Tuesday, November 24, 2009

Plain Brown Wrappers 12/05/05


Look what UPS brought me!

Want to know why I think these packages are so exciting?

I know it looks suspicious, me being all excited about getting stuff wrapped up in a "plain brown wrapper", but it's not that...it is the new mag plates for my
big 2006 catalog update.

These packages hold lots of goodies that I'm hoping we will really enjoy stamping. In January I'll be
releasing 100+ new designs.

I may release them first to my Newsletter list so if you aren't yet signed up to get that, now
would be a good time.

Thanksgiving Horoscope 11/24/05

Happy Thanksgiving!

I hope your turkey is moist, your spirits are high,
and your loved ones are near.

I'm going to share with you something completely silly
that came to me in an email.

How to choose your Thanksgiving side dishes
based on your Astroligical sign.

So, read this...and giggle a little.


Aquarius (January 20 - February 18)

Garlic Mashed Potatoes and Baked Acorn Squash

You will want to have at least one Aquarian at any gathering. These unique, futuristic creatures are one of the friendliest, most social signs. Water Bearers are open-minded, unprejudiced and mix well with all kinds of people. Be sure you maintain the discerning eye of the well-organized host, as Aquarians can become so caught up in the social side of the affair, they forget to eat all together. Serving Garlic Mashed Potatoes and Baked Acorn Squash will bring them back to earth.

Pisces (February 19 - March 20)

Sweet Potato Biscuits and Southern Oyster Dressing

Pisces love convivial gatherings, so – although the last of the 12 signs – they will most likely be one of the first to accept your invitation. They are natural comedians with just the right mix of mystical, sensitive, inspirational and impractical humor. The Fish will love whatever you provide and can quite easily convince themselves and others that a simple meal is a feast. But you can be sure that Sweet Potato Biscuits and Southern Oyster Dressing will be their special favorites.

Aries (March 21 - April 19)

Steamed Brocolini with Garlic Lemon Butter and Savory Pumpkin Soup

Aries individuals will be starving when they arrive at your door because their forceful, fiery nature burns through food at a rapid rate. These Rams are remarkably gregarious and will be delighted with whatever you choose to quench their hearty appetite. But they do love extravagant foods and pungent spices drive them wild. So serve them Steamed Brocolini with Garlic Lemon Butter and Savory Pumpkin Soup. Champagne will also be a big hit if you have it, but red wine will do nicely.

Taurus (April 20 - May 20)

Candied Yams and Cranberry Fruit Salad

Taureans make courteous guests with their desire for simple, earthy foods... plus they are not picky eaters. In harmony with nature, determined and masterful, these Bulls have the ability to get along with everyone. Before dinner, you may find them showing off your garden to the guests, as they delight in the beauty nature provides. You can seduce them with voluptuous fruits, sensual delights and full-bodied wines. Include Candied Yams, Cranberry Fruit Salad and plenty of other courses because they like to leave the table satisfied.

Gemini (May 21 - June 20)

Wild Rice with Cranberries and Pecans and Orange-Pomegranate Relish

Geminis love to be invited to dinner, sometimes more for the social occasion than the food. They are clever, quick-witted... and in their element when surrounded by family and friends. If there is a lull in conversation, don’t worry, with Geminis the banter never stops. The Twins have an intellectual response to food, but can be enticed with exotic ingredients, ethereal tastes and chilled white or sparkling wines. Wild Rice with Cranberries and Pecans, and Orange-Pomegranate Relish have what it takes to pique their curiosity

Cancer (June 21 - July 22)

Biscuits and Mashed Yellow Turnips

Warm, nurturing, fun and outgoing, Crabs are an asset to any occasion. Make sure they know how yummy the food will be when you invite them, since the promise of a scrumptious meal will be more alluring than the graciousness of the host. They love foods that are comforting and almost any wine. Provide plenty – these guests have hearty appetites and will not want to miss a course. Tasty biscuits and Mashed Yellow Turnips are two comfort foods that will be greatly appreciated

Leo (July 23 - August 22)

Curried Creamed Onions and Spinach Salad with Oranges and Walnuts

Leos enjoy being asked out to eat and are charismatic, fun-loving guests. Grand and luxurious evenings are most appealing. They want to be treated with the respect they feel they deserve, so the overall effect should be spectacular. These proud, self-confident Lions are generous, childish and loving and will be delighted with rich red wine – the best you can afford. For the dramatic tastes Leos will expect, serve Curried Creamed Onions, and Spinach Salad with Oranges and Walnuts.

