Recently I was listening to talk radio while the personalities were talking about the article written about "Mom hair". I became a bit outraged while driving in my car. With out reading the article it was implied that because someone became a mom they instantly became frumpy, drab, and became even more so when they cut their long hair into a reverse bob.
Seriously??????
Here is the public link to the article:
http://www.nytimes.com/2016/06/23/fashion/mom-hair-tips.html?_r=0
As I read it, it talked about Mom's feeling bad about their appearance and so the instantly cutting their hair to make them feel better but it often does the opposite because it makes them look chubbier. Say what?
I am a Mom of grown children and yes, I and several of my friends have this hair cut. Guess what, some of our grown girl children say that we are with it, we are vogue, we don't appear our age. So what about the Mom hair is an indication of your old and out of touch? Someone, please, explain to me why having your hair manicured and styled is frumpy and bad.
Over the years we have attacked Mom's about their clothes, their body shapes, their personal appearance, now their hair and along with many other things. How about we salute Mom's and be grateful for the things that they do and have done for their children. How about we praise them for the items they give up so that their children can have more.
How about we give Mom's a break for not being slim, trim and having a tummy from birthing children and maybe drinking one too many cocktails during their relaxation time. What Mom, with children, has time to take an hour out of their day to run to the gym and exercise for an hour several days a week? What Mom hasn't given up the "new" jean silhouette so that she could provide more for her children?
Mom's are super heroes!
The average mom sacrifices so much for her children and her family.
She gives up her personal time, clothing budget, personal space, social time with her spouse, often while working too and keeping up the home.
Is their a way to help Mom's with out criticizing what they do? Is their a way to make a mom feel like she doesn't need plastic surgery and lypo suction to be attractive? Is their a way we can help society make Mom feel like she is a wonderful, kind, giving beautiful person just the way she is?
Let's celebrate Mom because she is Mom. Let's not judge each other but celebrate each other. Let's be at peace with who we are in the moment. Let's just be.
Because with out Mom, her love, her giving, her kindness, her understanding; we wouldn't be the people that we are.
With love from your retired FACS teacher and yes a lady with "Mom hair".
Jane
P.S. Mom is spelled with a capital M with intention!
Thursday, June 23, 2016
Wednesday, June 22, 2016
My reuse and recycle continues: Buffet from the 1940's moves on to the contemporary present. MY HOW TO.......
We moved from a home that had a great deal of space. That home had a very traditional dining room and living room. Our new home has just enough living space for us but it has a much more casual environment.
In the first year of our marriage we purchased a dining table, chair and a buffet at an auction for $280. We really thought we were going over the top on spending that much money at the time. We used the table and chairs for 15 years. We have never stopped using the buffet. After our move I wanted to make it feel casual like our home.
It seems like most everything is painted these days to make it "current". This actually makes me chuckle, because there was a time during the 70's that my mom put paint and antiquing on everything. I see that phase again and I hope it lasts for a while because I do not want to strip these items because someone says I ruined them with paint.
This buffet is a replica Ducan Phiffe from the late 1940's. In this picture the top two are pictures of the buffet before the remake and the lower two are the NEW version of my buffet.
In the first year of our marriage we purchased a dining table, chair and a buffet at an auction for $280. We really thought we were going over the top on spending that much money at the time. We used the table and chairs for 15 years. We have never stopped using the buffet. After our move I wanted to make it feel casual like our home.
It seems like most everything is painted these days to make it "current". This actually makes me chuckle, because there was a time during the 70's that my mom put paint and antiquing on everything. I see that phase again and I hope it lasts for a while because I do not want to strip these items because someone says I ruined them with paint.
This buffet is a replica Ducan Phiffe from the late 1940's. In this picture the top two are pictures of the buffet before the remake and the lower two are the NEW version of my buffet.
Advice and steps for a project like this.
Things you need: Sand paper, disposable paint brush(es), paint ( this project took the small can of paint), handles, some sort of drop cloth, drill and drill bit, screw driver, wet towel or attachment for drill. (Note for beginners: your drill has a reverse on it so that you can remove screws with your drill very quickly. Do not forget to change it back when you are putting handles on or drilling.)
