February 17th, 2010

Hello, blogland!

How was every one’s Valentine’s Day? Were there any sweet surprises this year? My sweetie and I were both fighting nasty colds over the weekend so we didn’t too much. I’m OK with that!

I’m completely thrown off schedule this week since Monday was President’s Day; I work at a company which follows the New York Stock Exchange, and since it was closed, we were closed. (Yeah! for a day off! Boo! to not remember what day it is!)

At any rate, I’d like to post the latest edition of the Blog Interviews – please give a warm welcome to Miss Julie from Jane’s Apron!

TPM – Tell us a little about yourself.

Julie @ Jane’s Apron – I’m a mom at home…trying to create and finding time where I can.

TPM – I’ve followed your blog for quite a while now and I really enjoy all your posts. Tell us a bit more about your blog – what you were expecting when you started out vs what it is today. What is your favorite topic to blog about? Do you have any tips for those readers who might be curious about starting their own blog?

Julie @ Jane’s Apron – I’m probably the last person you would expect to have a blog…I’m not all that interesting but have found that if I like something then there is SOMEBODY else out that likes it too.  The best part of blogging and sharing is finding all of those “somebodies” like me.

TPM – Have you always been interested in creating? Do you have a favorite medium? What kinds of things inspire you to create? How do you mange to stay inspired and creating while juggling every day life?

Julie @ Jane’s Apron – Creating is a part of my everyday life…drawing, coloring, painting, sewing, whatever…I’ve been doing it all of my life.  It truly is part of me.  Of course, there are periods of high creativity followed by lows but it’s always something I come back to.

TPM – You have a shop on Etsy – are you pleased with how it has done since opening it? Do you have any advice for craft mavens thinking of opening a shop? What are your favorite Etsy features (Treasuries, Shop Local, Pounce, etc)?

Julie @ Jane’s Apron – I love etsy….probably more as a shopper than a seller.  When I am fortunate to sell a few items, it usually gets put right back into another etsy shop.   I love the etsy treasury and have been so excited to be found on it a couple of times. (Julie’s shop can be found here – http://www.etsy.com/shop/janesapron)

TPM – Share a few of your favorite websites, blogs, or Etsy shops with us.

Julie @ Jane’s Apron – I love blogs that are quite, serene, real, and fun or thoughtful to read.  One of my favorite is OodlesAndOodles and a find a new favorites all the time.

TPM – I love to learn new techniques and crafts; if you could learn one new crafty skill, what would it be?

Julie @ Jane’s Apron - I always loved to paint and would like to try again…just have to make the time to do it.

TPM – Any closing thoughts – crafty or otherwise?

Julie @ Jane’s Apron – Always be yourself…crafty and otherwise!

TPM – Well, I can’t rightly close out this interview without asking a totally random “What if…” question! If you were stranded at the airport for 24 hours, what would you do to pass your time away?

Julie @ Jane’s Apron – Read…and occasionally people watch.

Ooh, people watching – I could spend hours doing that!

I want to thank Julie @ Jane’s Apron for humoring me and answering my silly questions. I hope you’ll check out her blog and leave a comment or two. Stop by soon for more interviews!

If you’d like to be interviewed for The Peach Martini’s blog, please contact Kim via email: thepeachmartini [at] gmail [dot] com!

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January 22nd, 2010

I am very excited to introduce what I hope is the first in a long-running series of interviews with various Etsians, bloggers, and other folks I find interesting :) Today I’d like to introduce you to Debra from gilstrapdesigns; I discovered this gem of an Etsy shop as I was “window” shopping for my birthday wish list – you might remember the awesome teacup wall décor I posted. She was kind enough to sit down and answer some questions for me!

So, let’s get started!

TPM – Hi Debra! Thanks so much for participating in my blog interview – I really appreciate it!

Debra @ gilstrapdesignsHi Kim!

TPM – Tell us a little about yourself.

Debra @ gilstrapdesignsMy name is Debra Gilstrap and I live in Dallas, Texas. I’ve been married for 31 years to my best friend, Don; we have two adult children – Brandi she’s 30 year old, and Brandon (deceased) this past September was 29 yrs old. We have two grandsons Dorian, Brandi’s son, he’s 3 years old and Tyrin, Brandon’s son, and he’s 9 years old.

