Holt Howard's World

I think some of you are beginning to wonder if the only thing I have in my Kitchen are collectibles. That's half true, we do have a lot of stuff in our kitchen but I swear to you, there is a little room for cooking. One collection that we have all through the house is Holt Howard . I am IN LOVE with EVERYTHING produced by this company!

In 1958 Holt Howard was the first company to create and manufacture Pixieware (a concept in deep glazed condiment containers) Each container had a removable head that was attached to the lid and spoon or a fork/spear. Pixieware became a very popular collectible but, like most things, slowly died off in the early 1960's. It had a huge resurgence in the 1990's-I'm sure this had something to do with a new cocktail nation emerging.

I had a little bit of a hard time trying to find out more about the person who actually designed the faces and styles for Holt Howard. What little bit I did find out, it appears that Robert Howard (one of the founding brothers) was the creator of many of the facial expression of pixieware and other pieces.

The Davar Pixie was a popular knock off of Holt Howard. There are several ways to tell the difference. Davar Pixies had flat heads that were a bit thicker, red round noses and all their pieces were flesh colored. The biggest difference were the stripes on the jars. Davar's jars had 4 stripes horizontally while Holt Howard's are vertical. Also, each container has two flesh colored arm handles.

One of Holt Howard's biggest success and most well known collectibles are the Cozy Cats. The cats were either wearing polka dot or plaid scarves. The male is in a blue scarf and the female, pink. I love the crossing of the feet on the little girl and the sly, somewhat bothered look on the little boy.

Christmas was another area that the company excelled in. I have a Santa set with little "cuplets" but there are many different versions, including the winking Santa and the Starburst Santa. These seem a little harder to find. Occasionally you can find the little cuplets around for pretty cheap.

This is such a small snippet of what is out there. They had barware, candle holders, and even pencil sharpeners. Their cute little faces and whimsical designs are just so perfect for any part of your house.

Oh yeah! I wanted to show you what AlwaysInspired and her puppy Merlin sent me today! Isn't it the best! Isn't it the cutest! It loves it's new home with the rest of the collection. THANK YOU!

The Real Story on The Floss Box.

I have been a fan of flossbox since day one. Her work is just adorable. She makes the cutest patterns and does excellent cross stitch and embroidery. I mean, really, what's not to love about her, she bakes chocolate cakes!

Who is the real flossbox?
I'm just a geeky, "slightly" obsessive stitcher. I'm from the US, but I've been living in Sweden 9 years now - mr. flossbox is Swedish. I like science (2 degrees in chemistry), mmos (retired EQ addict), hiking in the woods, baking and eating chocolate cakes, taking photos of nature, and spending as much time as I can stitching.

You are an amazing stitcher. How did you get started?
I started when I was very young. My mom gave me some samplers, and we did quite a few little crafty projects. I did a lot of cross stitch for many years, but about a year and a half ago, I started doing embroidery. I learn from books and websites and just by trying different things on my own. I think it's great fun to try new techniques and styles.

Everything you do is so uplifting, super cute and inspiring-how do you stay so positive?
I try to keep a sense of wonder of the world around me, and that comes out in the subjects I choose to stitch. I do like using lots of color in my stitching, so that probably helps too.

What advice would you give to someone just starting out
Don't be afraid to try some new things, and don't worry if you have a few failures. Keep at it and you will improve.

Do you have a website or etsy?
I have a website that is a store, blog, gallery, and online magazine all in one.
www.theflossbox.com

BONUS QUESTION!
Favorite word and why
ham
I've watched way too much Futurama, so it's become a bit of a joke with mr. flossbox.

She is one talented lady! Her work is as inspiring and beautiful as her outlook on life is.

Tie One On Tuesday!

Did I mention that yesterday was a horrible Monday? No, I didn't? Well it was! True to form, I came home, threw off my clothes, lounged in my bathroom and popped in The Big Lebowski, but something was missing....A cocktail. I knew there was only one that would work with the mood I was in. A Caucasian or the laymen terms, A White Russian.


