Hungry Food Love

Flourless Mud Pie Cookies

Passion Fruit Mousse Napoleon

Pork Empanadas

Apple Pie Pancakes with Caramel Marscapone

Have I made you hungry yet?

These are just a few of the recipes you will find in Melissa's Blog, Hungry Food Love.

Melissa loves food and finds that she is always hungry! Her favorite past times are cooking and eating, and she enjoys demonstrating love through food and sharing her recipes with her followers. Along with her passion for cooking she, also, has a goal of raising awareness and money for the kids who suffer from hunger in her home country of the Dominican Republic.

Her recipes are easy to follow and she includes many photos to help if you are uncertain about what to do next. Her pictures make my mouth water as I read them. I definitely have to try some of these out!

Visit www.hungryfoodlove.com to see this Top 100 Food Blogger's creations and challenge yourself to make some of these delicious dishes!

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We are ready for Saturday's craft show at Rensselaer High School! New designs, and a new display await customers. Take a few minutes to visit the show and help the class of 2014 as they try to offset some of the costs of their prom and banquet. Visiting the show is a sure cure for cabin fever which we are all suffering from this winter!

The show runs from 9:00 am - 2:00 pm. Mention this blog post and receive 15% off your purchase at Cruisin' Creations booth!

25 Van Rensselaer Drive

Rensselaer, NY 12144

Until next time...

Diane

Raising Minimum Wage

So, I've been listening to and reading the arguments, both pro and con about raising the minimum wage, and have decided that we are looking at the wrong issue. Since the 1960s we have been spending vast amounts of money to bring people out of poverty and our poverty rate, today, is higher than ever! So, I ask, is that approach working? It doesn't look like it to me.

In all my years, and there have been a lot of them, I have never seen minimum wage succeed in raising people out of poverty. It seems that whenever minimum wage is raised so is the price of staples like milk, eggs, bread, gas, etc.; no one ever gets ahead. So, let's look at this a different way.

Instead of raising the minimum wage to raise people out of poverty why don't we encourage people to get the education and training they need to work at a job that will pay them a living wage? Having a good job can be a means for elevating oneself out of poverty. How does one get a good job? By having a strong work ethic and having the necessary skills to perform the tasks of the job. How does one learn those skills? Education, apprenticeships, technical schools, etc. People need training to be hired for good paying jobs!

It seems lately everyone wants to give everything to people who are in need. The old saying, "Give a man a fish and he eats for a day; teach a man to fish and he eats for a lifetime." holds true here. Lets put the emphasis on education to help people improve their economic situation.

I'm not saying that we should throw more money at education, but I do believe we, as a society, and families individually need to put more importance on education so that individuals will develop the skills they need to enjoy a better quality of life.

Thanks for reading my point of view!

Until next time...

Diane

So Much Local Talent!

Witness for the Prosecution by Agatha Christy, have you seen it? It's currently playing at Home Made Theater at the Spa Little Theater in Saratoga Springs, NY. Wonderful performance!!! Not being too familiar with Agatha Christy I was totally stunned by the ending! The set was very cleverly designed and easily changed for each scene.

We spent Sunday afternoon enjoying Witness for the Prosecution with friends. As I was watching this group of talented performers I couldn't help but ask myself, "Why don't we do this more often?" There are so many amateur performance venues in the area where we could support the local arts and enjoy a good plot line while spending time away from home and the TV. 

Of course, Saratoga is a gem of a city on its own so I must mention that after the performance we enjoyed delicious burgers at Druthers, and participated in Sunday night trivia at Circus Cafe. What a busy and fun day!

If you can't make this performance of Witness for the Prosecution which ends on February 23 perhaps you would be interested in their next play, Boeing Boeing. The information below on Boeing, Boeing is from the Home Made Theater website.

“This latest edition of a play named for an aircraft soars right out of its time zone and into some unpolluted stratosphere of classic physical comedy.” – The New York Times

It’s the 1960s, and swinging bachelor Bernard couldn’t be happier: a flat in Paris and three gorgeous stewardesses all engaged to him without knowing about each other. But Bernard’s perfect life gets bumpy when a new and speedier Boeing jet throws off all of his careful planning. Soon all three stewardesses are in town simultaneously and catastrophe looms. A riotous farce is now set to arrive in Jet City—fasten your seat belts!

April 18, 19, 25, 26, & May 2, 3 – 8:00pm
April 27 & May 4 – 2:00pm
Tickets $26/$23

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Don't miss our first event of 2014 and rid yourself of some cabin fever while you shop the more that 45 crafters who will be selling their creations at this show!

Rensselaer High School Craft Fair

9 am - 2 pm

25 Van Rensselaer Drive

Rensselaer, NY

This event is sponsored by and benefits the Class of 2014!

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Looking for a way to help others while you shop for yourself? By purchasing different colored items at Cruisin' Creations you are helping a variety of organizations.