1. Carefully decide what you want to do before you act. Occasionally we think we have bright ideas and we act before we think and the cartoon bubble in your head does not resemble your finished product.
2. I removed the handles on the buffet.
3. I wasn't sure if I wanted to paint the entire buffet so I started with the top, doors and drawers. I used Rustoleum furniture paint which I love!
a. Sand surface that you want to paint with fine sand paper. This helps the paint adhere.
b. Make sure you place cardboard or newspaper on the area that you are painting because no matter how careful you think you are you will spill.
c. Always have a damp towel or rag at your side for slip ups and spills.
4. After the buffet dried I decided I love the partial painted look.
I purchased handles that had two holes to attach to the buffet (the previous had one). If you do this make sure the hole is going to be covered. If not you will need putty that matches your surface and fill the hole. I then measured the distance that the holes needed to be drilled and made a template so that the handles would be placed evenly on the project.
Note that I chose a handle color that matched the hinges on the doors. You would not want nickle plated handles with brown hinges. The type of handles that I used are traditionally known as CUP handles.
You want to make sure that you have a drill bit that is the correct size. If it is too big your handles will slide around. Also make sure that your bit is sharp so that you can drill through the wood quickly.
5. After your markings and holes are done you can then attach the handles with the screws provided.
I love how my buffet turned out. My husband came home and though that I had purchased new furniture. This goes so well with the more casual look that we have in our home now and feels like it is NEW.
I spent about $25 on this remake, well worth time and money that it saved me, versus purchasing new furniture.
What ever your project might be, I hope that you might have fun with it!
With love from your retired FACS teacher, Jane
Wednesday, June 1, 2016
Reuse and recycle still works.....Lawn furniture getting a perk!
As my husband and I are getting our new home organized (which might be totally organized in several years) and trying to fit old things into different spaces I have been modifying several items. I will talk about one today but oh, there are several more to come in the future. We never expected to move and had built our dream house. When my husband lost his job 6 years ago we purchased a business as we realized he was at a difficult age to get a job. In the last 5 years his commute of 30 minutes kept getting longer and longer. We decided we would move only if we found a house that we both loved. We found that home. It was difficult to leave our friends and the community as we have been in our previous community since 1989.
Our previous home had a patio and a deck. We had metal furniture in the front of our home that was purchased during the early 90's. The deck had furniture with cushions that we purchased in 2006. Both were in pretty tough shape but I didn't want to spend money on new things right now. As most of you know a move is never inexpensive, always has one or two surprises that you don't expect, and often requires $. Always things that you don't care about but have to take care of when trying to make your new home yours. (For us, everything is smaller....including the dishwasher.....seriously, our square everyday plates do not fit in the dishwasher.....what?)
Our new place has a 38 foot deck that overlooks the Mississippi River (yes, we are very lucky and we love this little spot). We are using all of our furniture combined and we know that it doesn't really all go together but we will make it work.
I made a trip to the local hardware store and purchased some spray paint that prevents rust. I brushed off the chairs with a whisk broom and sprayed away. These chairs look brand new and we love them. We hope that they last another 10 years and if the rust peeks out again I sure know where to get more spray paint. They will NOT be available in our future garage sales. Ha!
With love from your retired FACS teacher, Jane
Our previous home had a patio and a deck. We had metal furniture in the front of our home that was purchased during the early 90's. The deck had furniture with cushions that we purchased in 2006. Both were in pretty tough shape but I didn't want to spend money on new things right now. As most of you know a move is never inexpensive, always has one or two surprises that you don't expect, and often requires $. Always things that you don't care about but have to take care of when trying to make your new home yours. (For us, everything is smaller....including the dishwasher.....seriously, our square everyday plates do not fit in the dishwasher.....what?)
Our new place has a 38 foot deck that overlooks the Mississippi River (yes, we are very lucky and we love this little spot). We are using all of our furniture combined and we know that it doesn't really all go together but we will make it work.
