Jeter's Advice To Eli Paid Off

From Dan Graziano:

During his rookie season, while he was in the midst of losing his first six games as the New York Giants' starting quarterback, Eli Manning got an unexpected phone call. It was from Derek Jeter, the star shortstop of the New York Yankees, and he had a simple message for Manning, who remembers it to this day.

"It was kind of right after I'd become the starter and had a couple of tough games," Manning said. "He just told me, 'Keep your head up, keep doing what you're doing and it'll get better.'"

This was 2004. Jeter was an established New York superstar, owner of four World Series rings and on a Hall of Fame path. The phone call mattered because Jeter was someone Manning had been studying carefully.

"Derek's a guy, from the time I first came here, that I definitely have paid a lot of attention to," Manning said last week after a Giants practice. "He's a great player, but he's also a guy who really shows you what you have to do to succeed in a place like New York. The way he's handled himself on the field, off the field. The way he's dealt with all of the attention without letting it affect the way he does his job. He's done that better than anybody."

...

"Playing in this market, you learn quickly that you've got to be immune to the distractions," Manning said. "And watching Derek and seeing how he's kept his private life private and managed to keep the focus on the field and on the job he has to do, that's a big help for someone like me. That's what you've got to do, and he's the ultimate example."

...

"Eli is Eli," said Justin Tuck, Giants defensive end and admitted Yankees fan. "If you want to make the comparison, he's more Jeter than he is Peyton. I'll give you that. But he's Eli. He's himself. He doesn't need to be compared to anyone."

But the comparison to Jeter as a clutch player and an even-keeled star is a worthy one, and it seems to please Manning and Jeter, who share a mutual respect.

"I've always appreciated the way Eli has carried himself, not only on the football field but more importantly away from it," Jeter wrote in an email through the Yankees' media relations department. "He certainly seems to me to have the perfect demeanor to handle the spotlight that comes with playing in New York. He's already had a great deal of success in his career, and I don't see any reason that won't continue for a long, long time to come."

It's these little things that we rarely hear about that truly makes Jeter Jeter. Well done, Captain.... oh, and go Big Blue!

A Finished Quilt During My Mini Vacation

I finished binding this quilt a week ago, and completely forgot to share the pictures.


Usually, with a quilt like this I would have chosen white fabric for the bias tape, but this time I wanted to do something I normally don't do... and you know what? I think I kind of like it.


Since that last procedure was canceled and we had to reschedule it, I have been working on some projects. I am going to be able to share a couple of the projects soon, and some not so soon, but I am enjoying this little "vacation time" from the procedures.

I miss having you all for my link parties on Wednesdays, but I decided that it is best to take a break until this medical craziness calms down. I don't know exactly how long, but probably a few months.

Having said that, what project is making you happy? What have you been working on?

5 Months Already?

How can it be that my baby boy is 5 months old today?

My sweet little Boo Boo is going to be on the move before we know it.

I love every square inch of this baby boy.  His chubby cheeks, his huge grins, his soft skin, his smell, his belly laughs, his rubber band wrists, his super-chub thighs....... oh, and those eyes, I love those baby blues......I could go on and on.  Caspian Finn is honestly the sweetest, happiest little guy I have ever met.  Always smiling, easy going ~ definitely a dream baby if I could have ordered him up myself.

I'd like to push the pause button right now and freeze this moment in time.  Ok, I'm pushing it......right.....now.

It's all going by way to fast.

Happy 5 months to my sweet little guy ~ you are truly such a joy!

Yanks Sign for Red Sox Reliever Manny Delcarmen

The last time we saw Delcarmen he put up a 4.99 ERA in 57 appearances for the Red Sox and Rockies in 2010. He did not pitch in the big leagues last season

Yanks in Talks With Bill Hall

Andy Martino also tweets that Hall is still considering "other teams" as well.

Last season, Hall hit .211/.261/.314 with 2 HR and 14 RBI in 185 at-bats with the Astros and Giants.

Rick Rack Travel Tissue Holder ~ Tutorial

These last couple weeks we have been sick with some pretty nasty colds around here ~ tis the season, I guess.  It is the worst feeling to be caught out and about without a tissue in sight.  I mean, what is a girl to do? I've been meaning to make some travel tissue holders for the last year and I finally sat down and sewed some of these little cuties.

As most of you know, I've got a thing for rick rack, so I decided to incorporate one of my favorite trims into the design.  This project is a really great way to use up scraps as it only takes two small squares of fabric.  If you are in a 'scrap busting' kind of mode, this is going to be a great project to put those scraps to good use. 

Also, if you are just starting out sewing, this is a perfect beginner project and if you are a seasoned pro, these fun travel tissue holders will take you minutes to sew together.  Let's get started....... 

