getcrafty :: popular topics :: food and wine :: wine

View entire thread: hand-painting wine glasses in need of suggestions!

Posted by platinumblonde on 2006-08-15 10:45:01      Post Subject: hand-painting wine glasses in need of suggestions!



my cousin is getting married this fall and i wanted to do something creative for her. i am thinking about hand paint wine glasses for her.

I have never painted wine glasses before...I have etched & painted glass before, but never glasses specifically, and never for a gift as important as this!

i was wondering if anyone has ever done this as a gift and if they have any suggestions...what glass paint do you prefer? what techniques, methods, primers etc have worked for you. Is there anything I should avoid all together??

I was really hoping that some of you crafty peeps could give me some advice, maybe even some ideas before I start this project. i am a perfectionist who likes to do my research & cover my bases before delving into something, so all ideas, advice, stories, etc are welcome!!!

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View entire thread: craftbunnies nyc fall listings

Posted by stellagal78 on 2004-10-15 16:49:13      Post Subject: craftbunnies nyc fall listings

Fall / Winter events --- e-mail me if you are interested in attending!

craftbunnies nyc: Upcoming Events

October
Mosaic Workshop at Painted Pot
www.paintedpot.com
Call to register or e-mail: lisa@paintedpot.com

November

November Meeting: 4pm Sunday, November 7th at Jenny's
RSVP: just_jennysilver@yahoo.com
Treats will be provided!

Potato and apple stamping
Supply List*:
Apples
Potatoes
Stamp pad or paint
Knife
Cookie cutters (optional)
Something to stamp (i.e. plain paper to make wrapping paper, note cards, tote bags, etc.)
*If you have trouble locating any of the supplies, let Beth and Taryn know.

Turkey Bucket – (approx $1 / pp)
Turkey place card holders (approx $4 for 12)

You are responsible for your own materials for the stamping (be creative! Ideally, everyone will bring supplies to share with the group) If you’d like your turkeys ordered for you, please place your “order” with Beth or Taryn by Tuesday, October 19, 2004 to ensure they arrive on time (or feel free to order your own from www.orientaltrading.com)

If you have other project ideas, it’s not too late! Please e-mail them!

E-mail Beth, Jenny or Taryn for subway directions to Jenny's and address.

December

4pm December 5th Meeting
Location: TBD (if you’d like to hostess*, please let Beth know)
Details to follow

Cookie Exchange
(formal instructions to follow, but please plan to provide 6 cookies per personal participating)
Ornament Making
Wreath Making
Holiday Cards
If you have ideas for other non-denominational projects, let Beth or Taryn know!

December 17th Gingerbread House Workshop at Artez’n

7-9pm
Build your dream house...and then eat it! A new twist on an old favorite. Use graham crackers, frosting, candy and a little imagination to build a brownstone, a castle or even a trailer, any structure you like! Must be 21+. Free wine included/BYOB. All supplies included. Taught by Stacey Goldman-Laughter. Must be 21+. Free wine included/BYOB. All supplies included. Register at www.artezn.com Mention craftbunnies for 10% off!! We’ll be having dinner after!

Secret Snowflake?

If you are interested in signing up let Beth or Taryn know (and include your mailing address!). This is a one-month secret craft swap where you are assigned one person (who doesn’t know who you are!). You will send them (via postal mail) one craft each week for four weeks leading up to the holidays. Your secret snowflake will be revealed at the end of the project (perhaps at our December meeting, after Gingerbread class OR at a craftbunnies holiday party??). Please do not spend more than $25 on supplies, etc for this project. Have fun and be creative! It’s meant to be fun.

*Hostesses are responsible for taking RSVP’s, providing workspace and directions to the location and food and beverages. You can chose a location other than your home if you know of a place that would be appropriate! (I.e. a fun coffee shop with work space).

posted by Craft Bunny @ 4:37 PM

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View entire thread: Whatcom County

Posted by lauraboy on 2006-04-05 12:01:33      Post Subject: Whatcom County

I've tried for several years to get a craft group off the ground here. Looking for a few women who would like to rotate houses, drink wine, nosh and work on our own projects as well as teach each other new skills. Anyone interested? Anyone? Anyone? Bueller?

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View entire thread: We need recipes and food ideas?

Posted by anthrogirl on 2006-11-09 20:42:36      Post Subject: We need recipes and food ideas?

Do you want to explain how wine can perk up your dinner without being expensive? Do you hve a favorite recipe for lemonade? are you a whiz at whipping up a fun breakfast for 6? We need your ideas for the GetCrafty Community Book. Please see the new forum section, and help us make this charity idea a reality.

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View entire thread: craft meet-up austin, tx

Posted by peppermintsquare on 2005-01-08 12:37:57      Post Subject: craft meet-up austin, tx

Please excuse cross-postings...

Get Your Craft On
Thursday, January 20
6:00 - 9:00 pm
The Workshop
1211 West Sixth Street, Suite 400
Austin, Texas 78703
(512) 473-ARTS (2787)

Just bring whatever crafty project you happen to be working on, snacks and beverages (wine and beer are okay too!). If you don't have a specific project to bring, never fear - you can purchase a kit at the Workshop to work on that night. They sell beads and bead tools, mosaic kits, paint your own ceramics and more.

The group list can be found here: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/ausglitterati

Hope to see you there!

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View entire thread: austin tx crafty meet-up

Posted by peppermintsquare on 2004-11-24 08:45:45      Post Subject: austin tx crafty meet-up

Please excuse cross-postings...

Get Your Craft On
6:30 - 9:00 pm Wednesday, December 8th

The Workshop
1211 West Sixth Street, Suite 400
Austin, Texas 78703
(512) 473-ARTS (2787)

Just bring whatever crafty project you happen to be working on, snacks and beverages (wine and beer are okay too!). If you don't have a specific project to bring, never fear - you can purchase a kit at the Workshop to work on that night. They sell beads and bead tools, mosaic kits, paint your own ceramics and more.

The group list can be found here:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/ausglitterati

Hope to see you there!

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View entire thread: craft meet-up austin, tx - february 6

Posted by peppermintsquare on 2005-01-29 10:34:07      Post Subject: craft meet-up austin, tx - february 6

Please excuse cross-postings...

Crafty Meet-Up
Sunday, February 6th
1:00 - 4:00ish pm
The Work*Shop
1211 West Sixth Street, Suite 400
Austin, Texas 78703
(512) 473-ARTS (2787)

Just bring whatever crafty project you happen to be working on, snacks and beverages (wine and beer are okay too!). If you don't have a specific project to bring, never fear - you can purchase a kit at the Work*Shop to work on that night.

***We will also be doing a craft supply swap on this date. Bring any crafty supplies that you no longer need and trade for supplies that you do need.

The group list can be found here: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/ausglitterati

Hope to see you there!

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View entire thread: AD: Castle in the Meadow Event ~ Altered Art Extravaganza

Posted by Chelise on 2008-03-10 01:36:39      Post Subject: AD: Castle in the Meadow Event ~ Altered Art Extravaganza

ZNE is proud to announce its first ever altered art extravaganza meeting and event.

The Castle in the Meadow
Sunday June 8
Rochester, Michigan

Tour a historic castle and the grounds, join fellow mixed media and altered art enthusiasts for a fully hosted wine and hors dourvre reception, swap charms and meeting charming friends, and finish off the day with a mixed media paper craft castle workshop. Go home with new friends, inspiration, a charm bracelet full of incredible charms made by your fellow attendees, your own castle artwork created during the workshop (all supplies included) AND a goody bag stuffed to the brim with goodies and altered art supplies.

Limited space available, if you are in the Midwest, or will be anywhere near the midwest in June, do not miss out on this incredible event.

http://www.CastleintheMeadow.com

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View entire thread: Westside Stitchers: a Knitting/Crochet Group, Middleton, WI

Posted by Michelle Livanos on 2006-11-27 17:51:06      Post Subject: Westside Stitchers: a Knitting/Crochet Group, Middleton, WI

Hi there,

Just thought I'd plug my knitting group. Anybody who lives in the Madison/ Middleton, WI area and knits/crochets or just learning is invited to join our group. We meet every Monday night 7PM at Barriques Coffee Trader/Wine Market located at 1901 Cayuga Street in downtown Middleton, across the street from the post office. Come join us for some stitching fun and comaraderie. (Bring money for a beverage.)

