DIY Gifting: Part 4, Making Cards with Amy Hornburg Heilveil

I've been excited to see this blog thread continue over the last few months and so happy that Amy volunteered to participate.  Amy has mad skills when it comes to almost anything artsy/craftsy and is one of the few people who juggle more hobbies than I do, so I knew she would have loads of DIY gifting experience.  

As many folks feel so overwhelmed by the mass commercialism during the holiday season, making gifts gets us all out of the malls, so we can spend more time at home. The last couple of weeks I've been  baking like a madwoman.  While doing so, I'm helping my son study for science or talking to my mom on the phone.  My husband and son also look forward to partaking in my baking endeavors and their taste testing skills are most necessary to ensuring my cookies will be enjoyed:)  
Amy is a fabulous baker, but one thing I didn't know until recently is that she makes gorgeous handmade cards.  Here's Amy's DIY gifting idea #1 in her own words, which I might have to do for my grandma next year.   

"With all of the papers and stamps available today, it's simple to make cards to give to people, but how about making a package of cards to give to someone so that they can give the cards away?  Several members of my family express how much the enjoy getting cards from me for occasions because I make my own and they find them beautiful and unusual. 
This year I decided to make up several packages of cards to give as gifts.  Pictured are three of the 'assortments' that I've given as Channukah gifts, which went over wonderfully."









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Three Philosophers' Grilled Cheese

Cheese is my favorite food.  Without cheese, I could very easily be vegan.  Considering my lactose intolerance I probably should be.  I try to balance my daily intake of dairy via cheese with soy milk, olive oil spray, tofu spreads, avocado and such.

This grilled sandwich was inspired by my love of Welsh Rarebit and an already opened bottle of beer in the fridge.

Three Philosophers' Grilled Cheese

sliced onions
1/4 cup Three Philosophers' beer by Ommegang Brewery
whole wheat bread
olive oil spray
dried oregano
cheddar + swiss cheese

Saute onions (how much depends on you) in small saucepan with olive oil spray (or butter), slowly adding the beer.  Slice as much cheddar/swiss as desired and layer on whole wheat bread.  Spray pan and bread with olive oil (or again, use butter) and cook on medium heat.  I cover the saucepan so that the cheese thoroughly melts.  When cheese is melted and bread is gently toasted on both sides, open up sandwich to sprinkle on oregano and add onions.  Yum!

Back to the Future

Records are more than just nostalgic at this point- they are here to stay.  Whereas I feel sentimental about cassette tapes, I actually prefer listening to a record now and then.  Most people like the warm sound of analog over digital.  The cover art is an obvious bonus.  I appreciate the time it takes to put on a record.  I'm obviously not alone because a lot of bands still insist up creating albums on vinyl.

Let's face it- MP3's are too easy.  Kind of like McDonald's, without the grease.  Remember how hard it used to be to find a cassette by that college radio band you adored way back in high school?  Well, I feel the same excitement when I've found something I really wanted on vinyl.
So, slow life down.  Stop what you are doing and take the time to play side B.  Rock out to the Doors or Blondie like there's nothing else you have to do.




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Yogi Tea Inspirations

Part of my daily morning ritual is a mason jar filled cup of tea every morning.  The last few weeks I've been taking a break from caffeine (and thus, my fav, Green Chai) and have been trying different Yogi Tea brand teas, like Rooibos Sweet Peach & Aztec Sweet Chili.

I'm not sure why Yogi Tea, over any other brand, is a must in my jar every morning.  Is it their uniquely delicious blends, nostalgia for Eugene or the little inspirations they have stapled to their tea bags?  Probably all of the above.  It is their daily meditations, however, which corrects my vision every morning and helps me see reality more clearly.    

I Wanna Be a Superhero for Christmas

I'm pretty ambivalent about whether or not I want to be a superhero now, but when I was 5 years old I would have traded all of my Barbie Dolls in for an invisible lasso. Without any nudge from me, my son developed a fascination for superheroes and their powers early on.
My son is now a teenager and has become closet comic book geek. These days he only discusses D&D, superhero, and anime with myself and my husband, as many of his peers aren't openly interested. I'm sure that it's just a matter of time before he runs into one of them at the comic book store, however.

Anway, before I get off-topic, here are some rad gift ideas for superhero geeks.
This custom Batman lunch box is by Specially You
I love the old metal lunch boxes!

I don't really dress up much for Halloween- it's just too cold for me, but if I were still 10 years old and had the dough- this outfit would be mine!  No doubt I would spend hours gazing at myself in front of the mirror.

Wonder Woman costume with tiara, cuffs, and lasso by Three Muses Clothing

And if you were a 70's kid, I'm sure that you remember Underoos!  I had Wonder Woman and Spider Girl Underoos.  Can't believe I never snagged any for my kid when he was a little guy.  I did bid on some Yoda and Batman Underoos for him on Ebay but never won:(
These cool Shazam Underoos are from Mi Book Casa