December Recipes

Well it is the end of my New Year's Resolution for 2011 (to try 5 new recipes a month). I don't believe I've ever tackled a resolution with such vigor before, or enjoyed the results so much. I fully intend to continue experimenting in 2012, and guarantee successes and failures will be sure to appear here.

Burger of the Week #37

Burgers are so amazing and truth-telling that they even work as infographics.

*I realize this is a "sandwich" but the bun has sesame seeds on it so I'm dubbing it a burger!

Visions of Serif Fonts Danced in Their Heads

I'm in the midst of reading* Walter Isaacson's Steve Jobs biography**. I've never been one to idolize Jobs; I do, however, acknowledge that Apple Computers was essential in directing the course of my life. The biography is a fascinating "read", both in terms of realizing who Jobs was as a person and in how he influenced the design industry—for having an idea is just as important as knowing how to execute it.

One of Job's demands for the Macintosh project in 1984, was insisting the platform come with an array of fonts, vs. one pixelated computer font. Jobs had audited a calligraphy couse in college and was enthralled by typography, and the world of san serifs and serifs.

"The delightful assortment of Macintosh fonts... would help launch the desktop publishing industry and be a boon for Apple's bottom-line. It also introduced all sorts of regular folks, ranging from high school journalists to moms who edited PTA newsletters to the quirky joy of knowing about fonts."***

The Macintosh's original suite of fonts, created by Susan Kare, were initially named for stops along the commuter rail in Philadelphia: Overbrook, Merion, Ardmore, and Rosemont. While Steve Jobs liked the idea of using cities as names, he wanted them to be "world-class cities" and the names were changed to Chicago, New York, Toronto, San Francisco, Geneva, London and Venice.

I'd like to thank Jobs for bringing fonts to the masses and thereby making everyone a DIY designer. I'd also like to thank Apple for 2003's 10.3 edition of Mac OSX that included Papyrus in it's font suite.

Sarcasm aside, I do thank Jobs [+Apple] for making my job easier and as a result, my life more user-friendly. I couldn't do it without you.

*listening to

**The book is a great read for anyone interested in design, innovation or leadership. And really, Jobs [+Apple] has done so much to change not only technology but also culture that I think it crosses over many interests. I highly recommend (and I'm only 25% done!)

***taken from the Walter Issacson Biography

I Wanna Go Home

It's officially my longest relationship!* Longer than I was in any school, longer than any job I've had.... I've been in my house for 5 years today.

Buying a house wasn't the plan, it was a stubborn, impulse purchase, and, of course, right before the real estate market crashed. But it was one of the smarter moves I've made, and I like it much more than I anticipated— yard work and all. (I could do without the snow shoveling however).

I guess it all worked out okay.

Here's me and my house on move-in day, December 22, 2006. Look at that, 5 years and countless haircuts (and colors) later I've pretty much come full-circle. Now if only those jeans still fit!

No snow that Christmas either, 50+ degrees out and the yard needed a good raking!!

*My Ford Escort and I were actually together 12 years. We parted last December. I think of her often.

Little Miss Merry Christmas

Now, I'm not little Miss Holiday, but I'm quite proud of myself—for this year I got my holiday cards out not only before the holiday but downright early!

Inspired by Roger Hargreaves' Mr. Men and Little Miss, I'm introducing several of my well-known and little-known personalities.

I had a lot of fun working on this card, which is probably how I was able to get it out on time.

To get on my snail mail list, send me a note, and I'll be sure to include you on future mailings.

Happy Holidays from me, myself, and all my other selves.

*If you're surprised I am a Hargreaves fan then you obviously don't read my blog. I've mentioned him here, here, and here.

Burger of the Week #36

It's been over a year since I've been to a Burger King (though I just found out they serve Morningstar burgers– I wonder if they charbroil them too??) but I love their new burger bags! I'm so used to fast food restaurants, having bright, obnoxious "look at me! look at me!" bags that I think this bag is so tasteful and such a tribute to king of all sandwiches.

They even put their logo in non-BK colors. That's right Burger King, screw brand standards. I call this a fast food win.

Christmas is Ruined.

Does anyone remember Tillie the Talking Christmas Tree?

She was an animatronic tree that used to be on display at Breton Village Mall during the holiday season. (I found a couple mentions via google that say she was at Eastbrook Mall, and one that says North Kent Mall, but I swear it was Breton Village along with the amazing Polar Express display they used to have-- but I could be wrong!).

Anyhow, as far as I'm concerned, she was the epitome of kitschy Christmas and I had this overwhelming need to see her. I made the trek out to Breton Village, but I'm afraid Tillie (and the Express) is no longer.

I can't express how crushingly devastated this discovery was. I like to imagine her leading a songs on the Island of Misfit Toys.

Merry Christmas Tillie.

Little Liter Gnome

Inspired by the paper gnomes I saw in the Paper-Source catalog and reminded of the 2-liter penguins we made when I was younger (I couldn't find an photo of this project, but these instructions are pretty much the exact idea) – I came up with this little liter gnome.

He's made from a 1-liter bottle, paint and felt, and unlike his paper counterpart, can survive outside on the porch.

