Pulling for Charity

As I was leaving the market the other day I saw a man loading a cart with empty bottles and cans for recycling. This got me thinking about the Pulling for Charity programs that some non-profit organizations use to supplement their budgets.

The Ronald McDonald House and Shriners Hospitals collect pop tabs from soda, soup, pet food cans, etc. and use the proceeds from recycling them to pay for equipment and services within their organizations. The pop tabs are 100% aluminum and take up less room than aluminum cans so it is easier for these charities to manage and recycle the tabs.

I originally heard about these programs through the New York State Association of Family and Consumer Science Educators and thought this was a great project to help children learn about the importance of helping others who are less fortunate without collecting money. I used to use it as an extra credit project in my classroom. Many students rose to the occasion and saved thousands of tabs. They continued to collect the tabs and delivered them to me many years after leaving my classroom.

Donating is easy. Remove the pop tabs and save them in a bag, plastic container, box, etc. Find a Ronald McDonald House or Shriners Hospital that is close to you and deliver the tabs when you have collected a large amount. You don't need an appointment! Can't do that yourself? Not convenient for you? Perhaps someone you know works for or volunteers at one of these organizations and would happily deliver the tabs for you.

I have personally experienced the appreciation of the Ronald McDonald House volunteers when receiving this "gift" and know that you will feel fulfilled and proud after you have made a delivery. To learn more about these programs you can visit the Ronald McDonald House and Shriners Hospital websites or click on the links below each picture.

To learn more about the pop tabs for Ronald McDonald House go to http://www.rmhckc.org/poptabs

To learn more about the pop tab program for Shriners Hospital co to http://www.thirstylizards.com/general/cantabprogram.php

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Easter was very quiet and relaxing this year! We had a very enjoyable weekend with family and are now ready to focus on the next holiday - Mother's Day!

It is not too late to order Mother's and Grandmother's necklaces and bracelets from Cruisin' Creations! Simply visit my website www.cruisincreations.etsy.com, click on necklaces and scroll down to Design Your Own Mother's and Grandmother's Necklaces and Bracelets - Or - click on this link: 

https://www.etsy.com/listing/174133342/design-your-own-mothers-and-grandmothers ref=shop_home_feat_1

Each necklace and bracelet is designed according to your specifications and the birth months you provide. Genuine Swarovski crystals are used in each piece. 

The necklace is only $20.00, and the bracelet is only $7.00! 

Order soon so that your items can be shipped in time for Mother's Day!

These samples were designed with June, August, and October birthstones.

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Our next show will take place on May 3 at Sand Creek Middle School, 329 Sand Creek Road, Albany, NY. This event runs from 11:00 am - 3:00 pm and benefits the American Cancer Society. Please stop by and support this very worthy organization. Mention this blog post and receive 15% off of your purchase at Cruisin' Creations!

Until next time...

Diane

Made in the US of A!

In last week's blog I profiled 3 crafters at the Country Craft Shows Spring Show in Oneonta, NY. This week I'd like to profile 3 more who sell products wholly made in the USA. 

As we walked into the Foxcare Center on Saturday morning there was this very long table that was covered with sheets. I was curious as to what could be underneath it and thrilled to find that it was all hand made chocolates just in time for Easter! Laura Haney of Laura's Chocolates makes the most delicious confections from real chocolate not flavored wafers. I was fortunate to sample a piece of her chocolate covered pretzels. Well, she takes them to a whole new level by covering them with caramel before dipping them in chocolate and decorating them. DELICIOUS!!!!! Laura makes a variety of shaped chocolates including some very cute deviled eggs. You can view some of Laura's designs on Facebook - Laura's Chocolates and Custom Designed Cakes.

Food is always a hit at craft shows so I was especially pleased to sample The Dip Bowl's dips, desserts, and oils. Donna has an amazing selection of dips including Piping Hot Pepper Jack, New York Cheesecake Dessert Mix, and Aloha Pina Colada Dessert Mix. I decided that I had to buy some but had a very hard time choosing. I couldn't possibly buy they all! Unfortunately, she does not have a webpage but you may be lucky enough to find her at one of the many craft shows throughout NYS.