Rick Rack Travel Tissue Holder

by The Cottage Mama

Supplies:

1 - 6" x 7.5" piece of fabric (exterior)

1 - 6" x 7.5" piece of fabric (lining)

Rick Rack

Basic Sewing Supplies

Optional: Wonder Tape

Instructions:

Cut your fabric.  You will need two pieces for each tissue holder.  One for the exterior and one for the lining.  Also, pick out a coordinating color of rick rack trim.

Pin rick rack to both sides of the exterior piece of fabric.  Line the rick rack up with the edge of the fabric.  Another option is to use Wonder Tape to temporarily adhere the rick rack to the fabric.  Wonder Tape is a double-sided tape that washes away and won't gum up your needle.  Apply it to the back of the rick rack, peel off the paper backing and stick it to the fabric.  Again, Wonder Tape is totally optional.

Place the lining fabric on top of the exterior fabric with the right sides facing each other.  By right sides, I mean the printed side of the fabric.  Stitch down both sides that have the rick rack using a 1/4" seam allowance.

Turn right side out and press.  This should allow the rick rack to just peak through on either side.  This was a standard, regular sized rick rack.  If you choose to use a smaller or jumbo rick rack, you will need to adjust it so that the right amount peaks through with the 1/4" seam allowance.

Place the fabric with the exterior fabric side up.  Fold in both sides, so now you see the lining.  Fold in so that the seams where the rick rack are seen are overlapping each other.  Pin in place.

Stitch down both sides of the tissue holder using a 1/4" seam allowance.  Trim edges with pinking shears or use a zig-zag stitch for finishing.  Clip corners and turn right side out pressing out the corners.

The rick rack is entirely optional as well, but I think it adds a nice, vintage detail.

Fabric is 100% cotton, 'City Weekend' by Oliver + S for Moda Fabrics.

Once your tissue holder is complete, just fill with travel sized tissue packs with the plastic wrapper removed.  I plan to make one of these to keep in each of my purses, one for the car, and maybe one for each of my kids.  These really are the easiest thing to sew and make a very ordinary item such as tissues into something special and fun!

Cooking with Cast Iron

We have been cooking with a cast iron for over a year now. Our reasons for switching from standard non-stick cookware were based primarily on health considerations and the confusing information we had read on the chemicals used in the non-stick coating.

Before switching to cast iron, we had been using a 'green' non-stick version that had eliminated the controversial PTFE (Polytetrafluoroethylene)  and PFOA (Perfluorooctanoic acid) coatings. But we didn't think it held up very well and just started worrying all over again about the various other chemicals used to create this new form of non-stick.

So we made it very simple for ourselves and went back to the 'original non stick' - cast iron.

Cast iron possesses no potential dangerous coatings, will not chip or scratch and is also a great way to introduce trace amounts of iron into your diet.And if that wasn't enough incentive, cast iron is also very affordable. A twelve inch skillet for example is less than $30 (here) and it will last forever.

Cast iron is also great to cook with as it distributes heat evenly. We primarily use a pair of large and small skillets for everyday cooking. We also use a cast iron dutch oven in place of a crock pot for stews, slow roasts and soups. Our remaining cookware consists of copper-bottomed stainless steel sauce pans.

We purchased our Lodge cast iron skillets pre-seasoned.  Every several months, we re-season them by coating with oil and baking in the oven at 350 for 45 minutes. After 45 minutes, we turn the oven off and let them cool on the oven racks.

For daily maintenance, we soak the pans in warm water after each use. We then scrub with a scouring sponge, rinse with hot water, and pat dry. Occasionally, we also rub a light coating of oil into the skillets while they are still warm from rinsing. We follow the same care with our Dutch Oven.  With cast iron it is recommended to not use soap and to not soak in water for long periods of time as this promotes rust and deteriorates the seasoned condition of the cookware (which makes the cast iron non-stick). In the worst-case scenario, you just have to re-season the cookware as described above.

Like all choices we make in life,  we strive to find ways in which we can live by the healthiest means possible. Some choices are easy to make, some take effort. But we are passionate about creating the healthiest life for ourselves and our babies, so the transition to cast iron does not feel like extra work. In fact, it offers quite the opposite for nothing outweighs peace of mind.

Good Day at the Thrift Store

One of my children had a doctor's appointment a couple days ago. After that, I took him to school and dropped him off. By the time I did that though, it was better for me to stick around that area than go home, since we live kind of far from school. It is not worth the drive home if I have to leave right away to pick them up from school.

So, I decided to have a little peek at the thrift store... boy I made a good decision!

I found some vintage pillow cases, a couple of Liberty of London clothes (by Target) that I can use for quilts and such, but I will share some items that I am really thrilled about.. .check them out! (followed by a squeal of JOY)


Aren't they gorgeous?