TPM – Have you always been interested in creating? Do you have a favorite medium? What kinds of things inspire you to create? How do you mange to stay inspired and creating while juggling every day life? (lots of questions, I know…)

Debra @ gilstrapdesignsMy husband Don and I are both mixed media artists, jewelry designers, and home decor designers.

I’ve always wanted to create I just didn’t exactly know what. My mother is a landscape artist and my father was a jazz musician. I can’t draw so I had a hard time figuring out just what I wanted to do but I’ve always loved art and creating. I decided to express myself through mix media art collages, assemblage, and creating and designing jewelry.

Now that I’ve opened up to my creative side I see everything different I look at everything different now whether it’s trees, flowers, I love to ride and look at buildings, especially old buildings, the colors and the structure – that’s all so inspiring to me.

I was laid off from my full time job this past September; that just opened up the gate for me to be able to do what I love doing all day, everyday. I’m more relaxed now, not as stressed out, and it shows in my creations. It’s what we do everyday and it is so much fun – and it’s just us; the kids have been grown for many years so it’s been a lot easier for me because I don’t have young or teen age children.

TPM – You have a shop on Etsy – are you pleased with how it has done since opening it? What are your favorite Etsy features (Treasuries, Shop Local, Pounce, etc)?

Debra @ gilstrapdesignsI remember I loved ETSY from the first time I stumbled up on it; I was looking at artwork and the wonderful artisans here. I loved the website in itself so when we decided to do something, I knew ETSY was the place for us. Everything that I’ve learned about having a shop and online I’ve learned through my ETSY community: the forums, blogs, Storque articles, etc.

Our sales have really picked up this last year and we are so grateful and thankful, even when it’s been really, really slow for us, we are always excited to look at our shop! Every time I open it up and say “WOW! I still can’t believe we did all of this – this is us!”

My favorite Etsy features are “Shop Local” and “Rearrange Your Shop.” I also love the forums; everyone is so encouraging and helpful – there is a wealth of knowledge there.

TPM – Do you have any advice for craft mavens thinking of opening a shop?

Debra @ gilstrapdesignsMy advice to anyone wanting to have an online shop is to try ETSY; it’s free to set-up, and it’s not expensive to list items. You have soooo much help through the community.

TPM – Do you have a blog? If so, tell us a bit about it. And while you’re at it, do you have any favorite website, shops, blogs, etc?

Debra @ gilstrapdesignsI don’t have a blog but I love to read and comment on other peoples blogs I have my regular favorites.

Favorite blogs:

The Peach Martini (TPM – oh shucks, now you’re making me blush!)

Funny Sky

I Dreamed, I Saw

Make Room for Living

Lola B’s

Favorite ETSY shops:

Age Before Beauty – Heirloom jewelry made from vintage heirlooms

tallistreasures – Photography, Graphic Design, and Jewelry

ThePeachMartini (TPM – Again with the blushing!)

TPM – I love to learn new techniques and crafts; if you could learn one new crafty skill, what would it be?

Debra @ gilstrapdesignsI would like to learn to screen print.

TPM – Well, I can’t rightly close out this interview without asking a totally random question…If you had to give up one craft/art addiction for a year, what would it be? I know, I know – it’s too painful to even think about!

Debra @ gilstrapdesignsIf I had to give up one of my crafts for a year it would be…oh this is hard…I’m sorry I can’t do it! NONE OF THEM –  I just can’t give any of them up!

Don’t worry, Debra – I couldn’t give up any of my crafts either! They are too much a part of me!

I want to thank Debra @ gilstrapdesigns for humoring me and answering my silly questions. I hope you’ll check out her fabulous shop, and stop by soon for more interviews!

If you’d like to be interviewed for The Peach Martini’s blog, please contact Kim via email: thepeachmartini [at] gmail [dot] com!