Have you ever heard of maple cream? I haven't, but because of  Shaver-Hill Maple I now know what it is - maple syrup whipped to spread like butter. Shaver-Hill Maple carries maple cream as well as a wide variety of syrups, maple candies, and the most beautiful wooden cutting boards I have ever seen! They are family owned and operated since 1912 and located in Harpersfield, NY. Harpersfield isn't convenient for you? No problem! You can order from their website www.shaverhillfarm.com.

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If you ask me, April's birthstone, diamonds, would look gorgeous in any shape or form; however, it can also get very pricey so why not enjoy the look of diamonds without the price with this beautiful necklace and bracelet set? Using Czech fire polished crystals I created a stunning white set that sparkles in the light. While it would be gorgeous on anyone it would be perfect for a bride or member of a bridal party! Please send me a message if you would like to purchase this set. (dbabin731@gmail.com)

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Our next show is May 3 at Sand Creek Middle School, 329 Sand Creek Rd, Albany, NY from 11:00 am - 3:00 pm. This show is sponsored by Relay for Life and benefits the American Cancer Society. Please come out, do a little Mother's Day shopping, and support a very worthy cause.

Until Next Time...

Diane

You Get What You Pay For

We spent the weekend at the Country Craft Shows Spring Craft Show at the Foxcare Center, Oneonta, NY. The Foxcare Center is an amazing facility and proof that old shopping malls can have new life breathed into them when they are re-purposed. This facility housed a variety of doctors offices as well as a fitness center, pharmacy, and cafe. What vision someone had to create this facility out of a defunct mall!

While the craft show was a personal success our Saturday evening accommodations were not. We stayed at the Red Carpet Inn because it had been mentioned in the craft show literature, other crafters had stayed there in the past, it had a picturesque location on Colliers Lake, and was very reasonably priced. Well...the price should have scared us away as I spent a good portion of the night sneezing, and trying to breathe, and woke up the next morning with bloodshot eyes and a puffy face. Why did this happen? While air quality testing would confirm this, my husband and I believe the heater, which never stopped running all night, spewed out mold and dust. My sinuses were in mutiny and I was suffering!

Never again! It would have been so simple to drive the hour and stay in our own home Saturday night, but we thought it would be nice to have a room on a beautiful lake. Next time we will make the drive...

We did meet some wonderful people and very talented crafters at this event. I will profile 3 of them in this week's blog.

Owl Eye Photography is owned by Kate Waltz. Kate has an eye for capturing the essence of nature which she sells in the form of note and greeting cards. She also sells her photos as matted and framed prints. You can contact Kate through her Facebook page - www.facebook.com/owleyephotography.

ES Notebooks is owned by Eric Schaechtele. Eric takes original as well as common art pieces and prints them on various sized notebook covers which he sells at very reasonable prices. I always have a need for a small notebook in my purse so I was thrilled to find these beautiful hard covered ones in the perfect purse size. You can follow Eric on Twitter - twitter@esnotebooks.

Bar Excellence Soap Company owned by Laurie MacCracken has taken the boring bar of soap and turned it into a celebration. Her soaps look so delicious that you want to eat them! What? Yes, you would want to eat them. Why? She makes soaps that look like slices of cake and cupcakes. So cute for a special gift or for a shower favor! You can check out her selection at bar-excellence.com.

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April is here so it's time to feature our April Birthstone Necklace. 

This necklace is made on a loom using soft nylon yarn and Swarovski crystals.
It measures 18" long and has a 4" extension chain and alligator clasp.
It is also available in a longer length or as a bracelet by special order.
Please contact me with your preferences (dbabin731@gmail.com)
or place an order at https://www.etsy.com/listing/173955406/18-birthstone-necklaces-made-with?ref=shop_home_active_11
You can also view my entire selection of designs at www.cruisincreations.etsy.com. 

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Our next stop?

May 3 we will be at Sand Creek Middle School, Sand Creek Road, Albany, NY. This event benefits Relay for Life!

Until Next Time...

