Who Wears The Pants?

Sometimes a person comes along that you just know instantly you are going to be friends. This is what happen when I met Amanda. She is a smart, sassy and a  knock down beautiful woman that can stitch like nobody's business. Once you find out more about her, you will want to be her friend too cause, yeah, she is just that cool.

Who is the real Amanda Panda Pants?
I am a relatively happy lady with a goofy personality
that can be a bit assertive, obnoxious and aggressive(this is
how the "Pants" of my moniker came about) at times. I love
music (currently British Rock), reading, and watching
movies, although right now I am deep into Season 1 of
Arrested Development. I also talk too much :)

Your embroidery is AMAZING! What or who inspires you?
Thank you!! I find inspiration EVERYWHERE!!! I
recently saw some posters at work that were an art deco
style and I thought "Hmmm I wonder where I can get some of
those so I can turn them into a embroidery pattern?"

A lot of my Flickr friends inspire me; Kunderwood, Penny
Nickels, Johhny Murder, Porterness, Bookwormbethie, Early
Bird Special, Jenny Hart, Bascom Houge, Mr. X Stitch,
Beefranck, Kromo - Threadstar, Themisstrest, Knottyknitty,
Giggly Mama, Follow the White Bunny, Georgia McDonald,
Allthestuffilike, Sewsew-a-gogo, Laura Hartrich, Badbird,
Snarkypants, Floresita, Glazedangel101, Sewitsforyou,
Lovestitches, Rachel McKay, Katiekutthroat, Claudia Marchan,
Ohsweetie, Karina Ascencio, Mimilove Forever, Ruby0042,
Jenni Waterloo, Moster8me, Ritapizza, Doe-c-Doe, Barncat1
and of course you Ms. Kittykill............really the list
goes on and on.

I feel inspired by all embroidery that I see on Flickr, and
what a great community the embroidery crowd is! Someone is
always willing to share methods, where to buy supplies,
share new books and vintage patterns. I truly feel like
you guys are my friends, even though we haven't met in
person.

I am also inspired a lot by print ads that I see in
magazines or images that catch my eye on the internet. Lord
Shiva was inspired by some clip art I stumbled into on the
net.

I think I love everything you do but do you have a favorite piece of embroidery?
Oooooh, this is a toughy. I think the one that truly stands out for me is the Thom Yorke piece. This is where I
saw my embroidery markedly improve. All the comments I got on Flickr cosigned the pride I felt.

Do you have any advice for the masses?
Just go for it. Don't worry about making mistakes, it
takes time to get it right. Always remember that it's about
having fun! Embroidery gives me a sense of freedom. I can
express myself and make something that is distinctively
mine, even if I am using a pattern developed by someone
else.

I saw that you like antiques and vintage finds. Do you collect anything?
I LOVE vintage anything! I am like a Magpie, I just
collect indiscriminately :) I have a good collection of
Chuck All Stars, purses and classic movies going at the
moment. I am currently having a love affair with earrings
from Target :)

I just saw a picture of your family and can I tell you they are BEAUTIFUL! What's their secret ? ;)
Goodness!!! Thank you so much :) Well I
am not sure what the secret is. My mom and dad are just
flat out cute good looking people. My sister was born
beautiful, she has the smoothest skin I have ever seen! I
call her brown alabaster :) For me I use A LOT of Vasaline.
I am of the school that moisturizer is key. I refuse to
wear makeup (I somehow manage to get it all over my clothes)
so I take great strides in making sure my skin looks the
best it can.

And you thought I was making the cool part up! Told you so! I simply adore Amanda. I'm betting her laugh is as infectious as her smile. I'm so glad that I can call her my friend.  Watch out for more of her amazing embroidery on Flickr. She will not disappoint.

Tie One On Tuesday

I want to give a big highball glass up to those waitresses in the sky, those ladies and gents who keep us filled with half glasses of soda and snack mix. I'm talking about a little salute to the flight attendants of the airways.

