Pain Rehabilitation Program (PPRC) at Mayo is super intense and stresses not only lots of work but lots of socializing. They want the kids to get back to all aspects of their life before pain, so virtually every day there is some kind of activity, often planned by the kids. We’ve been bowling and had dinner out (kids and parents separately) and today there is archery. So much more activity–and energy–than Rebecca has seen in months. Not sure what the magic is, but fingers crossed it will keep working.

Now, on to the crafty part of this blog. We are in one of the many extended stay hotels that ring Rochester. Hardly surprising, given the Mayo Clinic’s reputation for cutting edge medical treatments. We have a two bedroom with a little kitchen and I knew from the beginning that we would need to make it our own and quickly if we were going to feel at home. So, how do you convert a sterile (clean, comfortable but no frills, pictures or knick knacks)hotel room into a home away from home? Here are my tips:

1. Remember the advice for business travelers: I’ve seen plenty of articles over the years recommending ways to personalize a hotel room. Bring a few pictures from home, maybe a candle or scented sachet, some small trinket that makes you smile. I tucked into our luggage a couple of pictures we love, three little jade figures from Hong Kong that represent our family, a silly poster that says “Be Nice or Leave” and some cards, including one that said “Keep Calm and Carry On,” one of Rebecca’s favorite expressions. Michael added the Xbox to our carryon luggage!. I also tucked the whole basket of pills we take into the food bag, so that we would be able to keep things organized and tidy (and it is a cheery red!).

2. Consider shipping a few things, too: Since we are here for a month (and living in Minnesota!) we knew we would probably need more than we could reasonably stick in our luggage. And given that we were shipping some sweaters and other bulky items, it only made sense to tuck in a few extra knickknacks, a favorite afghan, a stuffed animal, and our handblender. I added a tiny copper vase Michael and I picked up on vacation one year, some shutterfly photobooks, and Rebecca’s favorite pillow. Oh, and did I mention I shipped jewelry and craft supplies–but of course.

3. Repurpose/recycle: My dad used to make storage bins for virtually everything out of 2 liter soda bottles. I copied that idea here, sort of, cleaning out a small baked beans can, wrapping it with washi tape (from the Target across the street) and using it for a pencil holder.

Tin can wrapped with colorful tape. Eco-simple!

I also cut down a 12 pack soda box to make two small catch alls. But my big crafty moment, thus far, occurred when I made several paper bag storage bins. I saw this idea recently and it struck me as a good way to use some of the twenty or so Hy-Vee grocery bags we suddenly had in our small hotel room. I made one bin out of a double bag and one out of a single bag.

Wouldn’t Martha be proud?

The double bag is stronger but harder to work with. Anyway, here are the steps. Cut the garbage bag down the four folded sides until you reach the last horizontal fold (about 2/3 of the way down. Carefully fold over the long flaps, securing them on the bottom of the bag. Then, wrap duct tape from one end of the short side of the bag to the other (so that bottom is covered). Finally wrap duct tape around the full bag. Finish the top with washi tape or other brightly colored tape. Very sturdy and good for corralling papers and other small objects.

Paper bags, duct tape, washi tape–a sturdy impromptu catchall is born

Yes, yes, you can go to Target and buy containers (and I ended up doing that, too), but I won’t feel guilty about tossing these and they made me feel like I was doing something creative even in the midst of corporate sameness.

4. Visit grocery stores, local markets and resale shops: When we ordered groceries, I included two pots of African violets. They will likely stay alive at least for the whole month, are colorful, and can easily be given away when we leave. Today, we went to a farmer’s market and picked up jam and bread and locally sourced meats ( we are roasting a half turkey to have around for the week). For Mother’s Day, I get to go to a flea market that happens to be taking place tomorrow. I’m almost certain to find something fun and silly to add to our temporary home.