Purchase these colors and 10% will be donated to:

Red - American Heart Association

Pink - American Cancer Society

Purple - Alzheimer's Association

Visit our website www.cruisincreations.etsy.com to view our full line and make your purchase.

Until next time...

Diane

A Gem In Buffalo

Finding a good Italian restaurant in other parts of this country that matches the flavor and ambiance of our favorite, Canali's in Rotterdam, NY, is difficult, but I think we have finally found one in Buffalo! While there are many in the Buffalo area with decent food the owners of this restaurant go out of their way to make you feel like you are part of the family. And perhaps we are as the owner, Rick, and I discussed the parts of Italy that our families are from.

The restaurant? Caramici's Bistro and Bakery at 1501-1503 Hertel Avenue. The owners Diane and Rick Serra are so friendly and accommodating that if you are dissatisfied in any way they will fix it immediately! We had a very pleasant and tasty meal so we didn't experience this first hand but could see by how they treated their customers that they are there to please.

Before the meal we snacked on warm Italian bread dipped in an olive oil and herb mixture. Very tasty! I ordered the pasta and broccoli. It's a dish I love but never prepare at home. Usually when I order it out it comes swimming in a dish of olive oil and loaded with way too much garlic. Not this time! The sauce was flavorful, but not overwhelming. There was just enough in the bottom of the dish to soak up with more of that warm bread! For dessert I ordered a chocolate cannoli. Delicious! And the plate was beautifully garnished!

Their motto is "Where 'dear friends' meet". We definitely made friends Saturday night.

If you're ever in Buffalo, NY I highly recommend that you check them out! 
www.caramicis.com.
www.facebook.com/caramicis

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As many of your know, Cruisin' Creations likes to give back to the community. Starting this month I will donate 10% from the purchase of any red items to the American Heart Association. This program will continue throughout the year and is in addition to the donations made to the American Cancer Society for pink purchases and the Alzheimer's Association for purple purchases. Why not treat yourself to something special and help out these worthy organizations?

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The first show of the year has been booked! Join Cruisin' Creations on March 1, 2014 at the Rensselaer High School Craft Fair, 25 Van Rensselaer Drive, Rensselaer, NY. There will be at least 45 crafters at this show. The show benefits the Rensselear High School Class of 2014.

Bed Head, Legalizing Marijuana, and Other Musings

So, this week's post is on several things that have confounded me lately. While I don't want to get into a debate on each, I simply want to point out these observations.

Have you noticed the epidemic of bed head lately? I've noticed this for the past couple of years. It does not discriminate and can be observed on anyone. Because of this observation I make sure the back of my head has been combed before I leave the house.

Lately there is so much news about legalizing marijuana. Now, I'm not going to get into all of the legal and addictive arguments about this issue. I have one simple question. If smoking cigarettes is so dangerous for us and many are going after big corporations who have, supposedly, made cigarettes so addictive then why would anyone be advocating for the legalization of marijuana? Don't you have to inhale? Isn't that bad for your lungs? What about second hand smoke? Hmmmm???

So, I've registered all of our phones with the Do Not Call Registry at least twice since the first of the year and am still getting annoying calls from charities, magazines, credit card services, senior services, and power companies. Why are they not honoring the Do Not Call Registry? I found out they don't have to because the calls are not coming from the United States. Guess I have to spend money and get caller ID so I can screen these annoying calls...

So, I'm selling my designs at a craft show this past fall and have a brief conversation with a heavily tattooed gentleman. It is my understanding that tattoos can be very expensive so I can only imagine the hundreds of dollars he has spent for this body art. At some point during the conversation he mentions that he is on Medicaid. So, I start thinking...he can afford all these tattoos, but has to have taxpayers pay for his medical benefits. Hmmm? 

OK, I'll stop now...

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February is here and with that a new birthstone necklace is being unveiled. 

Actually, there are two necklaces this month. 

One is knitted with amethyst Swarovski crystals; 

the other with amethyst Czech beads.

Amethyst Swarovski Crystals are knitted into this soft white nylon yarn.
So light and airy, you won't even know you are wearing it, but  others will!

Amethyst Czech beads in different sizes and colors add such interest to this piece.
Click on Sets to view this necklace and bracelet set at Cruisin' Creations.
I recently wore a necklace like this to a doctor's appointment. 
It created such a stir with those working in the office! They loved it and placed orders!

Mother's and Grandmother's necklaces and bracelets are also available.
Simply visit my website, www.cruisincreations.etsy.com, and tell me the months you want included when you place your order and I will design a special piece for you!

Until next time...

Diane

Artists: Local and From Afar

This week, I'd like to focus on those artists who deserve a feature because of their creativity and customer service. 