-Michelle

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View entire thread: house guest ideas

Posted by Nancy Flynn on 2004-12-27 16:55:40      Post Subject:

oh yes... love the cheap sangria. are you ready?

cheap wine
safeway select lemon/lime, or sprite or similar soda
frozen strawberries (sliced ones are good so you don't have to fish them out with your fingers when drinking)
juicy oranges cut into bits

any other fruit you feel is necessary in sangria.

put equal amounts of wine and lemon/lime soda in your pitcher, then your strawberries, oranges and any other fruit you like. Pop it in the fridge to let it get nice and cold, and let the fruit juice mingle with the wine. It is good if the lemon/lime is still fizzy when you drink it, but not entirely necessary.

I know it sounds entirely low-rent, but I've served it at parties and people FREAK OUT. And for some reason I can drink a lot of it and get giggly, but not have a horrid hang over in the morning...

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View entire thread: Wine and Fun in NY Hudson Valley

Posted by Goodgirlfriday on 2005-12-29 17:24:36      Post Subject: Wine and Fun in NY Hudson Valley

If you are in the NY region and looking for a great activity with pals, I highly recommend wine touring in the Hudson Valley. They have some really strong chardonnay (in the style of buttery Australian and clean crisp French) as well as some great pino noir and red blends.
http://www.shawangunkwinetrail.com/

It is a great "bust out of the city" adventure and is much closer than the North Fork vineyards on Long Island. Also, the discounts on the already-reasonable bottles make for a great wine rack stocking event.

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View entire thread: A quick 'n' dirty recipe- turkey

Posted by anthrogirl on 2006-11-15 23:27:32      Post Subject: A quick 'n' dirty recipe- turkey

I came home tonight and I was tired- really tired. And I had turkey breast in the fridge. Why, I don't know. I hate turkey breast. For some reason I bought it. But like I said- I was really tired. And hungry. And I'd had a rough day.

So. I wanted to cook the turkey breast that had ben in the fridge for a couple of days. And I wanted to cook it fast.

Luckily I had gone to the Chocolate Show this past weekend, an I had bought some spice mix for white meat. For some reason I had convinced myself that this was a solid turkey breast, but it wasn't- it was all nice and sliced.

Sliced real turkey breast. Exotic-smelling spices. And on hand, a half bottle of white burgundy. Even better- some fresh lemon thyme, bought this weekend.

Slathered the slices of breast with spices. Pulled some lemon thyme off the stems and threw it on the turkey as filler. Rolled each piece up. Too hungry to toothpick or tie them. Opened the wine- it was good. Poured some olive oil in the pan. Added some unsalted butter. Added some wine. Gently placed the rolled-up turkey in the hot pan, all four pieces. Let them cook over low-medium heat, turning them as they turned white so they wouldn't get tough. Listened to them sizzle as I turned them bit by bit. When they were cooked I took them out of the pan, made a quick roux of flour and cold water, and poured some more wine in the pan to deglaze it. Added the roux and stirred it in. Added some ground pepper and sea salt. Added some more thyme- just a bit. Added some butter to make the sauce glossy. Turned the pan off, and poured some of the sauce over one of the rolled turkey pieces. It was f---ing fantastic. Had a small glass of wine. Saluted my ingenuity with another quick 'n'dirty recipe, which is what I call it when I just have to do something fast and I don't worry about the niceties.

I'll clean up the kitchen in the morning. My mind and tummy are now happy.

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View entire thread: Wedding gifts

Posted by girlsavage on 2006-05-20 09:36:31      Post Subject:

I like the emboidery idea...how about on towels with one of their names on each. This is handy if you use the same towel a couple days in a row to tell who used which one. ;)

A couple of years ago I made wine glass charms for a couple that have wine nights at their house pretty often. You could also use the embroidery idea and do their initials on cocktail napkins, like of it's Dick and Jane Nobody, ~DNJ~. Or going with the wine glass idea, hand paint some wine glasses with glass paint.

Some friends of mine made napkin rings for another of our friends. They were a big hit and get used at all of her dinner parties.

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View entire thread: CLOSED: SUITESHOP CHICAGO

Posted by nataxia on 2006-07-27 18:54:01      Post Subject:

Come Have A Glass of Wine & Check Out Some Amazing Things!

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View entire thread: a long distance valentine ...

Posted by rachelrifat on 2005-02-11 12:22:56      Post Subject: long distance salvation

What I have done in the past with my many long distance loves is do a yellow page search near their home. There should be an online yellow pages for london.

You can find local florists, shops, and restaurants... They will hardly charge for delivery when close by. Once, I had a fabulous wine house walk over an incredible bottle of wine to one of my love's.

Order him (by phone, fax, or email) a fab curry dinner and have them deliver it with a note!

Order him his favorite CDs at the Virgin Mega Store UK... Don't know if you will have time to make it for delivery.

Totally avoid shipping costs from now on!

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View entire thread: Wine for New Year's Celebration

Posted by vijaybhatter on 2005-01-08 05:10:01      Post Subject: Wine for New Year's Celebration

Hi Friends,
I am new to this forum and really happy to be part of this. As everyone suggested their favorite link I would also like to add one site through which I often buy wine and it has been really good and prompt service I have recieved.

Grapes Wine Selection Specialists.

Their rates are really competitive and they offer FREE delivery in connecticut. My friend recommended their name and since then I have been buying wine online through them only. Recently I have purchase bunch of good wine collection through them and trust me it was delivered in good condition and were really great.

I recommend them to all.

Cheers,

Vijay Bhatter
India Forums

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View entire thread: wine corks - got any - can I have them?

Posted by quornflour on 2006-01-18 01:52:04      Post Subject: wine corks - got any - can I have them?

A friend of mine has decided to "tile" her wine cellar walls with wine corks. While the idea is super cool, it is also very cork consuming...
To help her out, I figured I'd ask...
got any? can I 'ave 'em?

they can be cork or plastic or foam or whatever...

it takes WAY more wine plugs than you might think...

so if you are a wine drinker, or work someplace that serves wine and want to be rid of them...


PLEASE SEND THEM TO ME!!!

my address is:
F. Meade
2442 8th Ave N #306
Seattle, WA 98109

I will get pictures if she ever has enough to complete the project... Anyone???


~Q

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View entire thread: CLOSED: SUITESHOP CHICAGO

Posted by nataxia on 2006-07-15 23:44:21      Post Subject: CLOSED: SUITESHOP CHICAGO

****It was a great time, thanks to all who stopped by!********


We are open for business, now until 6PM. We will be reopening tomorrow from 2:30-6 as well (after that little fiasco yesterday). The wine & Champagne are chilling, the womens wear is fantastic & the location & tunes are great!

Suite Shop Chicago
17 East Monroe St.
Palmer House Hilton
Suite 162 on the 12th Floor

Saturday & Sunday 2:30-6
Other times by appointment

This is the official Launch for SuiteShop. Suite Shop is an exclusive retail experience offering the best handcrafted clothing, accessories, & other accoutrements from the finest indie designers.
We are a shop. We are your personal stylist. We are coming soon to your town. We have parties & offer private appointments. Locations remain undisclosed until just a few hours before the event so get on the list! Join the club! And be ready for when we hit your town!

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View entire thread: Granny Panties Mother's Day Bazaar * May 13th * Portland, OR

Posted by grannypanties on 2007-03-11 23:13:41      Post Subject: Granny Panties Mother's Day Bazaar * May 13th * Portland, OR

We are gearing up for the next Granny Panties Craft Bazaar set to take place on Mother's Day, May 13th, from 11am to 4pm at The Victory! It's a different venue and it's ALL ages!

The Victory 3652 SE Division St, Portland, OR 97202 is a new Wine Bar in the neighborhood. It's a super nice space with huge windows, lots of great daylight & lots of open room. We can easily fit 18 to 22 crafters! http://grannypantiescraftbazaar.com/

Thank you! from Andrea & Chrissy

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View entire thread: sangria!

Posted by dalva on 2005-05-29 18:42:27      Post Subject:

Don't ever tell anyone I gave you this. I jest, of course. I am a second generation displaced Spaniard and this is a family recipe.
I am giving it out, because there are so many lame representations out there, I would rather that people were drinking the real thing and my dead family members were pissed off than have you all drinking some jungle juice crap masquerading as Sangria.