Now before you say, "Pam, I detect a little hint of sarcasm in your voice." I say, "au contrare", anyone who can put up with 70+ screaming demanding people and serve up a great cocktail while walking backwards in pumps, is okay me with me and although a lot of them I have run into lately have lost their passion for their job, they still deserve kudos.

So, what does an awesome Replacements song, flight attendants and cocktails have in common, well, I'm getting to that. One of the best, if not THE BEST Bloody Mary I have EVER had in my life has been on a plane. I'm not sure what they put in it, but brother, let me tell you. It is mighty fine! So, the next time you are on a flight and want a nice cocktail to ease your nerves and give you your daily dose of veggies, order a Bloody Mary-you will be pleasantly surprised.

Now, let's say you're not a Bloody Mary kind of person. That's cool, cause a lot of airlines now have their own "signature" drink. Alaska Airline has a special tiki cocktail for those going to Hawaii. It has fresh guava and mango juice in it and sounds so yummy. I bet if you ask real nice, they would give you an umbrella.  Mexican Airline has their very own mixologist coming up with new cocktails as we speak. Currently, you can get a Mai Tai, a pomegranate martini or their drink of choice-sweet turbulence (I have a feeling after a few of these, it's what you head will be doing)

Okay, you're not going to Hawaii or Mexico-you're just heading to San Francisco (cause I am this weekend-stop by the Craftster booth and say hello) well, if you fly Horizon they have local wines and beers for your tasting and they are free! I was so happy to have a wonderful Oregon Pinot last time I flew with them and as an added bonus-they give you yummy cookies.

If cocktails aren't your thing-a lot of airlines are offering specialty sodas now. Alaska offers Jones soda to their passengers.Other specialty airlines offer the local flavor soda.

Wherever you are going and no matter what airline you are flying-you can wet your whistle with yummy cocktails. Just remember, as always-moderation. We all want you to get to your final destination safe and sound. I will be back next week with some sensational cocktails for your holiday pleasure.

I'll be right back!

Hi everybody!
I'm just checking in to let you know that I'm still here and around! I am in Chicago right now for Renegade Craft Show with Craftster and I'll be in San Francisco next weekend for Bizarre Bizaare. So....posting will be a little spotting for the next week or so, but never fear-I'll be back in full force with drinky drinks and lots of goodies!


Take care!

Feeling Stitchy with Floresita

Floresita is one sassy, crafty lady! So many of us in the embroidery/needlework world would not be friends if it wasn't for her. She has brought a group of amazing talented people together and help us create a stitchy world. Let me tell you, she is crazy talented herself! Every piece she does, her personality really shines through. It's like she is giving you a big hug with every stitch she does.

Who is the real Floresita?
The real Floresita is snarky, goofy, nerdy, irritable, crafty, creative, bookish, easily bored, and quite shy. Mostly, she sits in comfortable chairs and goofs off. A LOT.

How did you start Feeling Stitchy and what is on the horizon for the site?
I started up Feeling Stitchy as an offshoot of the Flickr Embroidery group - we recruited a great group of bloggers (who totally volunteer their time, and rock, I might add) and blog on whatever we like. Mostly I limit myself to pointing out awesome stuff that catches my eye in the pool and being a general dorkwad.

In terms of future plans - more bloggers! More contests, maybe monthly themes. When it's right and it fits, maybe some ads, but I'm trying my hardest to keep us ad-free for now.

 I love all your vintage patterns, where do you find them and do you have a favorite?
I found all of my patterns on Ebay - my favorites, hands-down are the Vogarts. So kitschy cute, weird, and slightly creepy! Also, I've had wonderful strangers, out of nowhere, just mail me their collections. My collecting has slowed down lately, but I really recommend the Hoop Love pool on Flickr - there is so much awesomeness there.