Virgo (August 23 - September 22)

Corn Bread Stuffing and Green Bean Casserole

Virgos love an opportunity to be social and they get along with all types of people. Concerned with health and cleanliness, they can be very fussy about their food. But they will also be the ones most likely to stay behind and help clean the kitchen – so be sure to invite them! Virgins are open to new food ideas but they are also down-to-earth and not particularly extravagant, so serve them Corn Bread Stuffing and Green Bean Casserole.

Libra (September 23 - October 22)

Black Eyed Peas with Sausage and Waldorf Salad

Libras like to keep all their options open so they can go whichever way the wind blows, but if you can get a commitment to your invitation, it will be a very rewarding experience. People and surroundings are important to these charming, romantic and refined natives. The Scales have a burning desire for harmony, are concerned with fair play, and utilize their diplomatic skills to ensure the evening is full of laughter and stimulating conversation. Delight them with interesting dishes like Black Eyed Peas with Sausage and Waldorf Salad.

Scorpio (October 23 - November 21)

Pecan Stuffing and Fig-Walnut Salad

When you invite passionate Scorpios to dinner, be prepared to serve an excellent meal. They strive for perfection and will expect the same from you. Serve them plenty of rich red wine... and then be prepared, because they will tell you exactly what they think. When they say they loved your meal, you will know it is the truth. Serve them Pecan Stuffing and Fig-Walnut Salad to appeal to their mysterious side

Sagittarius (November 22 - December 21)

Macaroni and Cheese with Parmesan Cheese Topping and Sage Gravy

Sagittarians can arrive at your door dripping from a rainstorm and still be enthusiastic and jovial – they have the ability to make the absolute best from any situation. These jokesters of the zodiac will be quite happy to provide the entertainment, as they love to be surrounded by people. They are extravagant and overindulgent, so have plenty of good wine on hand. Macaroni and Cheese with Parmesan Cheese Topping, and Sage Gravy will appeal to their zesty personalities.

Capricorn (December 22 - January 19)

Collard Greens with Maple Cured Bacon and Roasted Root Vegetables

Workaholic Capricorns can be a challenge to get to your table... so tempt them with mention of the fine foods you will be serving. These guests possess a black sense of humor that can add just the twist your party needs. Caviar and champagne are two Capricorn favorites – but they love all kinds of foods, as long as they are high quality. The mixed, caramelized flavors of Collard Greens with Sweet Onion and Maple Cured Bacon, and Roasted Root Vegetables will satisfy their tastes.

Aquarius (January 20 - February 18)

Garlic Mashed Potatoes and Baked Acorn Squash

You will want to have at least one Aquarian at any gathering. These unique, futuristic creatures are one of the friendliest, most social signs. Water Bearers are open-minded, unprejudiced and mix well with all kinds of people. Be sure you maintain the discerning eye of the well-organized host, as Aquarians can become so caught up in the social side of the affair, they forget to eat all together. Serving Garlic Mashed Potatoes and Baked Acorn Squash will bring them back to earth.

Pisces (February 19 - March 20)

Sweet Potato Biscuits and Southern Oyster Dressing

Pisces love convivial gatherings, so – although the last of the 12 signs – they will most likely be one of the first to accept your invitation. They are natural comedians with just the right mix of mystical, sensitive, inspirational and impractical humor. The Fish will love whatever you provide and can quite easily convince themselves and others that a simple meal is a feast. But you can be sure that Sweet Potato Biscuits and Southern Oyster Dressing will be their special favorites.