The White Russian is a very quick and easy drink to make. You don't need to have a blender, a lot of ingredients and you can pretty much have zero talent in the mixology department to whip one up. As a matter of fact, the only thing easier than a White Russian is a Black Russian.


The Black Russian
3/4 oz Kahlua -You can use any coffee liqueur, I know several people make their own


1 1/2 oz Vodka (I used Vanilla Vodka cause someone left it at my house after a party and I thought it would give a little more flavor to the drink, but mainly cause someone left it at my house)
Pour ingredients over ice and serve.


Okay, that's easy enough..two ingredients, no problem. Let's see how I do with 3 ingredients! I see you sitting on the edge of your seat. Can she do it? A resounding YES!

White Russian
2 oz. Vodka
1 oz Kahlua
Light Cream. I used half and half but you can also use Milk if you are in a pinch.
Pour over ice and serve.

Ah! Such a yummy and easy drink to make. One or two of these, and you will abide. A few more that that, you'll be treating objects like women and have to deal with the reactionary police department. Cheers!

I Can Get You A Toe or..How the Cohen Brothers saved my life.

I am reminded this morning of how stressful my "real life" job can be. I work for a domestic violence/sexual assault crisis line. For 40 hours (and sometimes more) a week, I hear every horror story you can imagine. It is not a glamorous job, there is never any funding and it's pretty thankless, but I still love it. I experience a lot of vicarious trauma in my work and I am always looking for ways to promote good healthy self care. This is where the Cohen Brothers saved my life.

I have three words for you. THE BIG LEBOWSKI. This is possibly one of the best movies ever made, period. I have come home many days, disillusioned with the world, popped this movie in and within a matter of minutes, life is perfect again. I know on an average, I will watch this movie in some form (maybe not all the way through) once a week. This movie is so ingrained in my life that my very own OMP has been Walter a few times for Halloween (if you know OMP, Walter might not be that much of a stretch, just kidding, kinda!). The story is told by a cowboy stranger (Sam Elliott, not Sam Shepard-Thanks Crystal! I get those guys wrong all the time and I can't believe OMP didn't catch that!-I love this man-Hello, Roadhouse!) about "The Dude" Lebowski and how he is mistaken for Mr.Lebowski or "The BigLebowski". There is a kidnapping plot, bowling, and German nihilists in this twisted tales of "in's and out's and a lot of what have you's" . I know between me and OMP we could quote every line of this movie. Apparently I'm not the only person who loves this movie. It didn't do well at the box office but it has become a cult classic. There are numerous groups around the US and even a Lebowskifest that celebrates The Dude and all aspects of the movie. Most words can not express my love for this film. It makes me happy of every level of my being

A few years back I had a lot of crappy stuff happen in my life. I seriously thought the world was crashing in around me, but once again The Cohen Brothers were there to help me out of my slump. This is not a lie...EVERY day for 3 months I came home and watched Oh Brother Where Art Thou. EVERY DAY! It's a tale of Homer's Odyssey told in the 1930's south. This is another movie that I could probably quote every line from but I'll spare you. A few of the same players in The Big Lebowski are in this film as well-John Goodman, John Turturro are the first to come to mind. The adventures are wonderful, the dialogue is amazing and the music is steeped in home town Americana.

Now I'm not saying that The Cohen brothers can cure cancer, they won't solve all the world's problems. Okay, so The Big Lebowski could solve all of the world's problems. What I am saying is that for film making at it finest, for laughs and dialogue that you will be quoting for years to come, you should check out these two movies. Mix up a Caucasian, snuggle up next to your marmot and prepare for a life altering experience that only the Cohen Brothers can provide.

Scrappy Dog Sunday!