Any advice for the masses?
Do what you love to do, all the time, and don't be afraid to share it with the people around you. That's advice to me, because I'm very private with a lot of my endeavors, but blogging has shown me that there are SO many people who "get" and love those things you do and make, even the weird crap that you make and think, "Uh, no one but me is gonna get this." :) Take chances, don't limit yourself, have faith in yourself, and use every opportunity to get to know people, to be generous, and to have fun.

Who or what inspires you?
Oh geez - I'm inspired by so much. Squirrels inspire me, and sparrows. I love their tenacity,
how they're both brown, dull-colored little things with so much life and pluck and energy. Flickr inspires me, all the people I've met and follow online - Jenny Hart, Craft, Craftster. Any movie about a weirdo, freak, or someone who doesn't fit in is usually up my alley. Music rocks my world and is a huge part of my life. God inspires me. Life inspires me. You inspire me!!! :)

Favorite food:
Panang curry beef (and any Thai food I can get my hands on)
Least favorite food:
White wedding cake (you know with the super-sweet frosting - yech!)

I don't have to tell you but I adore Floresita. She is one amazing woman! Her outlook on life, her kindness really can not be compared. I am so blessed to call her my friend and my inspiration. I can't wait for the next chapter n her adventures. Thank you Flor-for being such a wonderful mentor and friend to so many.

Tie One On Tuesday!

Hello faithful followers-know what time it is? That's right! It's martini time! It's really festive holiday martini time, but that's a little long so let's just go with martini time, shall we. Now that the holiday season is going in full force and you are planning the ultimate party-you need a nice signature drink-that's where the martini comes in handy.  Try these few to dazzle your guest.

The Snowman Twinkle Martini
Ingredients
1 ounce Goldschlager Cinnamon Schnapps
1/2 ounce of white rum-the stronger the better
2 teaspoons Kahlua coffee liqueur
Combine all ingredients in a shaker 3/4 full of cracked ice and shake, shake, shake!
Strain into 2 well chilled martini glasses and enjoy!

I don't know if this martini will make you twinkle but after a few , you will be zipping around the party thinking your light on your feet. Yippee!

I know, I know...don't quit my day job...okay onto another holiday favorite....

Let's get nuts Martini
(thanks to Ehow and ljbinkop)
Fill up your shaker with ice.
Add 3 oz. of vanilla vodka,
3 oz. Frangelica Liqueur
2 oz. half and half or milk.
Shake well and strain into chilled martini glasses.

This sounds so good to me.  Plus it  gives me a reason to go a little crazy. It's a win-win situation!

Another stop on our holiday martini train is a Gingersnap martini. It has a lot of ingredients but is really worth the work.
Ingredients:
1 ounce  Vodka
2 ounces Amaretto
1/2 ounce simple syrup
1/2 ounce molasses
2  slices of fresh ginger
pinch of cinnamon
pinch of clove
pinch of allspice
crystallized ginger for garnish
In the bottom of a cocktail shaker, place the ginger root, molasses,  simple syrup and spices and muddle  together (smash up real good)
Add ice and the rest of the ingredients.
Shake vigorously until the outside of the shaker is frosted and beaded with sweat.
Strain into a martini glass and garnish with crystallized ginger.

Oh yeah! I almost forgot about the designated driver! They should definitely not go without a little bit of tasty fun. How about a Virgin Apple Martini? This sounds so yummy and would actually be a great breakfast/brunch mocktail.

Apple Martini Mocktail
2 ounces Martinelli’s Sparkling Cider
1/2 ounce Granny Smith apple (chopped)
2 ounces lemon-lime soda
2 dashes cinnamon
1/2 cups crushed ice
Put ingredients in blender, add ice, blend. Pour into martini glass. Garnish with an apple wedge and serve.

Okay all you party goers and party havers-a few twist on the classic martini. These flavorful gems will surely get your party going and I'm betting a least one person will put a lampshade on their head.

