Chalk Cloth Instructions

I have added " Personalize your own lunch totes" as an alternative to an actual custom  bag. I did a custom (see Ann's Fit for Life) for a friend, but found it hard to do on the internet. Since I use alot of fabric samples, I only have one of a kind fabrics, for the most part. After much research, I found chalk cloth. It is fairly new and rather hard to find, but I think it is a fun alternative! It allows you to write your own, erasable message, drawings, or whatever YOU want!! So here are the instructions!
1- Read the directions on your pen, there are each alittle different. Some clean off with water, others with window cleaner.
2-Shake well, depress tip on scrap paper until the paint flows well. Then write your message, draw, have fun! Make sure it is completely dry, takes about 5 minutes. The shine will be completely gone. The paint will not rub off at this point.
3- To clean off, rub with a damp cloth, or spray window cleaner on cloth and rub off, depending on the brand of pen used.

 The chalk pens also come in colors. I found those at Micheals. This brand wipes off with water.
Regular chalk can also be used (hence the name chalkcloth)! The cloth should be prepared by chalking the fabric completely and wiping off twice. Keep in mind, the chalk will of course rub off on clothes.

So there you go!! I have included a white chalk pen with each Personalize it lunch tote I sell, as they are very hard to find. They would make a great give to a teacher- draw an apple on it, for a co-worker-with her name, for your kids-write their lunch menu for the day or team support hoots!
These are fairly new, let me know what you think!!!    debi

Step away from your computer!!!!

Being new to the internet world can be a bit overwhelming at times! It takes a while for me to figure out how to use FB and twitter and blogs, trying to promote my shop etc. Sometimes it is hard to balance the "virtual" world and the "real" world. Yesterday I decided to break away from working on the computer and cooked, cleaned and took some pictures. I didn't think I was doing very well until I looked back at the end of the day.
1) Made butternut squash soup! I don't measure much anymore while cooking, so for those of you that have basic cooking skills, here is a good recipe for leftover squash. (about 2 cups worth)

Saute about 1/8 cup onions in a little olive oil, add 1/2 teas sage, 1/2 teas thyme, 1/4 garlic powder, 1/4 teas smoked paprika. Stir in squash. Add about 4 cups of chicken broth and simmer for about 15 minutes. Blend till smooth in food processor, salt and pepper to taste. I also add a little cream at this point, but it is optional. Very good for a cool fall meal.
2) Checked my pomegranate tree. They are huge this year. I have to time them right to harvest, mine aren't a true red, so I can make pomegranate jam again this year!
3) Made a great dinner of simmered pork chops, scalloped potatoes, sauteed mushrooms and spinach.
4) Made chocolate chip cookies ( back on diet today!!)
5)Took fall pics in my yard. Here is a picture of my eastern redbud in the spring and now.Soon all the leaves will be gone.....
A few people on twitter mentioned how addicting it can be so.......
Be sure to step away from the computer and enjoy the small things in life ( after you read this)!! heeheee

Sunny California???

It's been crazy in Sacramento the last few days!!! We had the worst wind and rain storm ever in October. I managed to take a few pictures with my point and shoot camera, so named because my view finder is not working, so its "point and shoot" and hope it is somewhere near the object I am looking at! If it ever stops raining I will be shopping for a new one! ugh..... Enjoy the pictures, hope you are dry were ever you are! (click on pics to enlarge)