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January 11th, 2010

Ok, yeah, it is…

In an effort to “do more” with my blog, Etsy shop, etc I thought I’d introduce some new features here that will tie in with Etsy and some of the other blogs I follow. Without blatently copying from others (imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, they say, but I think that’s the lazy person’s way of flaking out and swiping some one else’s inspiration…) I wanted to start some “series” posts that would follow a weekly format; however I’m not the most clever when it comes to naming things, so some of these might seem a little lame :)

  • Mondays…I’ve got nothing for Monday’s yet. Any suggestions?
  • Traveling Tuesdays – Featured Etsy sellers or bloggers from various locations across the world. My way of spreading the love, I guess. I’m thinking of doing a guest blogger type deal on this day.
  • Wackadoo Wednesdays – my random projects, cool DIY tricks (if I have any), and other miscellany centered around my oddness.
  • I Think I Can Thursdays – again, lame, right? I was thinking of sharing various tutorials and how-to’s, both my own and others I’ve come across (with permission, of course!)
  • Freestyle Fridays – I guess this is my cop-out for doing whatever the heck I want on Fridays :)

So…how dumb is it? Seriously – tell me!  If you have a better suggestion for a name or an idea for what to write about…or if you’d even like to be a guest blogger, that would be swell too! :)

I still plan on having the usual “Things I Love” of course – gives me an excuse to browse Etsy for cool stuff…am I the only one who gets totally overwhelmed by Etsy sometimes? I love how diverse it is, but searching for things is a bit daunting! I digress…

In other news…it’s a new year. Did you know that? 2010. Interesting how easily it flows from the fingers when typing…2010…2010…sorry. Did you have a good holiday? Do anything fun and exciting for New Year’s Eve? Eat your cabbage and black eyed peas? (I don’t know about that black eye pea thing…some one told me it was a tradition in their family…) Did you make a New Year’s Resolution?

I’ve turned another year older (28 now, thanksverymuch) but I don’t feel any older, so I guess that’s good. My husband has signed us up for the “Adult Skating Academy” at our local ice arena…which is a fancy way of saying we’re going to learn to ice skate. I’m a little nervous about this – I have a fear of pain. Seriously, I have padding, but sheesh – ice is so cold. And hard! My skates came in the mail last night – I’m pretty excited about that! I had no idea my feet were so short and stubby…hmm…at least they’ll look fast, short, and stubby on Saturday! :)

Okie-dokie…that’s all for today…I’ll be back tomorrow with a cool Etsy shop to feature!

Make it a great week!

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Tags: , , | Posted in A Little Randomness |
January 5th, 2010

…have you ever gotten really excited about something – let’s say a piece of candy or some such – and once you had it in your possession and bit/cut into it,  all your expectations of said item were dashed to bits?

Do you ever wonder why you’d forget that you didn’t really like something?

I’m talking about a Cadburry egg. I don’t like them, never have, probably never will…yet, I found myself purchasing one today, so excited to cut into it (because I’m a freak and can’t just bite into something so messy)…only once I did, I realized that I really don’t like them at all…they’re so sickeningly sweet and thick.

Don’t tell me senility is setting in already??

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December 30th, 2009

Ok, not really…well, not yet any way…Friday is my birthday! :) I thought that it might be nice to put together a list of gift ideas, suitable for any occasion; I’ll be turning 28, so I guess this list would be good for any girl in their 20’s or even 30’s I imagine, and for any one who likes fun, funky, and functional items…