The Thin Man

It's definitely no secret that I love a good classic movie and if I find one that I like, well, I will watch it over and over again till I basically know the entire dialogue. I may need to seek help on this habit.   The Thin Man staring William Powell, Myrna Loy and Asta the dog is just this type of movie. The original was incredibly successful and inspired several adventures with Nick and Nora Charles.

The first Thin Man  begins with Nick Charles having a four year absence from any detective work and living the life of luxury off his wife's inheritance. He is approached by a long time friend whose father is accused of murder. Nick is very reluctant to take the  case but at the very cute and sweet pestering of his wife, Nora, he finally does and the mystery begins.  The chemistry begin Powell and Loy has very rarely been matched. They play off eachother and bring a sense of silliness to an otherwise grim subject. For some extra comic relief is Asta the dog-the Charles' wire hair terrier (so stinking cute!).

The next in a number of sequels is my favorite-After The Thin Man. Nick and Nora have returned from the holiday in New York and are now home in San Francisco. On New Year's Eve Nora's cousin enlist the Charles to help her find her husband who has been missing for several days. We are all left to wonder, who killed who, who is in cahoots with who and what is going on with Mrs. Asta and that little scottie down the street. As an added bonus, we get to see a young Jimmy Stewart  that is a little hard to recognize. This sequel definitely holds up to the first.

The third in the series-which is also wonderful, is Another Thin Man. This time we have a new baby added to the family. The Charles family is back in New York with little Nicky Jr. by their side and of course-don't forget Asta! They are invited by a family friend to Long Island for the weekend but there is an underlying motive that involves a mystery. Murder and Mayhem ensue and Nick and Nora solve another case with wonderful one liners.

There were three more in the series: Shadow of the Thin Man, The Thin Man Goes Home Song of the Thin Man, and Alias Nick and Nora. Each are wonderful comedy mysteries that will tickle your funny bone while having you on the edge of your seat.

The Thin Man series is such a wonderful example of classic movies that stand the test of time. I hear over at Amazon they even have a box set -just saying, ya know...Christmas is coming up. Where was I, oh yes-mix up your favorite martini, kick back and enjoy the exciting romp that only Nick and Nora can bring you.

Scrappy Dog Sunday!

Okay! Turkey feasting is over! Time to get back to business. I hope all my US friends had a great holiday and for my international friends-I hope you had a great Thursday! I've been getting a lot of readers wondering how Pete is doing and if he is fitting in. Pete is doing GREAT! He is the silliest little man ever! He is fitting in with his sisters, taking long walks, playing with toys and barking when the wind blows 200 miles away. I didn't think it was possible for a little dog to be such a chow hound but if we didn't watch out for him, he would be a MinPin Macy's Thanksgiving Day balloon.  I am so glad that he is a part of the Pedersen household.

There is nothing better than adopting a little furry or feathered beast. If you want a particular breed, check out the rescues in your area. We adopted Pete from Southern Star MinPin Rescue. They are based in Texas but reach 12 other states and some areas in Canada. If you check out their latest newsletter on page 12 you will see a cute little couple taking home their little man.

If a particular breed rescue isn't your style, than check out your local shelters. This weekend in Oregon, the Humane Society had a "Black Friday" special. For some reason, black fur animals have a harder time being adopted so all animals with black fur were highlighted for adoption this weekend. Check out your local shelter for all types of animals from rats to goats to kitties. There is a pet out there for you.

I again want to stress how important it is to be 100% ready for a pet in your life. If you don't have time or energy for a pet than please think of other ways to connect with your furry friends. You can donate your time to a shelter or a rescue outreach. Go in and connect with a kitty, ask to walk your neighbor's dog, borrow a goat to mow your lawn. There are a million ways to help our furry monsters. If you are allergic, how about donating food or cold hard cash to a shelter or maybe getting a fish to swim around and relax you. I hear that they are excellent listeners.

So everybody-reach out to our animal world and make a fuzzy life better. You can make a difference and think of all the love you will get in return. It's a win-win situation! Now if you'll excuse me, I think Pete heard the pope sneeze-gotta go calm the troops!