I'll fully admit that I am a sucker for cute animals. I can not resist a sweet scrappy face. I just want to give it a big kiss (yes, I am that kind of aunt!). So, when mindboggld on flickr added me as a contact and I saw her pooch Lexi, I could not resist asking for an interview. How can you resist that face? That is 100% scrappy adorable-a-ness!



Lexi,what do you want people to know about you?
I'm a fun-loving pup that loves to dance, shake my tail (which shakes the rest of me), and can be a little spastic when my family comes home - be it after they get home from school or work, or if they just went to the mailbox and back.

If you can have anything in the world, what would it be?
My own car with driver. I love to go for a ride, but couldn't drive cause I have to stick my head out the window for the whole experience. That wouldn't be too much fun if I had to drive too. Plus, I think I might be too short to hit the pedals. Yup, I'd need a driver.

Do you mind if your mom dresses you up?
I'll put up with it cause it makes her happy, but I'd rather wear my birthday suit. It's what God gave me - might as well go with it.. besides.. have you seen how pretty my hair is? Why would you want to cover it up?

What's your favorite thing to do all day?
If I could be with my mom 24/7 I would. When she's home I'm either right beside her, sitting on my pillow in her craft room or trying to get her attention. My favorite place to be is on the couch, on her lap as she embroiders... I like to supervise and make sure she's doing it right.
Do you have a favorite animal movie?
Oh geez! I love animal movies.. Hotel for Dogs is my fave right now, but really - if there's a handsome male dog that'll make me pant, I'm all for watching it!

BONUS QUESTION.
Finish this sentence.
Happiness is...... digging for moles,finding packages of gum to chew (I prefer minty flavors!), playing keep away with my family, car rides and snuggling. Ooo did I mention I love car rides?

Didn't I tell you? Lexi is adorable! It makes me so happy that she has a wonderful family and a wonderful outlook on life! Thank you Lexi! You get the Lola Scrappy Seal of Approval!

Jack Russells 1-Bears 0

This is why we can't have nice things.

Why do they always go after the nose and butt?

Feel Good Friday

Yahoo! Friday! Get Funky! Oh yeah! The weekend is almost here and I am feeling good. I've started my weekend early by blasting The Clash in my office and dancing around for a little bit. Doesn't everyone do that at 7:30 in the morning? Anyhoo....here are some things that are making me feel good today. I hope they do the same for you!

This isn't really a website or a place to go but it's my playlist and it is making me so happy right now. I'm jumping around the office like I'm twelve again.

Do ya-ELO
Wild One-Those Darlins (we'll get back to these guys!)
Howlin' at the Moon-The Ramones
I fought the Law- The Clash
Train in Vain-The Clash
Head on -Jesus and Mary Chain
Everywhere at Once-The Plimsouls
Mr. FixIt-The Amazing Crowns
I was Wrong-Social Distortion
Give a Little Bit-Supertramp (I know, this it totally out of left field, but it makes me feel good)
Alright-Darus Rucker
And what EVERY girl has on any mix tape, CD, ipod-ABBA!-Any song will do!

Okay, so now that I have you moving your butt, dancing around, smiling, I want to introduce you to Those Darlins. They are a super sassy girl band with a southern twang. My friend Lori emailed me and said that this song reminds her of me and that she could see me singing it. I completely agree with her! I think this might be my new theme song. I instantly fell in love with them and had to check out the rest of their CD. It is amazing! If they are coming to a town near you, check them out.


Speaking of cute, I was cruising Flickr this morning and ran across the cutest little embroidery! It was stitched up by kunderwood. I love her hair!


I adore everything louiseblack does! Her corsets are amazing.


We have been having a heatwave in Portland this week. It's been anywhere from 90-107 this past week and incase you don't know, the majority of us in the Pacific Northwest do not do well with heat. So, when I saw Craft post a DIY for ice cream drumstitcks, I knew I had to make some.


Well, there ya have it!A few things to make you happy on this Friday. I strongly suggest to make your smile a little bigger- put on your favorite outfit, blast your favorite tunes and dance like no one is watching. It works for me!