Pink Flowery Girly Ring – The Brass Hussy

Lucite Flower and Vintage Button Ring - The Brass Hussy

Lucite Flower and Vintage Button Ring - The Brass Hussy

Pink Owl Note Cards – Keepsake Couture

Set of 8 Pink Owl Notecards - Keepsake Couture

Set of 8 Pink Owl Notecards - Keepsake Couture

$25 Gift Certificate – Felt Sew Good

$25 Gift Certificate from Felt Sew Good

$25 Gift Certificate from Felt Sew Good

All Season Anthro Little Irish sage Tam – Annie’s Wearable Art

All Season Irish Sage Tam from Annies Wearable Art

All Season Irish Sage Tam from Annie's Wearable Art

Brown Stripes Wallet – Robins Flight

Brown Stripes Wallet from RobinsFlight

Brown Stripes Wallet from RobinsFlight

Love is The Answer Butterfly Origami Earrings – Funny Sky

Love is The Answer Butterfly Origami Earrings from Funny Sky

Love is The Answer Butterfly Origami Earrings from Funny Sky

Blue Vintage Teacup Wall Art – Gilstrapdesigns

Vintage Blue Teacup Wall Art from Gilstrapdesigns

Vintage Blue Teacup Wall Art from Gilstrapdesigns

Starlight Stained Glass Pendant – Gathering Stars

Starlight Stained Glass Pendant

Starlight Stained Glass Pendant

Odette Owl the Pink and Lime Awake/Asleep Owl – Hello Dollies

Odette Owl - Hello Dollies

Odette Owl - Hello Dollies

Goat’s Milk Soap, Peppermint & Jojoba – BonMots Papeterie

Peppermint & Jojoba Goats Milk Soap - BonMots

Peppermint & Jojoba Goat's Milk Soap - BonMots

Signed Fine Art Giclee Print – BelliUccelli

Signed Fine Art Print - BelliUccelli

Signed Fine Art Print - BelliUccelli

Brown & Turquoise Crochet Slippers – cari4jc1

Brown & Turquoise Crochet Slippers - cari4jc1

Brown & Turquoise Crochet Slippers - cari4jc1

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December 24th, 2009

I’ve received a lot of requests for the recipe for the chocolate mint cookies I posted about (at least I think I posted about them…I’m pretty sure I did…hmm…) earlier when my cousins came over…so, I thought I’d post the recipe for you all to enjoy. Maybe you’re off on break with your kiddos and want something easy and fun to do, or maybe you just want a secret stash of chocolate minty goodness for yourself  :)

Chocolate Mint Cookies

Chocolate Mint Cookies

 Chocolate Mint Cookies

  • 1 box chocolate cake mix (dark chocolate or milk chocolate work great!)
  • 1 egg
  • 1/3 C water or milk (water works just fine, but milk might make the cookies a little more rich)
  • 1/2 stick of butter, melted
  • Andes Mints (whole) or Andes Mint Chips (one bag should be good)

 Preheat oven to 375°.

Blend all ingredients well; batter will be stiff. Drop rounded spoonfuls onto parchment lined cookie sheet. If you can form dough into a 1” diameter ball, great, if not, that’s ok! The dough will be a little sticky, so it’s hard to roll in your hands.

Bake for 10-12 minutes; remove from oven. Allow cookies to set for a couple seconds.

If you’re using the whole mints, just place the (unwrapped) candy on the cookie and allow to melt. If you’re using the chips, press the back of a teaspoon into the top of the cookie, like a thumbprint cookie. Fill the “thumbprint” with one teaspoon of the mint chips and allow to melt (add more or less as desired).

Use a toothpick to swirl the melted chocolates and mint so you get a lovely blend of mint green and chocolate on the cookie.

Place cookies in the refrigerator until the melted chocolate is set.

 These package so nicely – they’re perfect for last minute gifts or cookies for Santa!! :)

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December 16th, 2009

My husband and I have the rest of the week off of work, to relax a bit, but mostly to finish up our Christmas shopping and what not before next week (NEXT WEEK people…NEXT WEEK IS CHRISTMAS!!! Who authorized that?!) We don’t really have any formal plans for our time away from the office, except for today and Friday. Today my cousins Emily (21) and Alyssa (19) came over to make cookies for Christmas Eve (more on that event later); Friday is our designated shopping day, followed by a hockey game that evening.

To start the morning off, I decided I’d take a break from cleaning up the kitchen and play with my new camera. Have I mentioned how wonderful my husband is??? I never really give him a list for Christmas – we always buy each other things throughout the year, so there isn’t much left for Christmas…and it doesn’t help that my birthday is a week after Christmas! As always, he finds some way to surprise me every year, and this year was no different. He got me a new camera for Christmas!! How do I know, you ask? It came in the mail yesterday…and we don’t do a very good job of keeping secrets around here! Anyway, I played with it at bit this morning…by the way, the Penguin ornament is the only ornament on our tree this year…I like to say I’m going for a minimalistic approach, but really I’m just being lazy. :)

Shiny star atop our scarcely decorated tree.