I recently went for a facial at Vitoria Adamo Day Spa in Schenectady, NY. Rebecca was the professional who provided the facial. She was so friendly and accommodating! She knew when to converse and when to let me relax. She did a wonderful job and I left there "glowing"! It was one of the best facials I have ever had! You can learn more about Vitoria Adamo by going to their website www.vitoriaadamodayspa.com


Donna Marie sells her gorgeous jewelry on Sundays at the Farmer's Market in Proctors Theater, Schenectady, NY. Her designs are beautiful, they sparkle in the light, her prices are reasonable, and her display is gorgeous. Although I did not purchase anything from Donna Marie the day I met her she was very helpful and pleasant in answering all of my questions. This quote from her website describes her artistic philosophy: Anyone can go to a store and purchase a piece of jewelry. I take great care to make every item unique, incorporating many little touches that echo the original Vintage piece that inspired it.

Learn more about Donna Marie's selection by going to her website www.jewelrybydonnamarie.com.


Gayle from Craft Wishes in Wisconsin Rapids, WI is a new Etsy Shop owner. Gayle has a unique outlook on Valentine's cards. Rather than spoil the fun by telling you about it here I will let you visit her shop to view her clever and poignantly put card. Click on the link below to see the card.

https://www.etsy.com/listing/177237728/humorous-valentine-no-sweet-and-mushy?ref=shop_home_active_1

To learn more about Gayle's craft visit her website: www.craftywishes.etsy.com.

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My birthstone and mother's necklaces and bracelets are quite popular. They would make the perfect Valentine's Day gift so why not drop a subtle hint to your significant other that you would like one? Don't delay! Valentine's Day is in 17 short days!

January's garnet birthstone would make the perfect Valentine's gift!

https://www.etsy.com/listing/173955406/18-birthstone-necklaces-made-with?

May, June, and October birth months are featured in this Mother's and Grandmother's sample.

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

Until next time...

Diane

Cellphone Etiquette

I'm going to use today's post to discuss a pet peeve of mine, cellphone etiquette. 

So, picture this:
It's Christmas Eve and my daughter and I have managed to find two seats together in our church and they happen to be right up front. Not our favorite place to sit but what are you going to do? We were happy to find seats. While we were able to see everything that was going on on the altar, and were privileged to watch a little girl set the baby Jesus in the manger, we were also bothered by the conduct of a teenage girl who was sitting nearby. 

This girl was sitting with her parents, siblings and niece. Prior to mass she was texting on her cellphone which was inappropriate enough, but did she have to begin videotaping the people in front of her while the mass was going on??? I ask you, why was this girl even in church that afternoon??? It was obvious that the solemnity of the occasion was totally lost on her. And...what was wrong with her parents, who were sitting right next to her, and didn't make sure she put her phone away for one hour to celebrate the birth of the Christ Child???

Backtrack a few months. I, again, walk into church and see a father and his son texting and playing games on their phones before mass starts. Isn't that time before mass for prayer, meditation, and reflection? What does playing on your cellphone have to do with prayer? Is it me or has society forgotten about appropriate phone usage? 

A couple of years ago, my husband and I are at one of our favorite restaurants and a family we know comes in. We exchanged pleasantries then they sat down at a table nearby. Throughout the entire meal the daughter was so busy texting on her phone that she did not exchange one word of conversation with her parents and brother! Rude, disrespectful? Again, I ask, why didn't the parents tell her to put it away? Was it easier to let her be rude than deal with her moodiness if they confronted her?

I do recognize that there are times when the phone rings while shopping, dining, driving, or doing any assortment of activities. It happens to me frequently. Sometimes I answer and ask to call the person back, sometimes I carry on a brief conversation, and sometimes I let it go to voicemail and call the person back later. NEVER do I answer that phone in church, at the doctor's office, or while checking out at a store. And, NEVER do I text while driving.

It is up to each of us to weigh whether it is an appropriate time to answer that phone or if it can wait. Will answering upset the people we are with, will it show disrespect, will it disrupt the situation we are in? Not every call needs to be answered immediately. In fact, now that telemarketers have gotten a hold of our cell phone numbers, many don't ever have to be answered at all. 

So, I'm hoping that my rant will bring enlightenment to those of us who use cellphones and get us thinking about being more aware of what is going around us and less focused on this mini-computer that seems to have taken over our lives.

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New item!

Flexible Reversible Lap Style Fleece Beading Mats

I like to string the beads onto the yarn I am working with in the evening while I am watching TV. I found that I kept spilling the beads onto my lap so when I got up from the sofa there were more beads on the sofa and floor than on the yarn. Then I started putting a fleece blanket on my lap which is very comfortable in the winter but not in the summer. So, what to do? I came up with this beading mat design that uses fleece so the beads stay on the mat; the sides are raised so that if I shift my position the beads do not roll off, and the black and white sides allow me to change sides so that I can see the color of the beads easily.

It is a very valuable tool for my business and has made production of my products so much easier!

10" X 12" reversible mat

12" X 20" reversible mat

Check it out! 
https://www.etsy.com/listing/174404420/reversible-flexible-lap-style-beading

Until next time...
Diane