CityMama™

Weekend in Southern Oregon: Antiques and Wineries

I went up to Southern Oregon with a couple of girlfriends—and no kids, woohoo!—this weekend.  Our goal was to check out the annual antiques fair in the hopes of scoring some excellent, tax-free finds.  My personal goal was to have a tamale at the Southern Oregon Grower's Market (mission deliciously accomplished), to relax after a couple of very busy weeks, and to spend time with my brother and his kids which is always a pleasure.

The antiques fair was well-worth it despite the searing heat.  We all found lots of treasures for not too much money.  My favorite find was a copy of Conran's The House Book published in 1974.  I was eyeing my parents' worn copy at my brother's house and even asked him if I could borrow it. Not necessary!  The next day, Alisyn found a copy (with cover!) on an antique store book shelf and after negotiating a 10% discount, it came home with me. 

My brother gifted us moms with belated Mother's Day gifts-- tickets to the Applegate Valley wineries' barrel tasting event so we spent Sunday afternoon at Wooldridge Creek, Troon, and Schmidt wineries tasting their selections.

On Monday we were back on the road heading down I-5 hoping to make it home before school got out, which we did. I came home to a nice, clean house (thanks, J!) and a two hour power nap. It was a great time.

Here are some of my favorite pics from the weekend:

Saturday night dinner: grilled veggies and grass-fed tri-tip from the farmer's market and wild, local salmon caught in the Rogue River by my sister. The yellow bowl holds grilled spring onions, garlic, and jalapeños.

At the Antiques Fair.

20% off Bauer bowls in my favorite colors...

Need a last minute "green" gift that won't break the bank?

Here are a bunch of ideas, most don't require shipping. I am in love with the Columbian cookware (4th bullet point). The ring shown above is cute, too!

Slacker Holiday Shopping Ideas: Books

I did the bulk of my holiday shopping this year at the bookstore, both online and IRL (new and used). One of the reasons why I like to give books is that you can find something for everyone at a bookstore and walk out with gifts for everyone all in one tidy bag, usually without breaking the bank. 

I know I've said it before--we don't go overboard during the holidays, never have, probably never will. The girls are getting a bunch of new books this year because I buy them during the holidays (socks, undies, books). Most of them were bought used and are in great shape (they'll never know).

This year, if you still haven't purchased gifts, check out your local bookstore or take advantage of the online deals that are probably bombing your email in box.  If you are looking for suggestions, here are a few of my  family's favorite books of the year, all would make wonderful holiday gifts. Some of these we read together or alone, some are finding their way under our tree. (Side note: I sure wish I could figure out the Amazon affiliate thing. Sigh. Next year.)

Wallie (age 4) recommends:

The Little Horse series by Betsy Byers

Snow Ponies by Cynthia Cotten

What Does Mrs. Claus Do? by Kate Wharton

Mask Parade by Stephanie Trelogan (I know the author, she is wonderful and so is this book. Highly recommend.)

In a Blue Room by Jim Averbeck (I highly recommend this sweet bedtime story.)

The Bunnies are Not in Their Beds by Marisabina Russo. (Both girls love this book.)

Sweet tradition

One of the sweetest traditions here in Hawaii is the culture of bestowing gifts and lavishing attention on children.

When we see my mom's friends, invariably they show up with little tote bags full of treats for Bunny and Wallie: Sanrio trinkets, barrettes, dress-up dresses and shoes, coupons to Jamba Juice (thanks Auntie Erin!), coloring books and toothbrushes...I'm going to need an extra suitcase just to bring home all their loot.

I love this tradition. I'm overwhelmed by the thoughtfulness every time an auntie shows up with a bag with Hello Kitty plastered on the side.  It makes me wonder why my generation doesn't do these things, especially those of us who live outside of Hawaii. Even if one of my mom's friends doesn't know me or my kids that well, they always say, "Your mom told me you were coming...here's a little something for the kids..."