Shiny star atop our scarcely decorated tree.

Pittsburgh Penguin ornament my parents gave my husband.

Pittsburgh Penguin ornament my parents gave my husband.

As soon as they arrived and we did the usual visiting and chit-chatting, we got started on the cookies. As ambitious as we felt, we didn’t really make it too far! We started with the peanut butter kiss cookies (peanut butter cookies with a Hershey Kiss in the center). Those went together super fast, and we were pretty chuffed about the progress we were making.

Hershey Hugs

Hershey Hugs

Peanut Butter Kiss Cookies

Peanut Butter Kiss Cookies

We thought we were pretty clever by using the white chocolate Hershey Hugs :) It doesn’t take much for us to feel clever.

Emily wanted to make some sort of Andes Mint cookies…she wasn’t sure what the recipe was, so we kind of made one up using what we had on hand. Let me tell you, these things are AMAZING. Even my husband likes them, and he’s not a huge fan of sweets. They taste like a Thin Mint, only…better. Yeah, I said it…wanna fight about it? I wish I would have captured video of Emily trying to roll the cookie dough into little balls using her spoons…it was quite entertaining. But, you’ll have to settle for tantalizing pictures of the cookies instead :)

Melting the Andes Mints...

Melting the Andes Mints...

Minty Melty Goodness

Minty Melty Goodness

At this point, the ideas were flowing; we were certain that we could keep up our momentum and have several dozen cookies to show for our efforts. We took a break for lunch and decided while we were out to stop at the store to get more supplies (I failed to take a picture of what we had when we started…everything is still displayed on the counter, so maybe tomorrow I’ll get one…this will show you just how overboard we went then you can laugh at our thinking we needed more supplies!)

After a nice lunch at the South Side Soda Shop (it was feature on Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives, you know) and a trip dodging the Amish at the store, we returned home…much more lethargic and sleepy than before. In fact, on the drive to and from the diner, I noticed my two cookie elves dozing off in the back of the car! We contemplated starting another batch of cookies, or working on the chocolate covered pretzels, but my elves were increasingly weary. Their eyes drooped, and their spirits snoozed. After packing them up with some cookies to share with their men-elves, I sent them on their way before it got too dark.

I decided to make another batch of the chocolate mint cookies…so tasty – uh, I mean – so easy…yeah, that’s it. Easy. And Tasty. Mmm….minty….melty….mmmm….*drools*

My day is coming to a close as the Chicago Blackhawks start the 3rd period leading St. Louis 3-0. Yes, I like the Blackhawks…my husband likes the Pens…we are a house divided. :) I think his Penguin needs a friend on that tree, don’t you?

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December 10th, 2009

…and now I’ll share the vintage Christmas goodness that I received from my loverly partner, “ntrebleagain”…and as a special Christmassy tribute, I drafted it as a poem :)

‘Twas the night before Thursday and all through the house,
not a creature was stirring, except for me and my mouth.
The pizza was warmed with the cheese nice and hot,
and all that was left was to rip open the box!

I grabbed for the knife, and I squeeled with delight,
as I saw the red tin peeking out in the night!
When what to my wandering eyes should appear,
a shiny red tin, adorned with a Santa so dear!

A red shiny tin with a Santa so dear!
A red shiny tin with a Santa so dear!

Not sure I could stand the suspense any longer,
I lifted the lid, heart beating a bit stronger.
The contents were nestled all snug in their bed,
While a cute ornament brought a smile to my head!

The contents were nestled all snug in their bed...
The contents were nestled all snug in their bed…

Quickly forgetting the pizza I nuked,
Which, I assure you, is only a fluke!
I picked up the ornament so carefully,
The snowman depicted made my heart fill with glee!

The snowman depicted made my heart fill with glee!
The snowman depicted made my heart fill with glee!

