‘Parent Society’ Articles at Sweetnicks

Introducing: Sweetnicks’ Sundries

December 2, 2011 · Narrative

I have always been a creative sort. Whether it’s writing, cooking, rubber stamping, photography, or making a Thanksgiving banner for our mantle, I like to exercise that part of my brain. Of course, with kids, it means I don’t always have the time to pursue such endeavors, but it doesn’t stop me from trying.

I have bought many hair clips over the years for Madeline, my nieces, and friends’ daughters. Of course, until only recently, the hair clips I’d buy for Madeline would sit largely unused in a jar. It turns out that if her Mom makes them, she wears them though. Who knew? While that wasn’t the only inspiration behind starting Sweetnicks’ Sundries, it’s certainly fun to create with my daughter in mind.

I have been making countless clippies over the last few weeks, in preparation for a vendor show tomorrow. After that, I’ll be putting them online in a new Etsy shop. (I’ve put one of my favorite clips in there now, just to start you out). I’ve got to say, it’s been an adventure sourcing the supplies, the ribbons, mixing and matching flowers and sequins and jewels, and this might be just the beginning. I have all sorts of plans in mind.

Need a stocking stuffer or small gift for a little one on your list this holiday? I’ve got you covered.

Before I leave you …

Sarah is having a fantabulous giveaway RIGHT NOW that you’ll want to check out. And if you don’t already read her other blog, Sassy Closet, you can get a mini peek into our living room right here (totally blushing on the kind words she bestowed on me!).
I have two more articles up on Parent Society’s website on divorce – Divorce Don’ts – How to Divorce and Keep Your Dignity Intact, and Taking the Bah Humbug Out of Divorce.

Alright folks, all for tonight. xoxo Cate

How to Snap Out of a Funk … in 10 Easy Steps

October 27, 2011 · Narrative

But, of course, we all know it’s not that easy, is it? But the idea really isn’t about snapping out of your funk, but more so, redirecting your funkiness. A dear friend popped up on GoogleTalk late this afternoon and mentioned she was in a funk. Given the cold, wet, and downright dreary day we’ve had here in the Northeast today, I can’t say I blame her, but this funk was pre-weather. We’ve all been there. Sometimes more often than we care to admit. A big overwhelming feeling of the blahs. The I-don’t-want-to-do-anything thank you very much. But the question is … how best to defunk yourself? For me, it comes down to basically taking a mind break. Doing something that requires absolutely, positively zero brain power.

Make a list of things that put you in your happy place. And go do one.
Watch cartoons with the kids.
Bake up a batch of homemade cookies. Nothing says defunk thyself more than a warm chocolate chip cookie fresh from the oven.
Take a nap.
Grab a coloring book and a box of fresh Crayolas and go to town. In my early 20s, it was one of my favorite forms of therapy. And to this day, the reason why I have my very own set of markers and crayons that I don’t share with the kids.
Clean out your pantry or a kitchen cabinet that overwhelms you. I don’t just mean rearrange everything. Empty it, wipe it down, throw away what you don’t need, donate what you don’t want, and put it all back. Neater. Better.
Go through your shoe collection. What fits? What doesn’t? Toss, donate, trade, trash.
Chick-lit. Invented for defunkifying sessions, no doubt.
Purge. Whether it’s your filing cabinet, the top of your desk, or your nightstand, or a combination of all three, go through and purge. Nothing makes me breathe deeper than getting rid of stuff.
Paint your nails. The Fall line of Essie is swoonworthy, just ask my friend, Beth. Take a few minutes, indulge in some me time, and pretty up those digits.

Would love to hear about YOUR ways to snap out of a funk – do share with the class! Although not currently in a funk, my mindless activity tonight included hole-punching millions of scalloped circles and butterflies. And I don’t think “millions” is an exaggeration. The circles are for a project I’m making for Madeline’s room (tutorial coming when it’s done), and with the scraps I had leftover, I made butterfly confetti. Butterfly confetti which can be yours with a purchase from my Etsy shop. Perfect for scrapbooking, a photo shoot, table decorating, or an upcoming fete, they are tiny, pretty, and all shades of pink. Doesn’t pink make everything better? Oh wait, that might be bacon. It makes me happy just to look at them. And now I can send YOU that happiness too.

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Recipe: Boiling Cookies (aka No Bake Cookies)

October 17, 2011 · Narrative

I thought I first fell in love with these cookies when I discovered them at Governor’s restaurant on one of our trips to visit my sister at college in Maine many years ago. But then come to find out, that my mom used to make them for us when we were kids. My memory is apparently spotty. I have yet to find a recipe that is as awesome as the ones from Governor’s, but this recipe is a mighty fine close second. That and it saves that pesky 8 hour trip to Maine to visit Governor’s.

Mix a few pantry ingredients in a pan on the stove. Drop by spoonful onto some wax paper. Wait for them to set. And try to hold yourself back from eating your weight in cookies. Nick loves these. I love them. Madeline loves them. Needless to say, we don’t make ’em too often. Make them and devour. Share with your friends, neighbors, and those who you need to say a special thank you to. Or hoard them all to yourself while watching the Real Housewives of New Jersey duke it out during their reunion special. I won’t tell. Swear….