I started feeling like a horrible person thinking about all the times I could have gone ever-so-slightly out of my way to get a little present for a friend or about all the times I saw something and thought of a friend but didn't buy it. My excuses are always that I have my kids with me or I don't have time to stop because I have to pick someone up from school or I'm running late because I had to change a diaper and buckle shoes. And I know a note or call will do (also so sososo bad at that), but everyone loves unexpected presents, right?

Then it occurred to me that these women have grown children and don't have to pull their kids off of the bed displays or out of rounders or remove lip gloss testers from their hot little fists like I did today at Macy's. These aunties may be busy, but they don't have two-year-olds. That's when I felt better about myself and realized that there's plenty of time left to spoil my friends' children's children. In the meantime, friends, know that I think of you whenever I see the vintage dishtowels or historical fiction mysteries or bouquets of tulips or the chocolate-dipped macaroons that I know you love.

Photo of my mom's friends (aka "the aunties") the moment when they first see Bunny and Wallie on our first day in Hawaii. (Notice they are not looking at me.)  It's all about the kids. Now that's love.

Digital SLR decision made: Sony A100 it is.

Edited to add: I wrote this out in case it helps those who are looking for a digital SLR (for hobbies) to make a decision. Definitely scan your local paper, esp. the Sunday section for deals. Often, they are as cheap as anything found online. Today's Sunday paper had ads for several digital SLR deals including the Canon Rebel  and Sony (both with two lenses), but my price was still better. People are often wedded to a particular brand of camera because it's a brand they already own. In my case, that was true, but I approached the process with an open mind. Sony is new to the SLR game, but is a respected electronics brand in its own right. My camera has many bells/whistles only offered on more expensive Canons or Nikons but without the steep price. Since they are new, Sony has to be competitive, and that's great for the consumer.

So after much agonizing (and, by the way, thanks to everyone who commented with suggestions) I finally got my digital SLR camera. A Sony A100. Happy Mother's Day to me!

I'm one of those people that never R's TFM, and because I already have a Sony point-and-shoot, I'm really pleased that I could just charge the battery and start taking pictures.

In fact, the questions that I did have (how to review pics, mainly) were answered in the "quick start guide."  I'll bring the manual on my trip to Hawaii and (maybe) read it there (or not).

People comment all the time on my food photos.  Even though I'm not striving for food stylist-level quality (nor do I ever want my food to look too perfect), I do try to make what I cook look appealing.  And for a point-and-shoot that I push to the absolute limit, I've been really happy the photos that my little Sony takes.

After spending months researching, pricing, and holding digital SLRs (they are heavy), I saw an ad in the paper yesterday for a huge 42nd anniversary camera sale at a respected camera store, the place where I bought my very first "analog" camera. The prices on their cameras were competitive and they were offering to pay the sales tax on all purchases. They had deals on just about every kind of camera and accessory you can imagine.

We walked into a mob scene, but within seconds, a friendly sales person asked if we needed help. He asked the typcial questions:

"What are you looking for in a camera?" (I want to take pretty pictures of food, and pretty pictures of my family.)
"How much do you want to spend?" (Under a thou.)
"Are you considering a specific brand?" (Not really. But I've looked at Canons, Nikons, and the Sony.)
"Anything else?" (I'd like it not to be so heavy.)

After listening to me prattle on, he suggested that I look at the Sony. It didn't take long to sell me on it. What finally convinced me was that it comes with the same stabilizer technology that the Nikon D200 has without having to spend the extra $800 to get it. It has a 3 frame per second shooting speed (and shutters nicely) which is fine for me. And, best of all it came with 2 lenses, the 18-70mm plus lens and the 75-300mm zoom lens (an over $200 value, basically free). The Canon Rebel XTi also came with 2 lenses (18-55mm and 75-300mm), but cost $100 more for the kit.