I made a trip to the local hardware store and purchased some spray paint that prevents rust. I brushed off the chairs with a whisk broom and sprayed away. These chairs look brand new and we love them. We hope that they last another 10 years and if the rust peeks out again I sure know where to get more spray paint. They will NOT be available in our future garage sales. Ha!
 |
| a close up |
 |
| I like to spray in the grass. You can cut off the spray and destroy the evidence. |
With love from your retired FACS teacher, Jane
Monday, May 9, 2016
Societal stress.............from Politics
I can tell you that I have always been a person that hates conflict but then again when I feel strongly about something my voice is heard. I once wanted to speak to Al Franken at a hearing about Nutrition and exercise but wasn't aloud to speak. When he left I walked out of the in progress hearing and followed him to the rest room and waited until he came out to "give him my thoughts." Slightly embarrassing but I got my point across.
This year we have the most interesting, the most unlikely, and my least favorite candidates EVER running for office. I find that my family of aunts and uncles have often forgotten the rule, do not discuss politics or religion and the supper table. There have been very strong discussions witnessed during my youth, that may have scarred me for life. But still, I care.
For me, it is not just about politics of a party, I want to look at everything on the table. When I look at Trump I see a mouth trying to be an entertainer, that really is not interested in qualifications for running a country. When I look at Clinton I see I lady that has support of the "machine" that got her husband in office with some pretty dirty politics. Some say that the dirt about the Clinton's was partly manufactured by Republican pun-dents but, I think, some of it is real. Even though they say she is living in the shade of her husband she really did stand beside him and support him.
They say a good democracy only lasts 200 years and we have gone well beyond that time frame. I hope that we can see the reflection of our politics as people and we can make some political and national changes through our voting voice. If we really look in the mirror our reflections are just not that great. We need to stop disliking and judging each other for believing something different than us. We need to stop saying that my candidate is bad but not a bad as yours. We need to find someone that is determined but good, supportive but strong and by all means bipartisan.
Just my thoughts,
With love from your retired and somewhat politically frustrated FACS teacher,
Jane
This year we have the most interesting, the most unlikely, and my least favorite candidates EVER running for office. I find that my family of aunts and uncles have often forgotten the rule, do not discuss politics or religion and the supper table. There have been very strong discussions witnessed during my youth, that may have scarred me for life. But still, I care.
For me, it is not just about politics of a party, I want to look at everything on the table. When I look at Trump I see a mouth trying to be an entertainer, that really is not interested in qualifications for running a country. When I look at Clinton I see I lady that has support of the "machine" that got her husband in office with some pretty dirty politics. Some say that the dirt about the Clinton's was partly manufactured by Republican pun-dents but, I think, some of it is real. Even though they say she is living in the shade of her husband she really did stand beside him and support him.
They say a good democracy only lasts 200 years and we have gone well beyond that time frame. I hope that we can see the reflection of our politics as people and we can make some political and national changes through our voting voice. If we really look in the mirror our reflections are just not that great. We need to stop disliking and judging each other for believing something different than us. We need to stop saying that my candidate is bad but not a bad as yours. We need to find someone that is determined but good, supportive but strong and by all means bipartisan.
Just my thoughts,
With love from your retired and somewhat politically frustrated FACS teacher,
Jane
Thursday, April 28, 2016
FYI, What is the difference between a quilt, a quilt top, piecing and quilting?
Sometimes I get questions from people in general and from my Etsy customers about quilts.
I sell two things related to quilts.
Pieced quilt tops and quilted quilts. I have a few tied quilts but I do not make many of these any more.
There are two kinds of basic quilt tops. Quilt tops are generally know as the top of the quilt or the side with lots of sewing and fabrics.
1. A pieced quilt which was started by piecing scraps of fabrics together left from old and new garments for families. It has evolved into an art with new fabrics and patterns. There are traditional patterns and modern patterns. They are all sewn together. Now with a sewing machine, originally by hand. Generally the seam is 1/4 inch. For a long time quilt seams were pressed to the side but the "new quilters" are thinking open seams are better for a flat quilt unless you have a dark and a light fabric sewn together.