5. When you run to Target for the inevitable things you forgot, look for colorful packaging and other “extras:” A clear shoebox is nice, but one with a turquoise lid adds a pop of color in the bathroom. Three bottles of sparkling cider suddenly become a display in the kitchen. The tissue paper around my African violets will become part of the gift wrap for Rebecca’s birthday presents next week.

6. Don’t forget the essentials: Pack a pair of scissors, tape, and glue at a minimum. I purchased duct tape and washi tape at Target, but probably would have packed them if I had more room. And leave room, of course, for the jewelry supplies or whatever your crafting heart requires. I will report on those craft essentials in a separate post, but suffice it to say I brought more than Michael or Rebecca thought prudent and far less than I wanted to bring.

May6

April is over–thank heaven!

Posted on May 6, 2014 by thecraftylawyer

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Despite the weekly reminders from the automated WordPress tickler, I didn’t write anything in April. it was a busy, crazy, month, with some great visits from family, torrential showers, beautiful spring days, and bittersweet memories. Rebecca had some very good days and a few really bad ones. We marked the anniversary of my dad’s passing quietly, sending some prayers and good thoughts his way on April 27. I’ve been thinking recently of his grin–a particularly robust smile that filled his face whenever one of his children came home. He also used it whenever he was making up a bit of doggerel to sing to a child or grandchild (see below). I saw that grin plenty of times upon returning from college, and graduate school, and work ,and I only wish now i could see it one more time. Instead, I like to look for proof of his smile in the universe.

I was thinking of all of this after getting off the shuttle bus in Rochester, Minnesota today. We are here to attend a program for Rebecca at the Mayo Clinic and the shuttle station is as busy as any railway depot. My shuttle was packed with people being dropped off at various hotels. it was a noisy shuttle, not the somber ride I expected at all–it was filled with laughter. I was texting a friend who reminded me that I was back in the Midwest, after all, but I also think that the people on that shuttle were flush with the idea that they were taking charge of their illness. Going to Mayo is a big deal, after all, and you do immediately feel like people are kind and taking care of you. So, I’m glad to be rid of April, hoping that May brings good things, and on the hunt for my dad’s smile here in Rochester. I will keep you posted.

Mar29

No Peeping !

Posted on March 29, 2014 by thecraftylawyer

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Another Washington Post Peeps Diorama contest deadline has passed and yet again there is no entry from the Crafty Lawyer. The contest, which challenges Post readers to build a shadowbox scene with marshmallow Peeps, is a sure sign of spring in D.C. Hundreds of people submit pictures of their Peeps pursuits–corny, clever, and sometimes downright cool. Points are awarded for creativity, artistic merit, and punnery. Yes, the more your Peeps story represents a play on words (like Rest In Peeps: Farewell to the Twinkie or NightPeeps ) the higher you rate in the eyes of the judges. Every year I think to myself that this will be the year I do my own Peeps magic. It’s not the pun or the play on words that stops me in my tracks (we had a great idea this year but I must keep it secret in case we try again next year). No, I have found that what really separates the women from the chicks, so to speak, is the ability to dress a Peep. Alas, crafting with Peeps is HARD.

In case you are intrigued, I want to share a few things I learned this year about working with Peeps. I offer these in the spirit of encouraging you to consider making your own Peeps scenario, whether for the contest or just for your dinner table.

1. Start early. Because Peeps are now sold all year long, you can find peeps in many colors and shapes throughout the year. If you think you want to try the Peeps challenge, pick up some Peeps at Halloween, Christmas, or Valentine’s Day. Having a variety of colors and shapes gives you more possibilities for making Peeps figurines but it also lets you make other parts of your display out of marshmallows as well. For instance, at Miss Pixie’s Furnishings and Whatnot in the District they have a year round display of pink Peeps clustered on branches to look like cherry blossoms.