Sangria

2 Bottles of red wine (I use one Merlot and one Cabernet)
1 C Brandy
1 C Orange Juice
1 Orange
1 Apple
1 Nectarine
3 Cans of Fresca
Sugar to taste

Find a large container (I use a soup pot). Empty the wine bottles into it.
Slice the orange, wedge the apple as well as the nectarine, add to wine.
Pour brandy and orange juice in, give it a stir.
Taste your concoction to determine if you need sugar, add according to your taste.
At this point, you can let it sit for at least an hour (the fruit is being infused by the alcohol) and as long as over night (depending on your climate you may need to refridgerate)

Right before you serve it, add the cans of Fresca.

I will say, people have a tendency to get sh*t-faced when this is around. A cup of the fruit alone is enough to make you fall off your chair. I hope you likey. PM me if you need any clarification or you want to tell me off for being so arrogant.

Love and Stuff
Dalva

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View entire thread: making a lighter dye

Posted by lizbot on 2004-07-28 17:40:53      Post Subject: making a lighter dye

so i was intending to dye a white dress periwinkle, but i could only get my hands on rit dye (liquid, not powder) in royal blue and wine. i was thinking of taking the royal blue and adding a little bit of the wine to make a blue-purple. if i just add a lot of water, will the dye weaken (and not work), or will it end up being the periwinkle i'd always dreamed of?

does anyone have any advice re: lightening dye colors?

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View entire thread: shiraz, syrah

Posted by susan*s on 2004-07-06 02:25:53      Post Subject: shiraz, syrah

anyone else a fan?

I like

Elk Cove (this is an Oregon/Washington wine, it's SO good)

Charles Shaw (super cheap at Trader Joe's)

Alice White (Australian shiraz you can buy at Safeway)

Banrock Station (ditto)

Give me some new ideas!

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View entire thread: anniversary!

Posted by canary on 2005-06-07 11:31:46      Post Subject:

2 years is wonderful, jay! You could craft something that has meaning to both of you; for instance if you met at a ballgame you could create a memorabilia with a football and a photo. If you share a passion for music or wine you could decorate wine glasses with song notes (depending on your craft talents) If you're short on time, and you have the $$ you could find something he'd like and personalize it with initals. A throw blanket, a key chain, a frisbee! why not??

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View entire thread: house guest ideas

Posted by missmolly512 on 2004-12-27 16:16:21      Post Subject: house guest ideas

Hello!
Does anyone have a good sangria recipe? I got some "inexpensive" red wine for christmas, and wanted to have it in a tropical theme new years get together. The fewer steps the better!!

Thanks,
missmolly

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View entire thread: embarassing moments

Posted by Sommer on 2004-09-17 08:52:34      Post Subject:

This happened many years ago, but still gives me chills. When my twins were about 3 months old, my parents came over to babysit so I could go out to dinner with my husband. I hadn't been out of the house in WEEKS! We went to a casual restaurant, ordered a bottle of wine, which was poured into glasses. While reading the menu, I reached over to pick up my wine glass, to bring it to my lips for a big ole' drag, only to realize, waaaay too late, that I was chugging from the bottle....

I looked around as I put in down and EVERYONE was looking at me...including my husband.

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View entire thread: Wine Bags

Posted by cathie_Filian on 2008-01-05 12:07:05      Post Subject: Wine Bags From Old Jeans

I have made many wine bags from old jeans and pants over the years. They are easy to make and if you attach the pocket (sew or glue) you have a spot for a note or a wine bottle opener. You can add patches, trim, ribbons, etc. They super cute with old cords.

http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m104/cathiefilian/project%20pictures/1winebags.jpg
Sorry the picture stinks!

This is from the "Wardrobe Revival" episode of Creative Juice.
Visit Here For Complete Instructions: Wardrobe Revival Projects

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View entire thread: CROCK NOT COOKING

Posted by moon_lemming on 2004-12-22 14:53:36      Post Subject:

I haven't had a chance to give my crockpot a go except for pot roasts recently, but there are a bunch of (non-red-meat) recipes here: http://www.getcrafty.com/viewtopic.php?t=342

eta: now that I think about it I'm not sure if I mean pot roast or beef stew. heh. hunk of beef + potatoes + carrots + red wine, basically. whatever that is.

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View entire thread: Casting Resin?

Posted by frenziedabjection on 2006-09-04 22:06:47      Post Subject: Casting Resin?

I'm trying to find information about casting resin. I was at a bar once in laramie, wy and the bar top was made of wine corks perfectly fit together with some sort of resin poured over. This gave me a million ideas but I'm not quite sure where to find this or what type of resin was used for this. Any ideas?

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View entire thread: Pomegranate wine?

Posted by cackalackie on 2006-02-10 16:41:03      Post Subject:

I'm pretty sure I've tasted Armenian pomegrantate wine. It was very sweet. That's not to say it wouldn't be good with the right dish.......

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View entire thread: Chocolate Chip Cookies + Wine

Posted by voodoopinupqueen on 2007-01-23 14:19:27      Post Subject: Chocolate Chip Cookies + Wine

I need a chocolate chip cookie recipe (dark chocolate?) that will go well with red wine for my writing club meeting. I''m sort of a pioneer cook, i.e. I''m poor and don''t have a lot of fancy utensils to work with--no Kitchen Aid or mixer, just some spoons, wisks, and a well-toned upper body.

lipstick kisses,
Libby

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View entire thread: Chocolate Chip Cookies + Wine

Posted by Ratti Pillo on 2007-02-12 23:46:42      Post Subject:

have you tried just sub. semi-sweet choco chips with dark choco chips? The whole wine-chocolate pairing is a newly discovered thing for myself; I was eating some chocolate covered pecans during a sugar binge, and nursing a glass of red (cabernet) and had both at the same time and it was pretty sublime. How about milk chocolate chips and pecan cookies?

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View entire thread: Wine Carrier?

Posted by gg05 on 2006-01-02 13:48:34      Post Subject:

My MIL bought a flower arrangement done in one of these....it had fake grapes and wine glasses and stuff stuck in floral foam.

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View entire thread: My brain needs help!!

Posted by smudgy_cat on 2006-09-07 16:31:19      Post Subject:

could you put together wine and cheese basket kits? You could make the wine glass charms and put in a nice fabric square to line the basket, and get some little cheese knives and make some cheese name labels. You could make the labels with some non-reactive/food safe wire that is looped to hold a piece of paper. You could also make some copper tags with the cheese name pressed in.

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View entire thread: Computer keys

Posted by Miss M on 2004-11-07 13:24:06      Post Subject:

wine charms?

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View entire thread: help!...foul wine!

Posted by ada on 2004-10-12 07:36:07      Post Subject:

I'd say go the deserts route.

* 'Boozy fruit' (chopped fruit - oranges and strawberries are good - with alcohol poured on, maybe some sugar added, left to sit an hour or two); nice with icecream or marscapone or something like that.
* Fruit stewed in wine and some other spices can be nice - e.g. stone fruits (like plums) are good with red wine and some cardamon pods.
* alcoholic trifle - soak sponge cake chunks in the wine, add a layer of custard, one of fruit (tinned is fine I think) and one of cream.

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View entire thread: carpet stains

Posted by cackalackie on 2005-05-23 15:48:59      Post Subject:

This was the topic of conversation Saturday night, when I was at a fully white-carpeted house for a party at which much red wine was spilt. The word was Resolve or Oxy Clean.

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View entire thread: Spider Web Earrings Tutorial

Posted by karenmc on 2007-10-18 13:45:42      Post Subject: Spider Web Earrings Tutorial

Hi Everyone,

I''m new to the forums and thought I''d begin by sharing with you a new craft I made this month. These are little spider web earrings, they are made using a wine charm ring (found in crafts stores by the jewelry section). The rings are threaded with seed beads, and the web is created using black embroidery floss. The little spider that dangles is made from two tiny pom poms and the legs are made out of staples. A complete tutorial can be found at: http://www.crafts-for-all-seasons.com/spider-web-earrings.html

http://www.crafts-for-all-seasons.com/image-files/81.finished.large.jpg

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View entire thread: "girls night in" any craft ideas???

Posted by juna on 2004-10-28 16:51:30      Post Subject:

You could make your own sugar-or salt- scrubs to take home.