Diane

Hurray For Handmade in the USA!

My husband and I spent this past Saturday at a craft fair to benefit the Little Sisters of the Poor at Our Lady of Hope Residence in Latham, NY. This was a craft and vendor show so along with Pampered Chef, Tupperware, and Mary Kay there were quite a few vendors who buy and sell.

Very early on I realized that the people surrounding me were buy and sell vendors. This concerned me because I didn't think I could compete with their very low prices. Those who are familiar with my designs know that I sell a line of high end women's accessories.

Across from me was a woman who sold Paparazzi necklace and earring sets for $5.00. To my right was a woman who sold a variety of items including little stuffed bunny rabbits for $5.00 each, and to my left was a husband and wife team who sold jewelry as well as $10.00 manufactured hats to which they added a flower or other embellishment. I thought, "How am I going to compete with this? My prices are so much higher!"

As I observed people throughout the day it appeared that my "neighbors" were quite busy and selling a number of items, but traffic in my booth and my sales seemed to be light. At the end of the day I realized that my perception was all wrong. Each of my neighbors in one form or another commented to my husband or me that they did not do as well as they would have liked and barely sold enough to cover the cost of the booth space for the day.

I was sorry for them; we are all small businesses just trying to eek out a living. I was; however, happy for myself because I did profit. It was then that I realized that people do appreciate the value of handmade items and are willing to pay the price for quality designs rather than pay for inexpensive imported items.

Hurray for handmade!!!

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After each event I like to profile a crafter who has caught my eye with his/her creativity. This week I'd like to feature Remember When. Among the items Robin and Beverly make are quilted reversible ironing board covers at a very reasonable price. The colors are so pleasing and the prints so attractive that I would think these covers would make the chore of ironing a bit more palatable. Unfortunately, they do not have a website but I'm sure you will see them at one of the craft shows in the area.

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Our next stop is the Country Craft Spring Show at the Foxcare Center, 1 Foxcare Drive, Oneonta, NY 13820. This is a two day event!

Saturday, April 5, 2014 - 9:00 am - 5:00 pm

Sunday, April 6, 2014 - 10:00 am - 3:00 pm

If you are local, why not spend part of the weekend taking a scenic drive down I88 to Exit 16,Oneonta, visit the show, and help out small businesses? 

Easter is only a couple of weeks away and Mother's Day isn't far behind so it's a perfect time to purchase unique gifts for all of the special people on your list.

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Drastically Reduced!!!

I have several one of a kind acrylic winter scarves that I have marked down to unheard of prices. These scarves are only available at craft shows and only for a limited time. If you can't make the shows and are interested in one of these scarves please send an email to me, dbabin731@gmail.com, and we will work out the details.

This yellow 60" infinity scarf is adorned with clear glass beads. It is stunning over black, brown, or navy especially when the beads shimmer in the light.
Regularly $60.00 it has been reduced to only $20.00!

This teal 36" cowl style scarf is adorned with blue, gold, clear, and purple beads.
It is stunning on black or white.
Regularly $50.00 it has been reduced to only $15.00!

This white 60" infinity scarf is adorned with beads I purchased in Key West.
They are biconne beads in a pale shade of green.
o soft and elegant on the pure white yarn, it reminds me of Key Lime Pie.
Regularly $60.00 it is marked down to $20.00!

A shorter version of this Key Lime Pie scarf scarf above measures 15" and is only $5.00!
It is the perfect size for a collar scarf or for a young girl.

This deep purple 60" infinity scarf has gold, pink, iridescent, and green glass beads knitted throughout. The metallic thread and the beads add such shimmer to your outfit
when they catch the light.
Regularly $60.00 it has been reduced to $20.00!!!

This baby soft white 36" cowl scarf has irregular shaped crackle beads knitted throughout. The pink, gold, olive, and magenta beads add such interest to this scarf.
Regularly $50.00 is has been reduced to $15.00!

It's never too early to plan for Christmas! Imagine how lovely this 44" soft white cowl scarf adorned with red, gold, and green seed beads will look during the Christmas season!
Regularly $50.00 it has been reduced to $15.00!