2. Peeps are deceptively hard to work with. The little chicks, in particular, don’t particularly take to being dressed up. They have no waist, you see, so trying to put a fairy tutu on them is, well, awkward. Sometimes people make it easy on themselves and just cut the heads off and stick them on other figurines, but adapting to the shape of the Peep is part of the challenge. We found that the rabbits are slightly easier to use as stand-ins for people, but if you want arms, you will have to add them separately.

3. Stale peeps are a good thing. Turns out that the less sticky the peep, the easier it is to cut it up and manipulate it. In fact, you can actually do some pretty good sculpting once the super sticky parts have been beaten into submission. After much pummeling, we turned the bottom of a chick into some fairy wings.

4. There will be carnage. We went through a number of peeps to produce just three figurines–and several ended up looking more like something from a horror show than a delightful diorama. Be strong.

5. Schedule plenty of time. After hours and days of work we still had only three figures and no background. We gave up–what can I say?

6. When you give up, decorate with Peeps. I recently made a birthday cake for crafty friend Jennifer with cream cheese frosting. It was pretty but didn’t scream spring like I had hoped. Adding a few bright colored peeps to the top changed the look completely.

7. Don’t eat the peeps–unless they are dipped in chocolate. My favorite way to use Peeps is to see them coated in beautiful milk chocolate from my favorite D.C. candy store, Kron Chocolatier. The best thing about this crafty use of Peeps–someone else did the dirty work!!

Mar16

Pi Day (revisited) Search and Find

Posted on March 16, 2014 by thecraftylawyer

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Well I got so excited about Pi Day after blogging about it on March 14 that we ended up with quite a Pi Day celebration. I decided to push the limits of Pi related foods, so here’s a picture of our meal–how many Pi references can you find?

PI Day Search and Find–I admit that some of these foods stretch the limits and the imagination on the concept of PI

Did you find seven? From the left PIneapple Salsa, PIneapple, UnsPIced Cider, Salmon (ie PIsces), sPInach, Oatmeal Pi(e), PInot Noir. Not pictured, Rebecca’s Star PI(es)–she filled the bottoms of star shaped foil cup with pie crust, cinnamon, sugar, and butter–and then put vanilla yogurt on top.

My favorite thing, though, was our little impromptu place cards listing 3.14 things we liked about each other

Easy to make. Everyone should have a set of rubber stamp letters and number for impromptu signs. I just happened to have some place cards but you could fold over any paper or cardstock to make your own placecards. Besides, the real sentiment is inside

On to next year–super PI day: 3.14.15

Mar14

Honey 3.14159, You Are Driving Me Crazy

Posted on March 14, 2014 by thecraftylawyer

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March is a great month for playdates. Not the kind you schedule between children, but the play on words that comes from March calendar dates. For instance, what’s the only day of the year that is a command? March Fourth! And even more popular, March 14 or 3.14—is Pi Day. Math and engineering people, like my Crafty Friend Greg, celebrate Pi day in style (and Greg has been agitating for a blog post in its honor). My friend Leah is have a Pi Day Shabbat—chicken pot pie, fruit pie, and if her son is lucky, pecan pie.

What are we doing in the Craftylawyer household? Well, pie is generally my husband’s territory. He makes a fabulous flaky crust from the Cook’s Illustrated Baking book and religiously follows its recommendations for cherry and apple pie. In fact, pie for us represents a seasonal celebration. We pick the cherries for summertime pies

Michael’s famous lattice top cherry pie–he’s a very good husband!

and head to the Vintage Virginia Apple Festival in

November for the best apples in the world—including the Albermarle Pippin, Thomas Jefferson’s favorite apple.

A box of Albermarle Pippins.