I make a lavender sugar scrub from:

2 c. raw turbinado sugar
a small glug of grapeseed or almond oil
about 8 vitamin E tablets (prick the gel cap and squeeze out the goo)
a few drops of lavender essential oil (or other essential oil of your choice)
Mix and keep in a clean glass jar. Maybe even personalize a label for each with contact paper.

Wine glass charms would also be fun to make, and use, at the party. Ringsnthings.com sells the wire hoops (conveniently categorized in their wine charm section). You could shrinky dink some charms for them, too!

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View entire thread: Wine Carrier?

Posted by Shanthony on 2006-01-02 10:32:28      Post Subject: Wine Carrier?

My boss gave me two wine carriers. They look really cheesy, but I was wondering If anyone had any cool ideas on how to repurpose them. If I cant find anything to do with them I may just take off the hinges and handles and use them on other projects.

This is what it looks like.
http://www.comfortchannel.com/prod.itml/icOid/4537?ovchn=FRO&ovcpn=Outdoor+Recreation&ovcrn=4537&ovtac=CMP

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View entire thread: help!...foul wine!

Posted by EvesApple on 2004-10-14 14:14:33      Post Subject:

* Fruit stewed in wine and some other spices can be nice - e.g. stone fruits (like plums) are good with red wine and some cardamon pods.

Now there's an idea...apples and pears are still in season...mmm...cardamom....*swoon*

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View entire thread: help!...foul wine!

Posted by EvesApple on 2004-10-11 11:20:00      Post Subject: help!...foul wine!

*hangs head in shame* I'm not even going to tell you where I bought this wine, all I'm going to say is that I knew better. Now I have this horrible SWEET wine and I can't think of anything to do with it. Spaghetti sauce and anything bourguignonne is out...and I don't have a taste for sangria. Any ideas what to do with it?

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View entire thread: looking for plastic charm wholesaler/buying in bulk

Posted by Dawn32 on 2007-06-14 13:42:34      Post Subject: looking for plastic charm wholesaler/buying in bulk

I'm looking for a wholesaler who sells plastic charms in bulk. I'm looking for those little wine bottles, pop cans, six shooters, switchblades, etc. to buy in bulk. I've run across a couple of people that sell on ebay/etsy that sell the items but only in groups of 5 or less. Need someone who sells by the gross.

I'm located right outside of Chicago so either a local place or internet would be great!!!

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View entire thread: Home Brewing

Posted by lizzymahoney on 2005-05-04 01:05:54      Post Subject:

I haven't brewed in a few years, but have 500+ gallons to my name. Oh, that includes wine, but a lot of porters, stouts and ales. Sake, perry, mead, odd fruit wines like raisin, watermelon, cherry, etc.

My current living situation is not good for home brew. Too warm year round and too time and space consuming. But I still have all my equipment and the desire.

I'm the mad scientist type, too. I've always wanted to distill in the traditional methods. I've made hard liquor out of hard cider where you freeze off all but the alcohol. Okay, but I preferred the cider.

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View entire thread: Yet another apple recipe

Posted by anthrogirl on 2004-11-29 22:30:48      Post Subject: Yet another apple recipe

This is one I received from my boyfriend the other day.

Apple Crostada / Gallette aux pommes

1 1/2 cooking apples, cored but not peeled
1 pie crust (if you want to be quick, use the new Pillsbury rolled-up one)
2-3 tablespoons semi-soft sharp cheese
3-4 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons turbinado sugar (Sugar in the Raw) or white sugar
1 1/2 tablespoons honey

Heat oven to 350. Roll out dough on the bottom of a cookie sheet (I use a regular cookie sheet and a Silpat- it makes life easier). Cut the apples into small wedges- you should end up with about 12. Place them in a decorative way on the dough and leave about an inch of space around the edge. Roll and crimp the edge, rather like a pizza edge. Drizzle honey over the apples. Sprinkle on the sugar and grate cheese all over the apples and dot the them with butter. Put in the oven for about 30 minutes or until the apples have cooked; during the last 5 minutes, add some more grated cheese. Pull out and let rest for about 5 minutes. Serve with ice cream or dessert wine.

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View entire thread: need suggestions about what to do with the cats

Posted by elixirbeth on 2007-06-01 06:52:24      Post Subject:

She is your friend, so it may be awkward to talk about money with her, but definitely try to offer compensation of some kind. Even if she refuses, you could always get her a gift certificate to a wine store/spa/whatever she's into. If Tonya will keep those cats, I say leave them there until you can get into your new place.

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View entire thread: Wine, Wine and more Wine

Posted by mawwerks on 2007-07-10 21:05:04      Post Subject: Wine, Wine and more Wine

I am a wine lover! Red wine, white wine you name it I love it.
I really am interest in trading off wine secrets and the names of new wines on the market that you or anyone has come across that are exceptional.
recently I had the pleasure of trying a new wine on the market called Alyssa It is made by the Dukes family vineyard in Oregon.
They had a wine tasting event in Phoenix and I went.

I highly recommend this wine. It is a really flavorful red wine with lots of body. The flavor rolls in your mouth and doesn''t leave anytime soon. It is smooth and has that wonderful hint of oak as an added aftertaste. I loved it so much that I bought an aniversary bottle for my wine collection. The bottle was absolutely beautiful engraved and very heavy.

Check this out I sent 6 bottles of this wine out as gifts and everyone I sent it to ended up ordering a 1/2 case or more. Three of the 6 people I sent it to raved that it was the first fine wine they had in a long time that didn''t bother their digestive track.
Anyway thats my new wine

I love to try all sorts of new stuff so if any of you have a wine that is new on the market I would love to hear about it. I personally prefer wine that is aged but I am up for anything once. So if your a wine lover lets trade wines!
Maw

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View entire thread: wine jellies

Posted by voodoopinupqueen on 2007-01-24 00:16:42      Post Subject: wine jellies

I have a recipe for tropical fruit jellies, and I was thinking about replacing the tropical fruit concentrate with wine--does anyone have a recipe specifically for wine jellies, or have any input? I'm not sure this will work, but my sister bought me some for my birthday and they were so delicious, I want to make some and give them to my friends.

If you've never had them, wine jellies are great. Maybe if it works out, I'll post the recipe!

lipstick kisses,
Libby

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View entire thread: red alerts from your bod

Posted by CraftyChicaAZ on 2004-05-28 02:07:48      Post Subject: red alerts from your bod

my day job has been sooo stressful lately. so much work to cram in 40 hours. and its all writing, so its nothing that i can zone out on. yesterday i had a micro-mini breakdown early in the morning before anyone else came in. by late morning my left arm shoulder was aching, by lunch it had moved to my elbow and driving home i couldnt even use my arm because my hand was tingling. when i got home there was more stress. patrick had to go by me wine so i could relax and just chill. today i feel kinda back to normal and thank god tomorrow is the first day of a much needed week-long vacation. it really freaked me out though. i know i should have gone to the doctor but i was scared!

i don't know why i'm posting this, just had to get it out i guess!

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View entire thread: Chicago knitters...

Posted by bratgirl on 2004-08-16 22:16:27      Post Subject:

Francis Parker School (on clark just south of Webster) and Latin school (clark and north) both offer adult education classes at night. I've taken tai chi, spanish, and a couple of food and wine classes from Francis parker and loved them all. I know they also offer knitting and other crafty stuff. Call them and ask for a catalog.

Also most of the local knit shops offer classes...

find a knit shop near you...
http://www.windycityknittingguild.com/knitshops.htm

good luck.

m.

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View entire thread: Dinner party etiquette

Posted by lizzymahoney on 2004-05-14 22:37:59      Post Subject:

Darlin' , I hope you had a great time.

It's nice to bring something that can be consumed at the party. That's why wine and dessert are often chosen. But consumables that they can use now or later are also good. Again, wine is top choice, then chocolates, candies or cookies or a fruit basket you've done up yourself. Even a loaf of good bread or a pot of marmalade...

In lieu of edibles, candles and/or flowers would be nice. For cut flowers, try to consider if the host will have a suitable container for display. I probably wouldn't bring Martha Stewart a glass vase with my cut tulips, but your coworker or neighbor might have to use an empty coffee can.

It's generally a sweet gesture and not much more. It's not like she's hosting to get gifts. In terms of etiquette, the reciprocal invitation is probably more important. Think of something down the line where you can invite them.