I turned it over in my small chubby hands,
To reveal a scene that was equally grand!
Side two of the ornament was quiet and calm,
So much so I almost dropped the f-bomb!

Side two had a scene that was equally grand.
Side two had a scene that was equally grand.

My eyes darted to a curious stack,
When I saw what it was, I was taken aback!
I’m really not that big of a boaster,
But I have a shiny new set of 4 coasters!

But I have a shiny new set of 4 coasters!
But I have a shiny new set of 4 coasters!

This tin, might I mention, is equally grand!
I can see it was decorated by hand!
On the top and the sides are pictures of Santa!
So merry and cheery, and happy you see.

A bundle of toys was flung on his back,
There must be a thousand tucked in that sack!
His suit was red and trimmed in white fur,
His boots, black as night and quite warm, I am sure.

With a wink of the eye and a jovial smile,
He stared at me silently and for a while.
I noticed a finger was placed on his lips,
A signal to all so no secrets are dripped.

Enclosed was a card, so soft and serene
The picture reminded me of a dream.
It matched the coasters of four that I had;
Matching things always make me so glad!

I opened the card to read what it said,
Shortly before shuffling off to my bed.
A brief explanation of what I received,
Another quick read before it was sleeved.

The tin is dual-purpose – for cookies or cards,
Mod-Podge control is really quite card!
She did a great job at keeping it neat,
The papers and ribbons just can’t be beat!

I placed all the goodies back in the tin,
A great end to the night it really had been.
It’d be even better, though, I must confess
If the Blackhawks could win their hockey contest!

The swaps here on Craftster are a wonderful treat –
The hard work and talent just cannot be beat!
I’ll now close this poem with a wish that you might –
Have a Merry Christmas and a jolly good night!

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December 10th, 2009

Another successful swap to put in the books!

In this first post I’ll share pictures of the items I crafted, as well as a couple extra vintage goodies, for good measure. I also included some vintage wrapping paper from the late 40’s and 50’s, but didn’t get a picture of that!

The Whole She-Bang

The Whole She-Bang - Coasters, a sweater guard, kitchy frosted pine cone trees, a vintage Jewel-Brite ornament, and a vintage snowman cookie cutter.Vintage-inspired Coasters - I hope to have a tutorial for these in the next couple of weeks!

Deck your neck with a sweater guard!

Deck your neck with a sweater guard!

Extra vintage goodies - a snowman cookie cutter, and vintage Jewel-Brite ornament.

Extra vintage goodies - a snowman cookie cutter, and vintage Jewel-Brite ornament.

Kitchy vintage-inspired pine cone trees, with ric-rack trimmed tree skirts.

Kitchy vintage-inspired pine cone trees, with ric-rack trimmed tree skirts.

Stay tuned for the next installment to see what lovely items I received! :)

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December 9th, 2009

Hi. This is me killing time before  meeting at 4:45 (EST, in case you’re curious) that doesn’t get out until 5:30 tonight…then I will leave work and meet my sweetie (who was so kind and drove me to work on his day off, and will pick me up so I don’t have to go allllll the way back home, only to come alllll the way back here…) for dinner and then go to the hockey game tonight!

Ooh! My 15 minute reminder popped up – I better get cracking! :)

Three names I go by:
1. Kim
2. Kimmy
3. Peaches

Three jobs I have had in my life:
1. Cashier @ Scott’s
2. Office Chick @ jewelry store
3. quality control analyst

Three places I have lived:
1. Fort Wayne
2. Syracuse
3. Huntington

Three favorite drinks:
1. peach iced tea
2. coffee
3. Water

Three TV shows that I watch:
1. Big Bang Theory
2. Hockey
3. Um, more hockey

Three places I have been:
1. Las Vegas, NV
2. Chicago, IL
3. Mystic, CT

People who text me regularly:
1. my mom
2. my husband
3. my cousins Emily & Alyssa

Three of my favorite foods:
1. milk chocolate
2. pasta
3. bread

Three things I am looking forward to:
1. hockey game tonight
2. Getting all my Christmas shopping done soon
3. Making Christmas goodies with my cousins next week/having a 5-day weekend :)

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