At 65" long this gray stone acrylic scarf has white moon shaped beads with clear rhinestones that shimmer when they catch the light. Regularly $60.00 it has been reduced to $20.00!

Until next time...

Diane

To Paradise and Back

Some would consider a mountain covered in fresh powdery snow paradise.

Some would consider a bed of flowers in spring paradise.

Some would consider a pile of freshly fallen leaves to jump in paradise.

For my husband and me a warm white sandy island beach with clean tropical waters and palm trees is paradise. And, we were fortunate to enjoy a bit of paradise over the past few days. 

We had the privilege of visiting St. Maarten, St. Kitts, Puerto Rico, and Haiti during an 8 day cruise on Royal Caribbean's Independence of the Seas. The weather was sunny and warm, the waters clear and warm, and the sky clear and blue.

Our waiter and assistant waiter were very pleasant and fed us well. We enjoyed the conversation of our table mates, and spent much time relaxing and soaking up the warmth. The Royal Caribbean singers and dancers as well as the musicians were very talented, and there were many venues on the ship to partake in a variety of activities. 

It was probably one of our best vacations, and a ship we would be happy to sail upon again. While it is always good to come home and get back to what is familiar and routine this was a cruise we didn't want to see end. We'll have to sustain ourselves by starting to plan our next one, whenever that may be.

If you haven't ever gone on a cruise we highly recommend it. It is a fun way to travel! You get to keep your belongings in one place as you visit a variety of ports of call. Each one offering a variety of ways to explore. 

Please enjoy a few of our photos of these beautiful islands...Ahhh, paradise, wouldn't you agree?

St. Maarten / St. Martin

St. Kitts

Puetro Rico

Haiti

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Order your mother's and grandmother's necklaces and bracelets now so that you will receive them in time for Mother's Day!

Necklaces measure 1" X 18".
Closes with a silver toned alligator clasp and 4" extension chain.
Send your birth month choices and I will design a special piece for you.
$20.00
https://www.etsy.com/listing/173955406/18-birthstone-necklaces-made-with

Bracelets slip over the hand and hug the wrist.
Send your birth month choices and I will design a special piece for you.
Please include the circumference at the widest point of your hand so that the correct sized bracelet is shipped.
$7.00
https://www.etsy.com/listing/174133342/design-your-own-mothers-and-grandmothers

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We are looking forward to seeing you at the Welcome Spring Craft Show at Our Lady of Hope Residence, 1 Jeanne Jugan Lane, Latham, NY on Saturday, March 29 from 10:00 - 4:00.

As always, mention this post and receive 15% off of your purchase at the Cruisin' Creations booth!

Until next time...

Diane

Doing Good Works

It always warms my heart when businesses give back to the community and one of the businesses that has done a wonderful job in the short time they have been in business is Good Works. 25% of their profits are donated to good causes. Located in Montebello, CA, they have done some amazing things!

Their motto is, "Doing Good Always Works". The highlights of their good works below are taken from their website  https://www.goodworksmakeadifference.com/

Established in 2011, Good Work(s) Make a Difference® has been determined to delivering the most fashion-forward, uplifting, and inspirational bracelets and accessories. We contribute 25% of net proceeds to charitable organizations in order to make a meaningful impact in our neighbor's communities and lives.

TOOLS FOR SCHOOL - JAN - SEPT 2013

Good Work(s) Make a Difference launched its annual charitable campaign– “Tools for School” in 2013. The grassroots initiative provided backpacks and school supplies to 10,000 low-income students across the country, including work with nationally renowned enrichment program LA's Best. School supplies were also donated to New Orleans, LA.

HOME SWEETER HOME – PATH VENTURES JAN - NOV 2012

Good Work(s) Make a Difference®  finalized its year-long “Home Sweeter Home” campaign on November 2012 in North Hollywood, California, by providing home essentials and supplies for an additional 113 units in the NOHO Villa Senior Housing complex for Path Ventures. In total, Good Work(s) had the opportunity to provide assistance for over 200 individuals and families throughout the year– on average, furnishing 1 home every 3 days!