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View entire thread: Dinner party etiquette

Posted by samante on 2004-05-14 20:40:43      Post Subject: Dinner party etiquette

In an effort to make friends (4 months in a new town and no luck yet), I've accepted a dinner party invitation for my and my partner to a co-workers house. There's just going to be the two of us and her and her partner. It's on tonight.

Now, the problem is that I've never actually been to a grown up dinner party without really knowing the person really well. In fact, I've only been to one friend's house before for a special dinner. Normally, it's us putting on the dinner, so we don't have to worry about this sort of thing. The question is: what on earth do you bring to a dinner party? I'm under the impression that it's normal to bring wine, but they don't drink wine. I explained my predicament to the co-worker, and she said, "bring whatever you're comfortable with". Not much help...

So, can anyone help me out here? One friend suggested I make a cake, but what if she's planned dessert? We're low on cash right now, so I'm not sure what to do (though the cake I could make easily).

Thanks!

~Samante

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View entire thread: salad dressing recipes?

Posted by delqc on 2005-07-25 10:00:24      Post Subject:

We always make our own dressing. Most often we do something very similar to yours: white wine vinegar, olive oil, salt and pepper. Mmm. Sometimes we use balsamic instead of white wine.

Alternates include adding just a spec of pesto and/or spicy mustard to the above.

For an "asian" style we use rice wine vinegar, peanut oil, and a dash of sesame seed oil - absolutely incredible. the Special Boy likes this with toasted sesame seeds on his salad. And if we're very courageous, we add some spicy hot sauce to that too for kick. :)

del

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View entire thread: wine

Posted by elixirbeth on 2005-08-14 08:28:30      Post Subject:

no no no... you could probably go to your local wine store and be as in specific as "gimme green wine" and they would know what you were asking for.

actually, i bought a spanish white last night for 10 $ and im really looking forward to popping it open tonight with my old man. its not very fruity, and super crisp... so i think it will be perfect with what we're having for dinner. our wine store has tastings every evening... granted, THEY pick the bottles, but its still a treat. whats especially nice is that they usually pick bargain wines-- inexpensive but tasty. see if your wine&spirits store does the same, you could get more ideas there.

have fun on your trip!
-- eli

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View entire thread: tea box?

Posted by teagrrl on 2005-02-17 07:17:01      Post Subject:

Hmm. Of course I have to reply to a thread about tea. :-)

How about getting a mini chest of drawers, like IKEA's Moppe? (I have two of those for craft supplies) You could paint it or cover it with paper or fabric, and label it. The drawers alone wouldn't keep the loose tea fresh, but you could put the tea in small tins and place them in the drawers.

You could also get round metal canisters and make some sort of rack for them...like a wine rack, but smaller (unless you have a lot of tea :-).

I keep my tea in various tins, myself. I like the way they look. But several identical tins would look nice as well.

Here's some info about tea storage:
http://www.planetroasters.com/faqspics/Tea%20Storage.html

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View entire thread: mac friendly web hosting

Posted by CraftyChicaAZ on 2004-06-01 02:41:08      Post Subject:

thanks pam! i really appreciate the advice and help! i went on there tonight and downloaded. unfortunately for a *bobosa* like me, it's like chinese!

so at this moment i'm doing someting i rarely ever do: quit. i give! uncle! using my critical thinking skills at this moment, i don't have the time to invest to learning it all. every night i'm up into the early a.m. hours. i go to bed sad and beat. today i wasted a total of EIGHT hours fiddling with all this - trying to find a new user-friendly way to re-build my web site in a non-pc method.

this whole "switching to mac" thing is really holding me back from my daily business duties. i used to be in control and could do my stuff with my eyes closed. now i spend hours on this pretty imac with zero success. i could be in the studio making stuff or rolling in the grass with my kids or clinking wine glasses and winking at my hubby. instead i'm cussing, scrunching my eyes reading "how to" info and popping zits on my chin when there are no zits to pop.

ok, i'll stop! i'm getting really depressed and PISSED!

it's 100% my fault, i'm a dork for not researching every little difference and how it would impact me. i have a whole list of things. i let all my friends talk me into it.

i only have me to depend on. so, next on the agenda - off to the store to get a new pc so i can get back in the swing of things. my first book deadline is next week!

head is hung in shame, defeat and utter embarrassment...but i'll bounce back soon, just watch!! sorry for the vent, i really needed to let this out!

wine... hmmm. where did that bottle go...?

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View entire thread: Home Brewing

Posted by Tomico Revilak on 2005-05-03 13:27:58      Post Subject: Home Brewing

My life mate and I have just brewed a few interesting types of mead (honey wine) and was wondering if anyone else liked to brew and what types of things do you brew. We usually brew 5 gallons at a time.
Technically speaking we didn't make mead because anytime you add things to mead for a different flavor it changes the name but hopefully you can accept a little poetic liscence.
Bob tends to like to stick to the tried and true, but I preffer to act like the mad scientist.
The first strange batch was sasafrass mead. We used "Pappy's Sasafrass Tea Concentrate," fresh ginger, cinnamin sticks and some nutmeg for flavoring.
The second was a dandilion - citrus mead. We picked a butt load of danilions from the yard (we had the weeds and too much time on our hands) and I pinched off all the peddals(ended up with 6 cups). I gather the trick is to never get any green into the batch. It takes longer for the brew to mellow because any green will turn it bitter. After getting a little loopy, I put the pedals into the honey, sugar and water mixture and added the juice of 4 lemon and 4 oranges. It is too early to tell if this will turn out any good. We have to wait for the aging process.
We have plans to make a blossom mead that may take all summer. I want use fresh edible flowers as they bloom. I think violets, rose, and nastertiums could make an interesting mix. I have a few more edible flowers that I plan to grow but I will need to be cautious in what I add so the brew tastes good.
Does anyone else brew and if you do, do you have any unusual recipes? I know I have not actually included the recipes at this point but I'm just interested in getting the topic started, first.
I have more questions related to brewing. but I'll wait until others respond.

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View entire thread: Wine Bags

Posted by mele on 2007-12-24 13:31:53      Post Subject:

I always use a christmas stocking for transporting wine. Use your favorite one as a pattern, since it should be out for Santa now.

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View entire thread: Wine Bags

Posted by Cindy on 2008-01-06 13:21:42      Post Subject:

Cathie,
Those wine bottle bags of yours are wonderful. I really love how you added trim and ribbon to spice them up. So cool!

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View entire thread: Favorite Wines

Posted by breewell on 2004-10-20 00:21:45      Post Subject:

I third asking the people in the wine store, also, you could chat up someone in a wine bar. My friends own a wine bar in the West Village, and I always go in and tell them what I'm in the mood for and they let me try a few before I pick a glass (okay, I am friends with them, but they let anyone have sips not just me). Their wine is heavy on the Italian vintages (the main owner is a soap actor in Rome and was born in Sardinia) but they are pretty knowledgable all around. I don't want to muck up the site with ads but if you want to go to a lovely little wine (and beer) bar/cafe (maybe a good spot for a stitch and bitch/tasting?) and you are in NYC let me know. ;-)
Bree

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View entire thread: Handbag crafters?

Posted by deborahthecraft on 2005-01-17 18:40:02      Post Subject:

Wine bottle boxes work as well.The ones I make are totes with needle rolls.

I've never seen a box for a single wine bottle - where do you find those?
Macy*s,Mervyns,Tj-Maxx,Joann Fabrics and Crafts,Michaels,Dollar Tree...even some grocery stores have them right there with the wine.You'd just have to drill a hole in one of those for your purpose!

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View entire thread: Handbag crafters?

Posted by Katrin on 2005-01-15 02:24:33      Post Subject:

I've never seen a box for a single wine bottle - where do you find those?
Last time I was at Michaels, they had a whole bunch of them on sale really cheap.

Wine bottle tubes (that's what they're called, right? Tubes? Boxes? Cylinders? Cylindrical tubular boxes?) are so pretty - I love to look at them in stores but always think, I never give wine as a gift so I have no reason to buy them. What a great idea to use them for yarn! It would certainly look a lot neater than the plastic bags I usually end up stuffing my knitting projects in.