A vintage tea towel...


Also a vintage table cross...



and, milk glass cups...


Aren't they so pretty? I am most excited about those vintage tea towels and the table cloth. They are in such good condition, and such items are VERY hard to come by.

Every year around September I get antsy because I know there is going to be a Country Living Fair in Atlanta (or Columbus, Ohio). What's country living fair? It is basically a festival-like atmosphere with over 200 vendors and artisans selling antiques, gifts, home décor, and jewelry. Also the events are filled with seminars and demonstrations from Country Living editors, contributors, and special guests, as well as live music, gourmet markets, and more.

Mmm... Doesn't that sound like a lot of fun or what? I certainly don't care for ALL types of antiques/vintage items, but there are certain things that I love, yep, you guessed it right, fabric, linens, laces, buttons and other sewing notions. I am wondering if there is going to be some vendors selling those things at CLF, if you have been to CLF before (you lucky you!) please share your experience, I would love to know!

It is one of many dreams of mine to attend the country living fair someday. Until then, I guess I will get an adrenalin rush from the thrift stores when I find those rare vintage items. ;)

HGTV’s Elbow Room

Wow, has it really been almost two months since I’ve written a blog?!?!?!  I guess it has.  There has been so much going on and it’s been so hard keeping up with my blog. 

The main thing that is taking up all of my time is the new HGTV show that I am working on!!  We started filming at the beginning of December and have been going non-stop.  HGTV finally put out a press release this week so I can actually talk about it.  The new show is called Elbow Room and is set to premier on HGTV in May.  Chip Wade, previously a contractor on Curb Appeal: The Block, is the new Host and Designer on the show.  I’m assisting Chip as Design Coordinator.  My main responsibility is styling the renovated homes.  A lot of my work is behind the scenes but I get some camera time too.  It’s all very exciting. 

Here’s a description of the show from an article on Bizjournals.com...

We have filmed 5 episodes so far and have 8 more to go.  It has been so much fun getting a behind the scenes look into how an HGTV show is created.  My mom came down to visit and described it so perfectly.  She said “it’s like a Nascar race…when you watch a race on tv you know that the cars are going fast and you know it’s really loud.  But, watching it on TV is nothing compared to being at the real race and seeing the cars in action.”  At any moment there could be 30 people on the set going a million miles an hour and each doing a different task.  When the cameras start rolling though, the only ones in the scene are Chip and the homeowners.  It’s really fascinating.  I’m so lucky to be a part of it all.

I’ll make sure to post updates about the show as I have them.  I’m looking forward to the show’s premier in May of this year.  Thanks to all my readers for sticking around during my lack of blogging.  You guys are the best!  xoxo, Cristi

LiveJournal Tags: HGTV,Elbow Room,Chip Wade

Ibanez the top DH target?

From Kevin Kernan:

The Yankees have interest in lefty hitting Raul Ibanez, according to sources. Ibanez’s average dropped to .245 last season with the Phillies, but he hit 20 home runs and drove in 84 runs. Ibanez, who will turn 40 in June, has drawn interest from a number of clubs.

Ibanez recently had a productive workout with hitting guru Rudy Jaramillo and believes he has corrected flaws in his swing. Over the past six seasons, he averaged 24 home runs and 100 RBIs.

If he actually fixed his swing that certainly makes him a much more attractive candidate. Either way, he's a professional hitter and is probably better than anything the Yankees currently have sitting on the bench, so why not?

The Cottage Kids Favorite Toys ~ Age 2 through 4

The question about work-life balance has come up from quite a few of you lately.  You want to know how I balance being a wife, a mother to three young children, and a small business owner?  For right now, I'm not entirely prepared to answer how I 'do what I do' because I'm still formulating my thoughts on that topic.  I'm imagining me saying, 'just run around like a crazy woman' is not exactly the answer you were looking for.......though sometimes it's the truth.   So until I can clearly articulate myself on that topic........I thought I would share some bits and pieces of our life that will maybe bring the whole idea work-life balance together.

For the most part (excluding today ~ ugh!), the girls are really good at entertaining themselves and playing together.  The fact that they are only 16 months apart really helps because they are pretty much interested in the same things.  I would say they are definitely each others best friend.  Having them be able to play independently helps allow me to tend to their baby brother, Caspian Finn, and get some work done with The Cottage Mama.

Today I thought I would share some of The Cottage Kids favorite toys.  Now mind you, Matilda Jane is 2.5 years old and Savannah is almost four.  So, these are what they are into now.........I'm sure that will change down the line, but I'll give a little update when it does.  I also think it's fun to see what other kids are into and might give you some new ideas for toys for your little ones.

