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text:
Formage Retirement
Formage Retirement
On Saturday, May 3 2014, the Formage system was retired. Until May 31st you may continue to access your Formage scripts at https://www-preview.stanford.edu/. After that date, you won't be able to access the scripts at all.
You are encouraged to use the FormBuilder system instead. This allows you to create web forms via a browser.

subset: commoncrawl


text:
5 eggs
130 gram sugar
140 gram cake flour
10 gram custard powder or cornflour
½ tsp baking powder
1 tsp essence vanilla
1 tsp lemon zest
3 tbsp of melted butter
1. Sift flour and baking powder and set it aside. Whisk eggs and sugar until white and stiff.
2. Add in vanilla and lemon zest. Turn down the speed of your mixer and slowly add in the flour. Mix until combined. Fold in the melted butter and mix well.
3. Pre-heat oven to 400 degree F and warm up the bahulu mould for 5 minutes. Take it out and brush it with some oil or spray on some non-stick spray.
4. Put about 1 tsp of batter into the mould, bake for 10 minutes or until golden brown.
5. Remove the cakes, and repeat step 4 again until the batter is finish.
Note: Kuih Bahulu keeps well in an airtight container.


text:
Monday, July 14, 2008
Lost in Translation?
Monday, July 14, 2008
Alright, then, rather than stifle it, let's just get this all out of systems, shall we? It'll be cathartic. Turn to the person next to you...what, there's no one nearby? Ok, go get someone. I'll wait.
Ok, are there at least 2 of you here now? Good. Now, look at the cake, turn to the person(s) next to you, and make all the obvious, disgusting, and profane jokes you can think of. You get extra points for saying the exact same thing at the same time. Running low on material? Try guessing what that inscription says, or what occasion the cake was for. (For example: Just-Found-Out-My-Boyfriend-Is-Cheating-On-Me Day, with an inscription that includes the word "eat".)
All done? Got it all out of your system? Can we discuss this like rational adults now?
Nah, I didn't think so, either.
Before you comment: yes, we all know what it looks like, people, so there's no need to spell it out for us, mmkay? Let's try to keep our comments as clean as possible, or failing that, to at least use the "*" key when necessary. Thanks, all!
79 comments | Post a Comment
- Melissa DiStefano said...
I mean in any language flies on poop is just wrong, right?
How is that right, in any language, what am I missing!
Oh maybe the inscription says "Oh, Poop!"
That's gotta be it! - July 14, 2008 at 4:01 PM
- *Michelle said...
oh i hope someone wasnt expecting that to be bee's around a hive and ended up with THAT instead!
- July 14, 2008 at 5:44 PM
- Lili's Cakes said...
I cannot even begin to imagine what inspired this er.... creation.
At least some people are thinking outside the box. - July 14, 2008 at 8:01 PM
- Unknown said...
It says Happy Birthday in traditional Chinese characters...
- July 14, 2008 at 9:39 PM
- Lisa said...
I'm looking for the fondant diaper that would make this the perfect companion cake to the baby cake in previous post. :-P
- July 14, 2008 at 11:32 PM
- Jen said...
Thanks for the translation, Jaime, although it's oddly disappointing. I guess I was hoping for something a bit more explanatory, you know?
- July 15, 2008 at 12:48 AM
I get it! It's a "sheet" cake!
- July 15, 2008 at 1:22 AM
- Amanda said...
I've seen a few poop cakes in my time. This one isn't too bad... except I'm a little confused by the brown polka dots around the pile... I'm trying to figure out the logistics, when really I should just stop staring at the picture.
- July 15, 2008 at 1:19 PM
- giz said...
Someone really didn't get enough attention as a child.
- July 15, 2008 at 11:38 PM
- Unknown said...
What did it say before? The image has been run through PhotoShop or something similar judging by the looks of the cloning in the big open spaces. It was probably even funnier with the original writing.
- July 16, 2008 at 7:01 PM
Dang. Annie beat me to it.
- July 16, 2008 at 9:15 PM
The biggest comment we had here at work about this one was..."eeyyew" and "yuk". We wondered if this was meant as an insult to someone.
- July 17, 2008 at 11:23 AM
- Events by Evonne, LLC said...
Hmmm... poo and flies on a birthday cake? I don't care how good the cake tastes, it just looks disgusting!
- July 18, 2008 at 8:00 AM
- Tom Terranova said...
Actually, a little pile of poo is a good luck symbol in japan. Here's an explanation from another site (url at end).
Dear Alice,
While browsing through the souvenir shops at Narita Airport, I came across a curious Japanese good-luck charm. It featured a gold poop. Why gold poop? -- Diane O., Redmond, Washington, USA
Dear Diane,
What you're missing is a pleasing piece of word play. The product you saw is called Kin no Unko (The Golden Poo), a name that plays on the fact that the Japanese word for poop (unko) starts with the same "oon" sound as a completely unrelated word that means "luck." Japanese enjoy this kind of pun -- traditional storytelling is full of them -- which may help explain why more than 2.5 million of the lucky little loads have sold in the last seven years.