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View entire thread: Favorite Wines

Posted by jean on 2004-10-19 14:44:42      Post Subject:

mmm wine.

i love barolos and tuscan chardonnays, but have also been experimenting with a few smaller label wines from southern italy (sardinia etal) because of the great values. in terms of french wines, i'm very fond of most sanceres. it's a white wine with grassy and citrus undertones that just floats my boat! from new zealand, i like the some of the bolder syrahs. i often forget the labels, but when i go to the wine store, i remember where they are located! i also ask the people who work at the wine store a lot of questions. they are usually really good at recommending stuff.

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View entire thread: my newest creation

Posted by slaster138 on 2005-05-09 14:21:52      Post Subject: my newest creation

just wanted to toot my own horn a bit- check out my blog for a pic of my newest 'masterpiece'. the platonic love-of-my-life got married a few weeks ago and i made him a painting. i picked up an old 6-panel window from the texas junk co., cleaned it up a bit (but no TOO much) and used oil paints on the panes (reverse-style). it was my first time using oil paints (i picked them up on the cheap at a garage sale-- $20 for a cool wooden wine box BURSTING with nearly-full tubes of paint, linseed oil, turpentine, etc) and i liked how it turned out, though it didn't turn out like i thought it would. this weekend i salvaged an old suken paneled door from a friend's house and that will be my next project for the oil paints. thanks for looking!


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View entire thread: Wine Bags

Posted by brdgt on 2007-12-18 17:43:30      Post Subject: Wine Bags

Anyone have a favorite pattern, material, or idea for DIY wine gift bags? I have a bunch of fabric lying around but I wanted to make sure I didn't miss out on a cool idea...

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View entire thread: wine jellies

Posted by stella on 2007-01-24 01:21:31      Post Subject:

you will probably need more sugar than you would with the fruit, since wine has less natural sugar than fruit juices. also, you would need to add pectin, but i am assuming your fruit jelly recipe calls for that. i think there might even be a wine jelly recipe in the Sure-Jell packet insert.

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View entire thread: Favorite Wines

Posted by juna on 2004-10-27 19:27:49      Post Subject:

If I am treating myself, my favorite white wine is a Viognier from Sunstone Wineries in Santa Barbara, CA. I tasted Viognier for the first time there, and I didn't see it again for several years. Now several grocery stores (at least in CA) have small selections. I like it because it has a light citrus and pear taste.

My favorite red is Rosenblum's Red Zinfandel. Yum.

But usually, I am content with any old $5-10 bottle.

Great topic, I love to get new wine suggestions! Maybe we should organize a wine swap!

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View entire thread: Favorite Wines

Posted by breewell on 2004-10-16 11:05:05      Post Subject:

Well, my all time favorite wine is from The Okanagan (I love me some of that Grey Monk wine, any kind) but there is no chance of getting that here. I've always been happy with Yellow Tail (especially because it is in the $6-9 range). I also went through a sangivese / chianti phase, a Pinot Noir phase and a Barolo phase. (I totally want to be a Sommelier, so when I go through a phase I get all geeky about the best region and the best year for that wine, but then I grow out of it, I guess my attention span is too short). But really, to be honest with you, I am also always satisfied with a $4 Gato Negro Merlot!

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View entire thread: Clothing Swap Parties

Posted by dena on 2005-05-14 14:03:19      Post Subject: clothing swap parties

Hi! I don't live in LA, but I held them for awhile in Austin, Tx. I started a Yahoo group, posted on Freecycle and a local craft group to get members. We held them at a coffee house, but something with wine and cheese sounds nice - you should organize it to get the ball rolling! It is a good idea and a great way to shop for free!
good luck
d

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View entire thread: Romantic New Year's Eve Ideas

Posted by RandomCrafter on 2005-12-27 20:51:31      Post Subject:

my husband and i have been together now for 3 years and this is the first year he's actually off work so we're staying in. We're gonna cook a nice meal together, have a bottle of wine and watch romantic movies while we cuddle on the couch

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View entire thread: Doggy treats?

Posted by sweetandtart on 2005-08-24 10:42:52      Post Subject:

A girlfriend and I made little baggies of dog treats one year for our local homeless shelter, although they never actually made it to the shelter. It's a long story involving a rather large and eternally hungry boxer puppy and too much wine that afternoon...but check out this site for a million recipes. You can get bone shaped cookie cutters at kitchen shops and Bed Bath and Beyond.


http://www.bullwrinkle.com/index.html?Assets/Recipes/Recipes.htm~indexmain

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View entire thread: Clothing Swap Parties

Posted by Justine on 2005-04-21 10:36:12      Post Subject: Clothing Swap Parties

Hi there ladies! I'm a new member, and I'm wondering if anyone has ever had a clothing swap party in the LA area. I'm looking for a small group who'd like to have a little wine, a little cheese and share oldies but goodies that we're ready to pass along! Please let me know if you are interested, already have a group established, or know of anything remotely close to such an event.

Hope to hear from you all soon!

- Justine
justine.simonson@gmail.com

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View entire thread: free cookbooks- all claimed -please post when received!

Posted by Athos on 2005-04-23 18:36:25      Post Subject: free cookbooks- all claimed -please post when received!

hey craftistas,

i'm cleaning out my kitchen. does anyone want any of the following? i'll mail them to you in the US only, totally free, just to get them to a better home and not be wasteful. the cookbooks are meaty - part of the reason i don't use them is because i stopped eating meat a couple years ago. ha, looking at my list, i guess you'd notice that i also really don't drink alcohol any more either!

101 essential wine tips by dk publishing:
http://www.powells.com/cgi-bin/biblio?inkey=65-0789414643-2

the ultimate a-z bar guide:
http://www.powells.com/cgi-bin/biblio?inkey=62-0767901975-0

BH+G cooking for friends
http://www.powells.com/cgi-bin/biblio?inkey=2-0696208539-2

williams-sonoma seasonal favorites - can't find a link, but it's 28 fall and winter recipes, full color, smallish book - retailed for $12.95.

PM me or post if you want them! again, US only - i just can't spring for out of the country shipping.

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View entire thread: salad dressing recipes?

Posted by stella on 2005-07-25 17:08:59      Post Subject:

my grandma makes the best salad dressing ever, with red wine vinegar, water, salad oil or olive oil, sugar, salt, and pepper. she puts a couple of whole garlic cloves in the bottle, which is usually an old red wine vinegar bottle.

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View entire thread: Wine, Wine and more Wine

Posted by elixirbeth on 2007-07-11 08:02:03      Post Subject:

i love love love wine, too, but i'm terrible about journaling anything, so i haven't kept track of what we've had over the years. its summer and hot as hell here, so i've been enjoying lots of roses (love italian, french, and spanish) and grassy, minerally, or citrusy whites. actually, i can get into most whites this time of year (maybe nothing too buttery or oaky), but i have trouble enjoying most reds in this heat and humidity. i guess it all depends on what i'm eating.

i don't keep up with the market at all-- a friend of mine does, but he works in the field and has the time/memory to devote to it. i love cooking, so i tend to plan out a meal and then go to my local wine guy and get a good recommendation.

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View entire thread: adding to tinned soup

Posted by anthrogirl on 2006-02-18 18:03:26      Post Subject:

You can add noodles, croutons, cheese, frozen veggies, minced chicken or beef, onions or chives, mushrooms, dried tomatoes, wine, sherry- all sorts of things. It depends on the kind of soup. You might want to look at one of Jeff Smith's old books- he talked a lot obut cooking with wine. Or look at the Joy of Cooking- anything that you can use to make soup can be put into a soup to flavor it. Soup is actually very easy to make, especially if you have access to a fridge to keep the extra.

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View entire thread: Romantic New Year's Eve Ideas

Posted by Guinness on 2005-12-27 19:20:01      Post Subject:

I went downtown and tried to party crash. The Ritz was full of rednecks in sequins and the other schmaltzy hotel was full of geriatric rednecks in sequins.
I went home and drank champagne out of a plastic margarita glass.

Maybe nice wine and cheese and grapes at home? Or going to a local park or something? I know some cities do fireworks, you could find a quiet place to sit and watch them?

I'm lousy at this. I think I'm working until 7 and then getting ripped at the boy's house.

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View entire thread: Passover dishes

Posted by craftytricks on 2005-04-17 19:15:00      Post Subject: Passover dishes

Anyone have some good Passover dishes to share? I'm planning to put together a small and simple dinner and would love to have some interesting but still Passover-acceptable food to serve. So far the menu includes matzah ball soup, roasted chicken, and flourless chocolate cake. And probably some Manischewitz wine, for the novelty (not the taste!)