SUMMER OF THE MOTHER -  SUMMER 2011

Good Work(s) Make a Difference had the distinguished honor of arranging “A Magical Day” for underprivileged mothers from the Path Ventures Long Beach Family Commons program, an organization dedicated to assisting the homeless.The event aimed at providing a day of attention and pampering for 40 single mothers, with visits from local beauty specialists, fitness instructors and live musicians. The ladies were also treated with lunch and donated gifts. 

SPRING OF THE STUDENT -  SPRING 2011

In April 2012, select students from Fairfax High School in Los Angeles were given the opportunity to fulfill their prom dreams thanks to Good Work(s) Make A Difference and their “2012 Dream Prom” event, aimed at providing financial assistance to economically disadvantaged students. Through hard work and determination, Good Work(s) Make A Difference pooled their resources’ & contacts to make this project a reality. Together, we contributed to something that will remain in memories forever!

You can purchase Good Works Bracelets, locally, from Simply Sterling Jewelry. Check out their Facebook page to keep up to date on the shows where Simply Sterling Jewelry will be. https://www.facebook.com/pages/Simply-Sterling-Jewelry/143489162352398

So if you are looking for some stylish bracelets and want to help others at the same time consider purchasing Good Works Bracelets.

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Our next stop? Saturday, March 29 Cruisin' Creations will be at the "Hello Spring" Craft Fair at Our Lady of Hope Residence, 1 Jeanne Jugan Dr, Latham, NY 12110. The show runs from 10:00 am - 4:00 pm. Stop by and help out The Little Sisters of the Poor!

Until Next Time...

Diane

Thank You For My Children

Have you ever read a book and felt like the author was sitting in the same room with you telling the story? 

Have you ever read a book that was so good you just couldn't put it down until you finished it?

Have you ever read a book and felt like you were living in that moment recounted in the story?

Have you ever read a book that was very easy to read and when you finished realized that it was chock full of useful information?

This has been my experience with Thank You For My Children by Rick Pepe.



Rick retired from teaching after 37 years in the classroom. He has a wealth of information to pass on to fellow teachers, those contemplating a teaching career, and those who want to relive their high school experience.

Rick chronicles his last year of teaching and adds anecdotes from the 36 years before. Some of these anecdotes are humorous, some show the trials and tribulations of teaching, and some offer advice for the new as well as seasoned teacher.

As I was reading this book, which I finished in a couple of days because I just couldn't put it down, I felt like Rick was sitting in the room with me recounting his many stories of his years in the classroom. It is written just as Rick speaks which is wonderful because he is a great storyteller!


I gleaned a lot of useful information to use in my own classroom from Rick's stories. He's not preachy from all those years of experience. Rather, I found his writing to be very humble.

I personally recommend Thank You For My Children. It is easy to read, easy to purchase, and reasonably priced!

You can purchase Thank You For My Children at the Book House, Stuyvesant Plaza, Albany, NY, the Open Door, Jay Street, Schenectady, NY and the Book Hound, Main Street, Amsterdam, NY. 

Not local? No problem! 

You can also purchase Rick's book online at:

Thetroybookmakers.com - http://tbmbooks.corecommerce.com/Thank_You_for_My_Children.html

Amazon.com - 
http://www.amazon.com/Thank-You-Children-Final-Year-Observations/dp/1614680434/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1393861903&sr=1-1&keywords=thank+you+for+my+children+by+rick+pepe

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The birthstone for March is aquamarine. This March birthstone necklace made with aquamarine Swarovski crystals from Cruisin' Creations collection is set off so beautifully against soft white nylon yarn. It measures 18", closes with a silver toned alligator clasp, and has a 4" chain to adjust the length. It is gorgeous against light or dark colored tops!

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It was great to get out on the craft show circuit again! Had a good time at Rensselaer High School! Met a lot of nice people!

Next stop? Little Sisters of the Poor, Our Lady of Hope Residence, Latham, NY. The show runs from 10:00 am - 4:00 pm. See you there!

Not local? You can view our designs and order at www.cruisincreations.etsy.com

Until next time...

Diane