Here is a simple example of a pieced quilt TOP:
https://www.etsy.com/listing/291492431/quilt-top-in-tan-reds-coral-colors?ref=shop_home_active_1
2, An appliqued quilt top is a fabric design cut out of different types of fabric to make a scene or picture out of different colors and textures. When I started quilting in the late 70's (I was a kid) I loved this type of quilting because it was easy for me to make with out instructions. I have never really liked pattern following.
This quilt has applique and piecing.
https://www.etsy.com/listing/229353677/applique-and-pieced-quilt-saying-they?ref=shop_home_active_5
Generally quilts have 4 main parts, the TOP, the BACKING, the BATTING and the BINDING.
1. We've discussed the top.
2. The Backing is generally one piece of solid print or color that is related to one of the fabrics in the top. More and more people are making designs on the backs of their quilts but it is generally less detailed.
Here is an example of a quilt that has pattern to both sides.
https://www.etsy.com/listing/286242607/wide-lap-or-baby-quilt-in-kaffe-fassett?ref=shop_home_active_12
3. The batting is the textile in between the quilt top and backing. Generally if you are doing machine quilting you use one layer of a cotton batting or a poly/cotton batting. Quilts with a great deal of loft are generally synthetic. These battings are often used for tied quilts.
The difference between a quilted quilt and a tied quilt. The quilting are detailed stitches that are random or a pattern. Now we most often do machine quilting but quilting started by hand and is often considered a lost art. The purpose of the quilting is to hold the fabrics together, especially when laundering.
Tied quilts hold the 3 pieces together for laundering. We often use embroidery floss or yarn. This is considered a much easier quilting method and is more utilitarian.
Example of a tied quilt.
https://www.etsy.com/listing/153961295/extra-large-strip-bright-baby-quilt?ref=shop_home_active_14
4. Binding: This is the part of the quilt that finishes the quilt. It goes around the edge of the quilt and covers the raw edges of the back, batting, and the quilt top.
In conclusion, if you see quilt top or unfinished top that means you are not getting a finished quilt but a part of a quilt.
Why would someone want a quilt top? Generally some people love to do machine quilting but don't like to piece quilts or don't have time to piece quilts. If someone else does it for them it saves time and sometimes money because they do not have to purchase all of the fabric yardage.
I hope this helps none quilters when looking at and purchasing quilts.
There were no resources used in this article. It was written from experience.
With love from your retired FACS teacher. Jane
I sell two things related to quilts.
Pieced quilt tops and quilted quilts. I have a few tied quilts but I do not make many of these any more.
There are two kinds of basic quilt tops. Quilt tops are generally know as the top of the quilt or the side with lots of sewing and fabrics.
1. A pieced quilt which was started by piecing scraps of fabrics together left from old and new garments for families. It has evolved into an art with new fabrics and patterns. There are traditional patterns and modern patterns. They are all sewn together. Now with a sewing machine, originally by hand. Generally the seam is 1/4 inch. For a long time quilt seams were pressed to the side but the "new quilters" are thinking open seams are better for a flat quilt unless you have a dark and a light fabric sewn together.
Here is a simple example of a pieced quilt TOP:
https://www.etsy.com/listing/291492431/quilt-top-in-tan-reds-coral-colors?ref=shop_home_active_1
2, An appliqued quilt top is a fabric design cut out of different types of fabric to make a scene or picture out of different colors and textures. When I started quilting in the late 70's (I was a kid) I loved this type of quilting because it was easy for me to make with out instructions. I have never really liked pattern following.
This quilt has applique and piecing.
https://www.etsy.com/listing/229353677/applique-and-pieced-quilt-saying-they?ref=shop_home_active_5
Generally quilts have 4 main parts, the TOP, the BACKING, the BATTING and the BINDING.