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View entire thread: Handbag crafters?

Posted by s t a c i on 2005-01-15 01:53:23      Post Subject:

Wine bottle boxes work as well.The ones I make are totes with needle rolls.

I've never seen a box for a single wine bottle - where do you find those?

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View entire thread: wine

Posted by elixirbeth on 2005-08-09 15:53:09      Post Subject:

i know you said red wine... but with it being summer time and SO unbelievably hot, im going to recommend any type of vino verde. ive had several bottles that have been quite tasty (gazella is a popular one, for instance). for some reason portugese wines are under appreciated and often extremely affordable-- many vino verdes are under 10$. keep the bottle chilled and enjoy it with fish, fruit, salad, light fair or just while sitting in the sun. they tend to be very crisp and kind of melony with a tiny bit of effervescence. the bubbles and the faint green quality give the wine lots of novelty.

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View entire thread: holiday present help please~~

Posted by elixirbeth on 2006-12-07 06:37:28      Post Subject:

when in doubt, i get people something consumable. i plan to get my SIL a new tea kettle and an assortment of loose teas (she gushed over mine the last time they visited).

a nice bottle of wine, perhaps?

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View entire thread: Dyeing fabric, major oops.

Posted by LinneaC on 2005-11-14 17:11:42      Post Subject: Dyeing fabric, major oops.

About 3 months ago, I cleaned a wine stain on my futon cover with hydrogen peroxide. I decided to freshen the cover up by dyeing it. However, the dye darkened in the spots where I put the hydrogen peroxide. It looks terrible!
Does anyone have any suggestions on how to dye over hydrogen peroxide, or to make the cover look better. All I want is for the color to even out, at least a little bit.....

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View entire thread: wanting to surprise my fiance.

Posted by NAP on 2005-08-16 17:17:04      Post Subject:

What about a picnic? We love to go to the park and have a leisurely picnic under a big tree. You could take your dog and make an evening out of it.

Or if you have any local "concert in the garden" type events those are also fun and you can usually bring in a bottle of wine to enjoy.

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View entire thread: Favorite Wines

Posted by bratgirl on 2004-10-19 23:00:19      Post Subject:

One of my all time fav's is Chateau St. George - it is Saint Emillion and is just plain yummy.

I also have a love affair with a Sangiovese and a Rioja.

While I prefer reds, I experimented with several whites this summer...particularily some non-oaky chardonnay's and fabulous $3 bottle of greek table wine (whose name faded with the evening).

I also second asking the people in the wine store.

m.

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View entire thread: help!...foul wine!

Posted by kindarana on 2004-10-14 19:17:29      Post Subject:

Oh, man, you should give it to me to drink, I love sweet wine!

You could also try to make it into a sherbet or sorbet?

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View entire thread: I cooked swordfish last night...

Posted by kohuether on 2005-05-26 10:53:02      Post Subject:

Yes, that was my instinct too. Swordfish and salmon both don't need to be covered up with seasoning. So next time, maybe I will make a more delicate sauce or marinade, maybe something with lemon and white wine.

Thanks for your input!

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View entire thread: Peter Luger's in NYC

Posted by lazysundae on 2007-11-08 15:44:55      Post Subject:

i like landmarc for steak. it's not THE famous steak spot but the quality is excellent, and if you want wine it is not marked up at all from retail prices. plus their desserts are good.

another good one is dylan prime - it's pretty chi-chi tho.

i think peter luger's is good but it's living on hype. there are other places that are just as good, perhaps even better. and with better atmosphere, if that is important to you.

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View entire thread: What's the name of this school

Posted by honeybee on 2005-04-30 08:30:50      Post Subject:

penland school of crafts

i've had some of the best times of my life while studying there (and, to be fair, while drinking wine and chatting with so many devoted artists in one place, doing what they love).
it's a totally amazing place. it's nearby where i live, so feel free to ask me anything you want to know about it.

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View entire thread: Indie shop gifts for the over-50 career-minded conservative

Posted by Sommer on 2004-12-07 19:18:02      Post Subject:

How about a wine bag? ;)

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View entire thread: simple, cheap summer entertaining

Posted by elixirbeth on 2006-07-18 10:29:22      Post Subject:

**hijack**

I miss ElfChick

Sorry. :)

DUDE. I forgot about her!

Can I recommend a few wines? This time of year I get really into Roses and Vinho Verdes. My mother and I went to 'Ino (tiny wine bar in the Village) last week and had the most FABULOUS Rose. If you've been there than you know what a fantastic and affordable wine list they have. While I can't remember the name of the Rose, I can tell you without a doubt that it was BEAUTIFUL. Crisp and dry with lots of red fruit... I can't stop thinking about it! I'm sure if you went to a decent wine store and told them that you were looking for a dry Rose they would be more than able to point you in the right direction (I recommend something Spanish or Italian).

As for the Vinho Verdes, they are a green wine varietal from Portugal. They are crisp and lightly sweet with undertones ranging from citrus to grass to asparagus to apple. The added bonus to these wines is that they are generally very affordable.

I think that either of these types of wines would go swimmingly with the foods you are planning for your summer get-together.

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View entire thread: the crafters diet

Posted by Nancy Flynn on 2005-07-22 16:11:18      Post Subject:

omg i love microwave smores! i can barely remember what i ate yesterday, but so far for today:
8:00 iced coffee with vanilla syrup and 1/2&1/2
12:45 chicken chopped salad from Rubios
and my sweetie is taking me out for steak frites for dinner tonight! some wine or beer might happen too...

sadly i am not a professional crafter, so often what i eat is dictated by what is near my office (if i haven't cooked in awhile). if i worked at home, i would probably eat more, but better food. that salad i had has really good, but super creamy dressing and little bits of chips in it...

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View entire thread: Family grab bag?! Help!

Posted by craftfetish on 2006-11-30 13:26:03      Post Subject:

You could do a movie night - with a gift card, some of those giant boxes of candy (they have 'em at the dollar store), some microwave popcorn and a cute popcorn bowl (the melted LP kind are fun to make) or blanket to snuggle under.

You could do a pasta night - gourmet pasta sauce, dry pasta, cool bowls, one of those fork-spoon things, a bottle of wine, cloth napkins or whatever fun stuff you find in the home section until you are out of money.

You could do a game night - with poker chips or a board game. Add a bit of craftiness with a set of handmade invitations and/or snacks.

A windowsill herb garden or one of those garden in a bag things with some other fun cooking things (recipes, hot pads, gadgets and the other things already suggested).


If you want to go with a gift card, you could throw in a little project to make it a little crafty and personal.

Home Depot/Lowe's card + you could paint, embroider, bedazzle (okay, that's not gender neutral) or otherwise embellish one of those little aprons for holding nails. (or you could embellish a tape measure or any other small tool)

Starbucks card + espresso truffles or a knit coffee cozy (basically a 3 inch tapered tube - I have pictures of one of these on my blog- super easy)

Williams Sonoma/Whole Foods or any other foodie gift card + homemade hot pad, recipe cards, embellished apron, spice rub, etc.

Sporting Goods card + gender neutral hat or mittens, "Team (Your Last Name)" stencilled gym bag/shirt

Bookstore + fancy coffee/hot cocoa mix (my ideal rainy afternoon) or you could make a glasses case (unless reading glasses are a sensitive subject with some of your fam)

Okay, I'm getting carried away. But you get the idea.

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View entire thread: Setting up a new house or apartment

Posted by kitchensqueen on 2006-11-13 22:31:49      Post Subject:

Hosting Your First Holiday Dinner

So, you've finally graduated from the kids table! And suddenly, the elation is wearing off and the panic is setting in. Relax! It's really not as hard as it looks. There are three main points to consider when entertaining at the holidays-- 1.) Setting the Table 2.) The Menu 3.)The Game Plan (or How to Avoid Your Guests Sitting Around for Three Hours & Staring at the Wall).