Little Tikes Deluxe Wooden Kitchen

This play kitchen has been a huge hit ever since we got it when Savannah was 2.5 years old.  I love that it is wooden and it has held up incredibly well.  The laundry feature is really fun for the girls since they love to use the washing machine and ironing board.  It also has an oven, refrigerator, stove, microwave and sink that are all wonderful for pretend play.  There is ample amount of storage inside as well.

Melissa & Doug Wooden Food Groups

Almost all of our pretend food is Melissa & Doug, but this was one of the first sets that we started out with.  The food groups are a great variety.  We have added the pots and pans set, cutting foods, the cookie set, donut set, pizza party and birthday cake to the collection.  The girls can spend an hour cooking up things in their play kitchen with this food.  Truly a great investment.

Bilibo

The Bilibo is a new toy that the girls received for Christmas from my in-laws.  We aren't entirely sure what it's supposed to do, but that's the beauty of it ~ it can be anything you want it to be.  You can sit in it and spin around, you can put your baby dolls in it as a little doll bed, you can wear it on your head and pretend to be an astronaut (a favorite idea of Savannah and Matilda), you can carry your toys around in it.  The wonderful thing is that it lends itself to great imaginary fun.

Turn and Learn Magnetic Gears

I'm not sure who loves this toy more, myself or the girls.  These gears are magnetic on the back and you can set them up in all different kinds of patterns on the refrigerator to make them work together.  It's great for problem solving because the kids have to figure out why the gears aren't working together when they are set up in certain ways.  Even my father-in-law, the engineer, loves these!!

Washable Dress-Up Masks

Ok, so the #1 activity around here is dress-up and pretend play.  We have a gigantic dress up bin that is full of all sorts of costumes (a lot of which my mom made me growing up), accessories and now we have these fabulous masks (given to us from my mom and Pepo for Christmas).  They are great because they are fabric so they can be washed - big bonus with toddlers.  The elastic on the backside is nice and sturdy so it won't break.  And they are really comfortable for the kids to wear.  This week the girls have been telling me that I am to wear the cow mask........not sure if they are trying to tell me something.

Beginner Pattern Learning Blocks

Savannah seems to be more into these than Matilda right now, but these are great for identifying shapes and colors.  They are kind of like a bunch of mini-puzzles, but you can engage with your little ones by asking them questions regarding the different pieces. The shapes and boards are wooden and the boards are double-sided with a picture on each side.

Color Discovery Boxes

We have had these boxes since before Matilda was born and they are probably one of our all-time favorite toys.  Why?  Because there are so many things that kids can do with them.  They can sort the items by color, sort them by type, they can count the items in the box or they can use the different pieces for pretend play.  LOVE this toy!

 Little People Happy Sounds Home

We love 'Little People' around here.  The girls love playing with the home and the farm.  It's really fun to see them talking and pretending to make up little stories with these characters.  I loved my 'Little People' house when I was growing up, so I'm glad they do too.  We've also got Noah's Ark as well as the ABC animal set........though we pretty much just put all the characters together.  At any given time you might find the alligator hanging out in the house or the baby sleeping in the barn.......you know, anything goes around here.

Goodnight Moon Game

We got this game for the kids for Christmas and it has been a big hit.  There are many different variations of instructions with the game depending on the ages of the players.  We have been doing the beginner version of the game, but both girls can play it well and have a lot of fun.  The instructions go up to age 6.  Not to mention, that Goodnight Moon is a sweet classic.

Mega Blocks Princess Building Set

I don't think these Mega Blocks need much explaining, but we love to build castles and towers.  We've added to this set with another primary colored mega blocks set, so now the girls can build a tower as big as they can possibly imagine.

Indestructible Lacing Cards

This is a new toy that the girls received from my mom and Pepo for Christmas.  They really enjoy it, but have yet to really master it.  And yes, they are made out of an awesome material so they are definitely indestructible.  I think it will become more of a favorite as they both get a little older, but I love it because it's the gateway into sewing!!!

Those are just some of the toys that are big hits around here.  The girls play with their musical instruments and their baby dolls quite a bit as well, but overall they've got quite a few toys to keep their little minds occupied.  Personally, I love when my kids can play on their own because I think it fosters creativity and independence.  Yes, it does help me to manage my household and business when they play on their own, but it also helps them learn to not always need to be entertained by someone else.

I'll share some of our favorite books with you in another post.  It would have been just too much for this post.  

We love books!

So, what are (or were) your kids favorite toys when they were toddlers?

TRIPPY TEENIES

Iridescent Ctenophores from Parafilms on Vimeo.


You can see more of Parafilms' seriously cool interactive videos and photos at their site, PlanktonChronicles.org.

Ctenophore photo credits, top to bottom:
1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14