So because of the sale, I was able to get the camera kit with 2 lenses, a 2 GB card, 2 UV filters, an instructional DVD (seriously, I won't read the manual but I might watch this), and a camera bag (20% off), all for under a grand. Plus they threw in all kinds of Sony shwag including t-shirts, hats, 2 flashlights, a couple of caribiners.

And reason # 8,928 to get a Mac, I hooked up the USB cable and the photos were imported into my iPhoto in about 3 seconds. No additional software (or hassle) needed.

Here are the first few photos I took. So far, so good.

Link love: I Like You: Hospitality Under The Influence by Amy Sedaris

The above book was, by far, my favorite holiday gift. It's hilarious  but despite being written and styled by the fabulously crazy Amy Sedaris, it's no gag cookbook. It's chock-full of recipes I will be making. The tips and backstories are too much; prepare to laugh.  It's one of the most text-rich, side-splittingly-funny, and mouth-watering cookbooks you will ever read. And, the photos.

I could easily sit down and read it in a day, but I want to savor it so I've been parsing out the pages.  When I cook from it, you'll be the first to know.

Go get it now.

Link love: Rock your Crocs

The biggest Christmas present hit this year: Jibbitz charms for Crocs.  They are so damn cute. And because we're in Hawaii (where it's warm so Crocs are super-popular) Jibbitz are everywhere.

The girls have adorned their Crocs with all kinds of cute button charms (fish, flowers, bugs, etc.). They're getting a huge kick out of staring at their feet and "comparing notes," as it were. Highly recommend.

Gift ideas for teachers

Asha posted a new hack today with an idea for how to organize gift-giving for teachers. This is such a fabulous idea because parents are often at a loss for what to give their child's teacher. Having been a teacher, I definitely have ideas on the subject.

I'm sure you've heard teachers wail, "No more mugs, lotion sets, or stuffed toys!" Homemade treats are a nice thought, but may be against school policy (and often get placed in the lunch room anyway). But beyond that, what else is there?

Teachers make hardly any money and yet show up every day to teach. I took an almost 50% pay cut when I changed careers. (I left my dot bomb marketing job to teach at a low income school.) At least we had a dual income. I watched single teachers struggle with their finances constantly worrying about how to make ends meet and wondering if they've put away enough for retirement. And yet, these same teachers wouldn't hesitate to buy a great book for their class or special art supplies that the school didn't provide. They also arrive early and stay late even though they are only paid for the hours that school is in session.

If you were to ask me (and I know you're aren't, I'm just tellin') what to get for your child's teacher this holiday season, here's what I would suggest:

• a letter or picture to your teacher. I loved these best. Have your child "show what she knows" and have her draw a picture or write about something meaningful they learned so far this year. (Little ones can draw and dictate while you transcribe.)
• have kids paint a book shelf or special chair to donate to the classroom
• gift cards for the teacher's personal use: for coffee, movies, gas, groceries; to Target or a department store or restaurant; or a Visa gift card.
• gift cards for classroom use (I loved this): for books, office supplies, crafts, or art supplies
• donate a book or "special" art supplies (glitter/glitter pens, markers, colored pencils, oil pastels, stamps, stickers, yarn, fabric) to the classroom
• donate towards a special field trip (tickets to a museum or performing arts event) or bring a nature specialist to the classroom

For the above, combine efforts with other parents if possible. Talk to your room parents and share ideas. Above all, it is the thought that counts. I don't think any teacher expects to get a holiday gift, but it's a nice surprise when it happens.

Holiday gifts: Viv & Ingrid accessories

Today's cute gift idea is earrings from Viv & Ingrid. (Thanks for the tip, Bad Kitty!)

I'm currently loving the earrings, all of them, but especially these.  (If only I could wear earrings, I can't. Allergic.)

The "tiny posts" pictured above sound fascinating. I love the idea of a teeny little stud.  Bad Kitty says they're real cute, and I trust her opinion. 

Take a look around the site, I'm sure you'll fall in love with one or three things.