1.) Setting the Table

You only need a few basic provisions for place settings-- a nice tablecloth and napkins, large dinner plates, regular wine glasses, silverware, and serving ware (also known as the plates and bowls that hold the food). Whether you know it or not, you've probably already got all of this stuff at home. A white tablecloth is classic, and of course you can use a freshly laundered bed sheet that's in good condition. You can even dress it up by sewing on a lace or ribbon border or otherwise personalizing it. You can also use a blanket or throw that has a look that you like. As far as setting the table itself, don't worry if you don't have a perfectly matched china set for twelve. I think perfectly matched china sets are fussy and boring anyway. You can tastefully mix and match what you already have and thrift store finds-- a good rule of thumb is to have a unified color scheme and mix in neutrals (plain white plates go with anything). Same for the silverware-- mix it and match it. Since it's a special holiday dinner, you'll want to dress up your table just a bit with a nice centerpiece and place cards. For Thanksgiving, a simple no-fail centerpiece is some gourds and small pumpkins attractively grouped on a thin layer of clean, colorful dried leaves. If you like candlelight on the table, inexpensive tea lights set into custard cups or jelly jars does the trick. Place cards are simple, and the sky's the limit-- you can use a metallic gel pen to print names on leaves or etch names into mini pumpkins or collage something or print something customized off of your computer.

2.) The Menu

Do yourself a favor and don't invite thirty-five people to your first Thanksgiving dinner. Your parents or a few close friends will be more than enough. Keep it classic and simple, and don't go overboard-- a no-fail menu I like is:

Turkey Breast
Stuffing
Fresh Cranberry Sauce
Garlic Mashed Potatoes
Baked Sweet Potatoes
Croissants

It's not to much for one person (namely, you!) to handle in the kitchen in one fell swoop, and it's all of the classics that people expect. If you feel like you want to expand the menu or open some cans and boxes for some things instead of doing the whole shebang from scratch, you can add or substitute these items:

Green Beans
Wilted Kale with Bacon
Egg Noodles

For beverages, I always like to offer both red and white wine, as well as apple cider for the non-drinkers. You don't have to spend a fortune on the wine-- there are some really great $6-8 bottles out there (Trader Joes and Whole Foods both have great selections).

And for desert, pumpkin pie is the classic. And yes, it's okay to buy one from the bakery if you want or need too-- you can customize a store-bought confection with candied pecans or a whip cream border piped out of an icing bag with a star tip. You definitely shouldn't stress about spending three days in the kitchen and making everything from scratch if you don't want too-- what's more important is that you're relaxed and spending time with the people you invited!

3.) The Game Plan

Some families watch football, or play their own game before or after dinner. But that's not the only option. Sharing photo albums or a Powerpoint college of vacation, wedding, baby or honeymoon photos can be a great choice for the parents. Board games are also fun and allow you to get some face-time with your guests-- there are some neat ones out there like wine or food trivia games as well as the classics like Charades or Scrabble. Or if you're hosting a crafty bunch, spending time putting together a simple Christmas ornament or card can be great. You don't have to incorporate an activity into your holiday get-together, but it's a nice way to extend the festivities and spend some extra time with your guests.

And one thing not to forget-- ask your guests to bring a canned good or a scarf/gloves to dinner that can be put in a box and donated. A holiday tradition at my house its to donate a complete (everything but the turkey) holiday meal to a local food bank so that a family less fortunate than us can share in the same great holiday that we do.

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View entire thread: make b-friend's birthday special when out of town...?

Posted by Miss M on 2004-10-23 11:36:21      Post Subject:

loving all these fun ideas!
what about giving him a massage like he might get in a swanky hotel spa? Just pop in some soothing music, light a few candles and go - he'll be relaxed - or ready for some b-day fun afterwards!

Or the ol' rose petals on the sheets? Corny maybe, but still sweet. Even just one rose from a grocery or gas station can give quite a few petals.

I like the carpet picnic idea - even everyday sandwiches can be fun/romantic with some wine. Maybe even bring real wine glasses?

About the hotel - I don't know if you made reservations or what, but maybe try to get a quiet room. You know, not by the highway, stairs, elevator or ice/vending. And maybe with a view(and that can just mean the window doesn't overlook a flashing neon sign).

I think no matter what you do, it will be fun and memorable! You are sweet to be putting so much thought in to this - he will be thrilled! Good luck!

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View entire thread: Sexy Girls...What Makes You Feel Sexy?

Posted by honeybee on 2004-06-01 09:08:01      Post Subject:

wearing men's jeans

going barefoot

being freshly showered and lotioned

burning candles

drinking good red wine with cheeses and bread and olives

dancing

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View entire thread: i have a TON of blackberries

Posted by karlaBOO on 2005-07-30 09:04:21      Post Subject:

How about blackberry wine? My mother has a friend that has made "wine" from anything you could imagine.

A blackberry liqueur would be really easy. Just dump some fruit into a glass container with the alcohol of your choice, and then put it somewhere dark. My mother put hers under the kitchen sink. LOL. After a month or so you strain the fruit and bits out, and decant it. It gets sweeter, and stronger with age. My mom has some made with plums, and another made with peaches, that are at least 20 years old. They've become slightly syrupy, so we've been a little creative with it. The plum is really good over vanilla bean ice cream. :)

I'm sure you could find a recipe that is a bit more precise.

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View entire thread: Indie shop gifts for the over-50 career-minded conservative

Posted by textile_fetish on 2004-12-07 22:30:22      Post Subject:

She happens to be the wine-o's sister! (ha!)

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View entire thread: fun friday afternoon quiz!

Posted by FunkyUtopia on 2004-07-18 06:57:59      Post Subject:

Five things I really liked when I was a teenager that I don't much care for now:

playing soccer
talking on the phone for hours
beer
tv sitcoms
hairspray (and my early teens meant lots of it - 80's hair!)

Five things I didn't much care for when I was a teenager that I really like now:

My mom
being a homebody
blues and jazz music
discovery channel or design shows
wine

Five things I've always really liked and very likely always will:

sterling silver jewelry
wearing levi's jeans
Mary Jane shoes - YES!
the Cowboy Junkies
spending evenings (especially during full moons) on the shore of the ocean

Five things I've never much cared for and very likely never will:

liars
spiders
perfectly pretty boys
the color orange
and yogurt

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View entire thread: critique my SUGAR PLUM FAIRY COCKTAIL?

Posted by jasmineT on 2004-12-07 17:22:16      Post Subject:

I totally forgot about bitter lemon! That's what it is! Yay! Okay, so no more sierra mist (I think it made it taste too much like a wine cooler.) I'm kind of partial to the ginger twist because it looks Victorian to me. I made the twist with a long ginger root and vegetable peeler.

Thanks for the heads up on chilled vodka. You can tell I've never really done more than the gin and tonic thing or straight Jack.

I call the glasses "champagne glasses" but I really don't know what they are. I bought them at an auction a few years ago for a song. Thanks for the ideas and keep up the critique or enjoy the drink...

jess

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View entire thread: fondue ?

Posted by tako on 2006-09-25 18:50:39      Post Subject:

Mmm, I love fondue... so campy! For the best deal, check thrift stores for pots. Kmart and Target carry them and they aren't too expensive. Here's a couple of my favorite recipes. They're pretty basic so it's fun to experiment with them.

#1
1 cup white wine
1-2 cloves fresh garlic
1/2 pound shredded Swiss cheese
1/2 pound shredded Gruyere cheese
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
salt and pepper to taste
1 green onion chopped

*Simmer wine.
*Add garlic to wine and stir.
*Add cheeses 1/4 pound at a time and whisk with fork after each addition until melted.
*Stir in flour.
*When all the cheese has melted, stir in salt, pepper, nutmeg, and onions.

#2
1 cup beer (I always use PBR, any lager would be good)
1 pound cheddar cheese
2 tablespoons flour
1/4 cup salsa
salt and pepper to taste

*Simmer beer.
*Add cheese 1/4 pound at a time and whisk with fork after each addition until melted.
*Stir in flour.
*When all the cheese has melted, stir in salt, pepper, and salsa.

Serve these with your favorite dippers like french and pumpernickel bread, carrots, celery, and califlower. With #1 I like granny smith apple pieces and #2 is great with tortilla chips! Have a blast!

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View entire thread: Sexy Girls...What Makes You Feel Sexy?

Posted by soapandwater on 2004-05-30 20:40:06      Post Subject:

Oooh, great topic!

my blue jean skirt
mary janes (I guess that's sort of perverse, but I don't care)
applying eyeliner perfectly
eating sushi
wearing black pants even in summer
wine-colored lipstick
my pale skin
knitting

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