I didn't have specific instructions, but these would be an easy copy-cat project for your kids this holiday break!

If i was 6 years old again, I'd be so proud!!

The Crazy Fruit Lady

It's undoubtable that I will one day be the crazy neighbor who hands out toothbrushes to Trick-or-Treaters. As my coworkers showered each other with cookies and sweets, I decided to bring in Red Pears as my share of holiday goodwill. Fruit as a Christmas gift is, after all, a family tradition.

Attached to the pears I used the tags leftover from my 2008 Christmas card—which is my personal favorite of all my past cards (this years is a close second– but more on that at a later date). The card was meant to celebrate not Christmas, but all the forgotten holidays, and included gift tags for Bubble Wrap Appreciation Day and the Anniversary of the Frisbee, among others.

If you'd like a set of these tags to use for yourself, you can download a pdf here. Simply print the file front to back, cut and use!

Happy Holidays!

Great Ideas Shared, Not Stolen

I was quite impressed with this "painted porcelain" dinnerware. The artist said they used a porcelain paint pen from a general craft shop. The design was drawn on and then baked.

A great idea from the A Merry Mishap blog written by Etsy shop owner, amerrymishap.

Must look into this! Add it to the to-do list! What a beautiful effect, from what sounds like relative ease.

Santa is Coming to Town

By now we've all realized… mustaches are IN. But people, 'tis the season of Big White Beards!

So, in order to help you get with the bearded program, I've put together this printable pdf. Simply print, cut, and tape to a dowel/pencil/spoon/whatnot and you'll be appropriately dressed to welcome Santa when he visits.

Click here on the the picture to open. Fits an 8.5x11 sheet.

Burger of the Week #35

I am super excited about the debut project of Gift Couture–a supplier of high-quality wrapping sets.

Just 6 sheets of couture paper, and 6 gifts for friends and family, you can give the gift of a burger! Problem is... I'd never want to open them!

Check out this tantalizing video they put together to promote the new design:

You can back this project on Kickstarter.

Trending ID Tags and Codes

Before the QR Code and the SnapTag there was the barcode— an acceptable and entirely functional design irritant.

Almost every product available comes with its very own barcode, which carries essential information regarding the item’s description, price, etc in those ugly little lines

Barcode Revolution, established in 2005, has come up with creative ways to mask the barcodes un-aestheticness. They've managed to find a little amusement in something that has always been ignored as strictly functional.

Costs for your own custom barcode start at 4,000 plus a yearly license fee. While not the cheapest addition to your packaging costs, it is something uniquely yours to make your product stand out.

Printed: The Land of Smiles

It's Christmas and the packages are piling up. I literally tripped over a delivery this morning as a left my house. But this gift was from me to me!

My latest Blurb creation, documenting Bethany's and my trip to Thailand last winter. These travel books are passion projects for me, often involving blood, sweat, and a few tears.

It's my largest Blurb book yet, 156 pages. And I tried for the first time the the hardcover dust jacket, which looks rather nice—though I think the image wrap is safer, as it won't tear or get lost. But per usual, the printing looks nice, the paper is fine and Blurb's customer service was extraordinarily helpful.

So it feels great to have one project done, and I've already moved onto the next!

Child's Own: Bring A Child's Imagination to Life

There is nothing more sincere and precious than a child's imagination. When I discovered Child's Own, my heart swelled up and tears filled my eyes. This has to be one of the most beautiful concepts I have ever heard of.

Child's Own will take your child's original drawings and bring their world to life. What a wonderful way for a child's dreams to become real.

Orders for Holiday delivery has ceased, but they will accept new orders starting again in January 2012.

This whole idea makes me very, very happy, I don't even know what to say about it, except that I'm thankful for the people who encourage kids to dream and express themselves.

Gifts Inspired by Movies

Juno's Hamburger Phone

Croquet ala The Heathers

The Holly Golightly Sleeping Mask

Vintage Skates, Whip It Style

The SATC Cupcake Purse (for those with a bigger budget!)

Burger of the Week #34

Tomorrow is St. Nick's Day, and as far as this blogger is concerned, the official start to the Christmas season. Tis the season to hang tasty treats on indoor shrubbery.

This sparkling divalicious burger is from ModCloth.

MSU Grads take on Etsy

My college roommate asked me a couple months ago if I'd ever heard of Etsy. I laughed at her.

Since then, Leighabee has joined Etsy as not only a shopper and a seller, but as a member of several teams including Treasuries by Color and Top Treasury.

Now I'm not much of a joiner, I'm more a stand on the sideline and make running commentary sort of gal, but I fully admire people who are.

Leighabee has gotten into full swing, making some of the most beautiful treasury listings I've seen! As a monochromatic girl, I love her style! Check out her stunning and vibrant selections here.

I've tried to make a few treasury lists of my own, but I've found that after placing three or four items, I'm ready to ditch. The results aren't nearly as curated and beautiful as Leighabee's creations. You can see my drab and lazy efforts here.

Anyhow, kudos to you, Leighabee! Way to conquer Etsy—and make me look bad!

Get Your Holiday Shop On

A special offer for my blog readers. If you're in GR, feel free to save on shipping by sending me a message. Shop fivefeettall.etsy.com.