1. We've discussed the top.
2. The Backing is generally one piece of solid print or color that is related to one of the fabrics in the top. More and more people are making designs on the backs of their quilts but it is generally less detailed.
Here is an example of a quilt that has pattern to both sides.
https://www.etsy.com/listing/286242607/wide-lap-or-baby-quilt-in-kaffe-fassett?ref=shop_home_active_12
3. The batting is the textile in between the quilt top and backing. Generally if you are doing machine quilting you use one layer of a cotton batting or a poly/cotton batting. Quilts with a great deal of loft are generally synthetic. These battings are often used for tied quilts.
The difference between a quilted quilt and a tied quilt. The quilting are detailed stitches that are random or a pattern. Now we most often do machine quilting but quilting started by hand and is often considered a lost art. The purpose of the quilting is to hold the fabrics together, especially when laundering.
Tied quilts hold the 3 pieces together for laundering. We often use embroidery floss or yarn. This is considered a much easier quilting method and is more utilitarian.
Example of a tied quilt.
https://www.etsy.com/listing/153961295/extra-large-strip-bright-baby-quilt?ref=shop_home_active_14
4. Binding: This is the part of the quilt that finishes the quilt. It goes around the edge of the quilt and covers the raw edges of the back, batting, and the quilt top.
In conclusion, if you see quilt top or unfinished top that means you are not getting a finished quilt but a part of a quilt.
Why would someone want a quilt top? Generally some people love to do machine quilting but don't like to piece quilts or don't have time to piece quilts. If someone else does it for them it saves time and sometimes money because they do not have to purchase all of the fabric yardage.
I hope this helps none quilters when looking at and purchasing quilts.
There were no resources used in this article. It was written from experience.
With love from your retired FACS teacher. Jane
Wednesday, March 9, 2016
The dishes delema, I have a problem! !!!
Ok, I admit it. I don't need this many sets of dishes. (I have 7 and I know it is conspicuous consumption, ridiculous, and greedy.....sorry!) I am moving I need to downsize. But how?
Each set has a reason for being in my life and now I must cut a couple of them out!
Each set has a reason for being in my life and now I must cut a couple of them out!
One set from my husband, one set was my Grandmother 's, one set was my mother's, one set is Christmas, one is everyday.....!
I have always had this issue I can't help it I love pretty things, thus, the teacup issue which is a whole additional story that I need to depart with....need any teacups?
Oh, heck this is way people leave their stuff for their kids to auction off after they die!
With love from your retired FACS teacher, Jane
Sunday, February 28, 2016
A FACS reflection featuring the Minnesota Family and Consumer Sciences Conference.
It was good to see my FACS/FCS friends at the Minnesota Association of Family and Consumer Sciences Conference. The theme, Bridging the Gap, centering our focus.
This information is in regard to our conference but much of it is important for anyone in the field of FACS/FCS.
Minnesota has just completed their "Frameworks". It is called "Frameworks" because FACS/FCS is an elective in Minnesota and the content should be left to the district. Therefor we can not call them standards. But, they are similar and a good "Frame" for educators to follow.
Dr. Jill Conlon, Karen Smith and Debbie Larson have spent countless hours meeting with FACS/FCS educators around the state assembling for each of our content areas. While doing so they lobbied for a FACS/FCS Specialist. We thank them and the many others that have lobbied for this position over the last 12 years for the success of re-instating this position.
Maxine Peterson was hired in August.
Max, Debbie and Jill spoke at the conference.
Jill and Debbie spoke about the "Frameworks" and the items that they focused while building the content. They spoke of how the "Frameworks" refer to our National FACS/FCS standards, they said that it is a living document and that it is to be used as a reference in your school's program. It also refers to STEM, Career Pathways and Math focused areas.
It discusses FACS/FCS as Career and Technical Education, Traditional Programs, Critical Science (addressing issues in society and traditional Science).
Maxine reminded us that a flash drive of the document is available through the Minnesota Department of Education. She talked about STEM in relation to FACS/FCS and the career wheel. She also reminded us that tuition reimbursement is available for FACS/FCS educators because there is a shortage of teachers. (Through Perkins, Stafford, and Teach grants).