The end result of those apples–but you must use three kinds of apples for superb apple pie, so this has more than pippins in it

Mike’s pretty busy today, so I think it will fall to Rebecca and me to improvise. I’m inclined towards a pizza pie—although Crafty Family prefers delivery to homemade in that regard. The King Arthur Flour Company blog has a cute idea for little pie in a jar which might finally get me to use those number cookie cutters that have been sitting on our shelf for years. I’m not feeling particularly ambitious today, so the thought of rolling out dough isn’t high on my to-do list. But if we take the making of pie off the table, then there are plenty of crafty inspirations for memorializing pi itself. In fact, I’ve made a treasury of clever pi themed handmade gifts available over on the Etsy website, like this beautiful stamped necklace from SpiffingJewelry.

I might give in, though, and make my grandmother’s oatmeal pie recipe. I often call it a poor-man’s pecan pie because it has the ooey gooey layer topped by a crunchy combination of oatmeal and coconut—kind of a macaroon layer but kind of nutty, too. It’s good, especially cold for breakfast the next day, and brings back fond memories of Thanksgiving and Christmas with my huge family. Here’s the recipe

Susie Virginia’s Oatmeal Pie

Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Mix together

3 eggs, well-beaten

2/3 c. sugar

1 c. brown sugar

2/3 c. quick oats

2/3 c. coconut

2 T butter (do not melt it)

1 t vanilla

Place mixture in unbaked pie crust (hopefully made by your husband, but if not you are on your own) and bake at least 30 minutes. {Generally, I find that it takes longer}. Top of pie should yield to a bit of pressure but feel firm

So, happy 3.14.14 and may the pi be with you!

Mar4

Real Snowmen Don’t Melt

Posted on March 4, 2014 by thecraftylawyer

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Another snow day in Washington, D.C. and it really is perfect weather for building a snowman but I think I will stick with this little fellow, a jolly plastic snowbaby who is always perky and never, ever melts.

retro snowbaby

Snowmen are another one of my collecting passions, borne out of the fact that I am part of an interfaith marriage. Christian and Jew–or as my daughter used to say, “You are Christmas, we are Jewish.” Each interfaith couple has their own way of managing the holidays, but for us, it came down to 8 nights of Hannukah, lots of winter decorations featuring snowmen, no tree, and a quiet Christmas day. My husband usually cooks his Jewish vision of Christmas dinner–very Dickensian. If we are in Kansas City with my family we have a much simpler Christmas with ham and velveeta macaroni and cheese, a family favorite called Italian spaghetti (which I can assure you is not Italian at all and is more like a gooey mix between spaghetti and meatballs and macaroni and cheese), lots and lots of dessert and even more presents (10 kids, 17 grandkids–do the math where presents are concerned). We rarely have a White Christmas in D.C., but indoors there are plenty of snowmen to keep us in the holiday spirit.

I’ve actually packed all the snowmen away for the season, except for the outdoor fellows, who keep being called for duty by our unpredictable weather.

As with any collection, you have to be wary of picking up any old snowman. I like handcrafted fellows and frosted glass or plastic characters.

a couple of the frosty snowmen in my collection.

My daughter likes the tiny ones–when she was younger, she would build elaborate scenes in the front window, mixing snow people with other tiny creatures. I think she’s lost interest in that, but a few snowmen worked their way into her room this year (and I think may still be there for all I know).

One of the best things about snowmen, however, is that you can pretty much make them out of anything–even when there is no snow. POM bottles are a great shape for making snowmen, as are little Dannon Drinkable Yogurt bottles. Socks, bowling pins, scrap wood, beads–I’ve seen snowmen made out of all of those. A good shape is essential for a snowman, but I think it is really all in the smile–the quirkier the better. My family once had a snowman competition, building creations from whatever we could find in my mom’s craft drawer–snowmen from bottles, cups, and old cloth napkins all emerged and all bore trademark quirky smiles made from sequins, buttons, and beads.

Getting back to the outdoors, however, I’m pretty proud of my retro snowpeople–found at a garage sale and purchased with the promise that I would use them happily and lovingly–or no sale!. They have certainly had their share of snowflakes to preside over this year–and I hope for many years to come!

Mr. Frosty snowman

the perils of snowmen made from the real deal–they melt!