Top This! 9/28/05


Not too long ago I got an email from Jacci, one of my great customers from the Arlington, TX show,
with these pictures included.

The pictures are of Maryn, grab bag stuffer extraordinaire, who managed to pack around
70 Spirit Words into a snack size zip lock baggie.
Wow, huh?

For those of you who haven't seen this yet, at many conventions this year I ran a terrific special on Spirit Words (which are always a fair deal at $1.50 each).

I put out zip lock baggies and you could fill it up with the words of your choice. As long as the bag could be zipped closed (and without holes poked in the sides...good try by a couple of you though, LOL) it would be just $10.00.

I've had a blast all year watching everyone spend time sorting through all the words, carefully packing the zip lock baggie and especially the big smiles on everyone's face.

I may have enough words left that I can do this
one more time this year...

...so be sure and check by the booth and let's see
if you can beat 70 words!

Big E Secrets 6/9/05


What really goes on at a Rubber Stamp Convention.

I got these pictures in the mail this morning.

The woman is Betsy, who always helps me at the
W. Springfield show. The man is one of the
parking lot attendants at the Big E.

I don't really know why she is putting a lei around his neck. I don't really know why a bunch of ladies were wearing leis at the convention either. But for two days I stood in my booth and watched them walk by wearing leis. In Massachusetts. But now that I've seen these pictures I think I understand.

Betsy had something to do with it.

And, if you knew Betsy, that would explain it all.

The note that came with the pictures said Betsy was in the parking lot after the show Sunday afternoon asking people if they had been lei-ed. John, the parking lot attendant, yelled out that he hadn't been lei-ed so Betsy obliged.

I'll bet you thought we did stamp stuff all weekend.
Well....most of us do.

Love of My Life 5/24/05


Here he is. The love of my life.
My dog, Astro.
120 pounds of wuss.

Needy and neurotic and wonderful and the smartest dog I've ever known. I really love this dog.

He comes to work with me every day and gets a pig's ear as his work treat. He loves car rides more than anything....except food that is. He didn't get to be 120 pounds without working at it! He is so big he just "counter surfs" anything he wants in the kitchen. I've learned he just can't be trusted when it comes to things in the kitchen.

Several years ago I baked a cake for my son's birthday. A big yummy chocolate (of course it was chocolate!) sheet cake. I placed it on the kitchen counter and turned away from it long enough to dig in the kitchen junk drawer for the birthday candles. When I turned back around there was a big bald spot where moments before there had been rich chocolate icing.

A bald patch exactly the shape of a dog's tongue being quickly swiped across the corner of the cake. Astro was sitting there looking his most angelic...but the bit of icing on his nose spoiled the effect.

Sweet Dreams 5/22/05



This is the bed I want to buy. Except at the store they had lengths of richly colored fabric draped and completely covering the top slats and hanging down slightly on the sides. And then, they hung little jewel tone glass candle holders on some of the slats.
OH MY GOSH!
They totally hooked me. So what if hanging candles underneath fabric isn't exactly the safest thing in the world? So what if it would just be me and the dog in there? So what if there are other things I should buy for the house before I buy a new bed?
I want this bed. I *need* this bed.
LOL! I don't think I'm gonna get this bed!

I'm a Lucky Girl 5/20/05




I got a nice surprise when I went to the Post Office today.
A pretty postcard from Firenze!

I'm a lucky girl to have friends who go to cool places for vacation and then remember to send postcards. Karen is the person who helps me when I go do the show in England. She makes sure I get my paperwork completed, makes sure I show up when and where I'm supposed to, helps me remember to book a room at the local Inn, asks her husband to pick up bottles of water for me at the local market, and last month when I was there she ever loaned me her blow dryer.

I couldn't do it without Karen's help.

Come to think about it, maybe the Stamp Club sent her off to Florence to recuperate from taking care of me.

I've always thought that Karen got the short end of the stick when the Stamp Club Committee divvied up the show responsibilities.

Can you imagine having the job of vendor liaison?