Minnesota has a Childhood Education Career day in 2016.
She talked about the teacher Cadet training for educators to recruit FACS/FCS educators in your classroom. http://teachercadets.com/
Lastly she reminded us about the importance of Advisory Boards in your school district and the component of leadership in your program. (FCCLA is one way to get that leadership component)
Dr. Carolyn Barnhart, AAFCS president, spoke to us about the AAFCS and the programs currently being featured through AAFCS. Say Yes to FCS and Dine In and the coalition recently formed among FACS/FCS related organizations. There are 4004 members in the Association, if you are not a member please consider joining.
I was given the opportunity to speak in an educational session about my advocacy of FACS/FCS through my blogging and how to use ETSY. It was great fun and I thank those that attended the workshop and hope that you gained a bit of knowledge about those items. FUN group.
A link to my ETSY account/shop: https://www.etsy.com/shop/EmilHansDesigns?ref=hdr_shop_menu
Thanks to Lois Lewis and her team for her countless work in organizing the conference. It was a great venue and well planned out.
With love from your retired FACS/FCS teacher,
Jane
This information is in regard to our conference but much of it is important for anyone in the field of FACS/FCS.
Minnesota has just completed their "Frameworks". It is called "Frameworks" because FACS/FCS is an elective in Minnesota and the content should be left to the district. Therefor we can not call them standards. But, they are similar and a good "Frame" for educators to follow.
Dr. Jill Conlon, Karen Smith and Debbie Larson have spent countless hours meeting with FACS/FCS educators around the state assembling for each of our content areas. While doing so they lobbied for a FACS/FCS Specialist. We thank them and the many others that have lobbied for this position over the last 12 years for the success of re-instating this position.
Maxine Peterson was hired in August.
Max, Debbie and Jill spoke at the conference.
Jill and Debbie spoke about the "Frameworks" and the items that they focused while building the content. They spoke of how the "Frameworks" refer to our National FACS/FCS standards, they said that it is a living document and that it is to be used as a reference in your school's program. It also refers to STEM, Career Pathways and Math focused areas.
It discusses FACS/FCS as Career and Technical Education, Traditional Programs, Critical Science (addressing issues in society and traditional Science).
Maxine reminded us that a flash drive of the document is available through the Minnesota Department of Education. She talked about STEM in relation to FACS/FCS and the career wheel. She also reminded us that tuition reimbursement is available for FACS/FCS educators because there is a shortage of teachers. (Through Perkins, Stafford, and Teach grants).
Minnesota has a Childhood Education Career day in 2016.
She talked about the teacher Cadet training for educators to recruit FACS/FCS educators in your classroom. http://teachercadets.com/
Lastly she reminded us about the importance of Advisory Boards in your school district and the component of leadership in your program. (FCCLA is one way to get that leadership component)
Dr. Carolyn Barnhart, AAFCS president, spoke to us about the AAFCS and the programs currently being featured through AAFCS. Say Yes to FCS and Dine In and the coalition recently formed among FACS/FCS related organizations. There are 4004 members in the Association, if you are not a member please consider joining.
I was given the opportunity to speak in an educational session about my advocacy of FACS/FCS through my blogging and how to use ETSY. It was great fun and I thank those that attended the workshop and hope that you gained a bit of knowledge about those items. FUN group.
A link to my ETSY account/shop: https://www.etsy.com/shop/EmilHansDesigns?ref=hdr_shop_menu
Thanks to Lois Lewis and her team for her countless work in organizing the conference. It was a great venue and well planned out.
With love from your retired FACS/FCS teacher,
Jane
 |
| Dr. Jill Conlon and Debbie Larson speaking on "Frameworks" |
 |
| Maxine Petterson, FACS/FCS specialist Minnesota |
 |
| Dr Carolyn Barnhart, AAFCS president speaking on behalf of AAFCS |
 |
| Lois Lewis, national FACS teacher of the year 2013. Program chair |
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