Etsy Adventures

So that funky apron that's been sitting in the sidebar for months has finally made its way to my side. Adam's mom surprised me by giving it to me for my birthday - so exciting!

We made a long-weekend trip up to Montreal to celebrate my birthday and hers, had some good food and good company. It's funny, no matter how much I want to make any trip, by the time I crash out at the end of the first day away, I just want my own bed and my own cats to cuddle.

I suspect my adventuring days are waning, or at least the adventures are evolving.

Black Friday, Turkey Soup

We are partaking of a time-honoured family tradition this year and have made the leftover turkey soup. Last Thanksgiving, we had intended to make the soup, but forgot and left the turkey out on the counter all night. Ah well. So this year, the Mr. jumped on the soup-wagon straight off and got it boiling before the dishes were in the dishwasher. We'll just have to wait and see if we uphold the remainder of the tradition, which is apparently to do absolutely nothing with this turkey broth until we are so frightened of its potential that we have to toss it out. I've heard tell of this road... it's paved with good intentions.

And yes, I worked the bookstore today. We'll just say the customers were friendlier than my coworkers today, and THAT'S saying something. I'm wondering how I'll make it through the season. I do believe I shall be dependent upon the kindness of strangers.

ETSY of the Week!

OK all you lovely people - it's time for a new game!

For those of you who have not met Etsy, let me introduce you. Etsy is an online marketplace that is chock full of handmade goodies. You can get everything from pottery and paintings to soap or clothing. There's stuff for you, stuff for your house, stuff for your pets, stuff for your kids. And MORE. And all in support of small business people making things by hand! I do not have a shop right now, but when the time comes to reopen my studio...

So here's the plan. Once a week, I'm going to post a link (just off to the right) to a cool Etsy shop I've found. Check it out! You never know when you'll discover the perfect treat for that person who's SO hard to buy for (you know who I mean...).

Adam's Version of a Shopping List

So when confronted with the need to buy a second can of paint for finishing the ongoing picket fence project, Adam wanted to be certain that he got the same as we already had. Enter the iPhone. He snaps a picture of our paint can with his phone, and uses it to remind him once at the paint aisle.

That's my guy!

Registries

It must be noted that we are slightly uncomfortable regarding the subject of gifts. We know that most of you are making quite an effort just to be with us for this shindig, and that is what we REALLY want - to celebrate with as many of you as we can possibly get into one place! Your joyful presence, your love and support are the best gifts you can give.

That said, many of you have inquired about where we've registered. The answer is that we are now registered at Crate & Barrel and also at Bed, Bath & Beyond. The BBB registry is a tad short at the moment, but we'll add to it next week or so. After the process of setting up the C&B registry, we are somewhat weary...

I will admit to having been TOTALLY baffled by pots and pans and packing it in rather than figuring it out. I think the little girl at the shop was genuinely concerned when she saw me staring like a deer in the headlights at the cookware displays and asked if I needed help... there is no other explanation for that tone of voice.

The Fine Print: You can search for our lists by either of our names (Kelly Clark or Adam Rains), and you may need the event date (July 5, 2008). Both of the registry lists can be accessed either in an actual store, online, or by phone.

Crate & Barrel
1.800.967.6696
www.CrateandBarrel.com

OR

Bed Bath & Beyond
1.800.462.3966
www.BedBathandBeyond.com