There are many word plays in Japanese religion because puns make information easier to teach and remember. One example is a talisman in the shape of a frog used to pray for the safe return of a loved one, the pun being that the word for frog (kaeru) is a synonym of the verb "to return." "This Golden Poo is very much part of that tradition," Mitsuhashi asserted.
Furthermore, there is a long history of poo-related worship in Japan, according to Mitsuhashi. "There are more gods in the Shinto religion than it is possible to count, and they reside just about everywhere, inhabiting natural things like trees, rocks and waterfalls," he said. "Bodily functions are very important -- think what a problem it would be if a person couldn't defecate or urinate properly -- so it's natural that people worshipped deities linked to these functions." Mitsuhashi, who is in his 60s, remembers his parents burying a pair of god figures, one male and one female, under the privy in his childhood home.
At the risk of getting too graphic, I really must address shape because everyone I spoke to brought it up. Diane, you described the Kin no Unko as looking "disturbing like soft ice cream," while Fujii, its creator, expressed it as a "nice tatsumaki-shape (tornado-shape)."
The difference in perception may lie in toilet types: a Japanese-style toilet consists of a shallow basin built into the floor over which you squat. There's little or no water in the basin until you flush the toilet. So to someone who grew up using Japanese-style toilets, a healthy result would be in the shape of a spiral pile.
from tinyurl dot com/58xut2 - July 21, 2008 at 3:17 PM
- Jen said...
I never thought this site would be considered educational, but I for one have now learned something.
That still doesn't explain the flies, though. ;) - July 21, 2008 at 3:37 PM
- Unknown said...
It reminds me of my days aboard ship when we called the soft ice cream "dog" for obvious reasons.
- July 22, 2008 at 1:59 PM
- Humingway said...
Oh, there was an article about poop on Salon years ago! There's a good amount of gross-out humor here -- I doubt it's a totally straight-faced Shinto thing:
http://www.salon.com/mwt/feature/1999/12/13/poop/ - July 23, 2008 at 10:16 AM
You know, for some reason I am reminded of a cake I bought years ago from a grocery store bakery. The label described it as: 1/2 SHT BUTTCREME.
Which, obviously, stands for half sheet buttercreme. So, why it reminds me of this particular cake I have NO idea. - July 23, 2008 at 12:16 PM
@anon...very, funny!
- July 23, 2008 at 1:15 PM
reminds me of a t-shirt a guy wore at my highschool. it was gary larson-esque in it's color illustration but the subject matter was not. it was a bar scene with a presumed male fly asking a presumed female fly 'is this STOOL taken?'
i about fell out of my chair in regards to the 'sheet' cake. that was TOO much. *snicker* - July 23, 2008 at 5:05 PM
- Faith said...
Oh, that's just nasty! And my sister always tells me that I have the sense of humour of a 10-year-old boy, and she's right, but even I wouldn't do that one!!
- July 24, 2008 at 9:38 AM
I just came here to say what Tom already said! The little pile of poop is a pretty big thing over there! You can find it on jewelry, clothing, stationary and even food ;)
- July 24, 2008 at 10:55 AM
- Cary said...
I've heard of sh** on a shingle, but never cr** on a cake!
- July 24, 2008 at 12:16 PM
"Sorry I ran over your dog"
- July 24, 2008 at 12:41 PM
- Seoul Brother said...
And to think that for some people this would be an erotic cake.
Amanda, I'm guessing the polka dots meant that rabbits were involved.
And that's just a truly mean spirited cake. Think about it - you're a fly. You're buzzing around, and you see a fresh pile of brown buffet. You tell your buddies. They come buzzing along, and when you tuck into what you thought was dookie, you think "What the hell? Butter frosting?"
Wow. I don't feel so clean any more. - July 26, 2008 at 8:10 AM
"Sorry I ran over your dog"
You nailed it. I haven't laughed so hard in a long time.
I used to find these presents in our yard regularly. One day I drove up and witnessed our neighbor watching their dog leave a deposit. We had a friendly but direct conversation that (to my amazement) didn't result in an apology. - July 27, 2008 at 1:03 AM
The image has been run through PhotoShop or something similar judging by the looks of the cloning in the big open spaces. It was probably even funnier with the original writing.
Based on the placement of the clone tool markings that I see, I bet the clone tool was used to remove the name of the recipient. - July 27, 2008 at 1:27 AM
- Alison said...
What a hilarious cake. I'm going to make it for my husband's next birthday...bathroom humor is a necessity in our home.
"Sorry I ran over your dog"...that's hysterical. Way better than "Happy Birthday". :)
Love it! - July 27, 2008 at 3:28 PM
- Jen said...
For other poo-food that's more funny than gross, check out this link: http://www.fundistraction.com/2007/08/poop-like-pastries.html
Thanks to CW reader Ashlee for sending it in! - July 27, 2008 at 4:33 PM
- Valraven said...
The term "Lucky little S#!t comes to mind... - July 27, 2008 at 5:07 PM
- Chris said...
Is it wrong to be more grossed out by all of the flies than the poo??
- July 30, 2008 at 11:45 AM
- ArmandoJavier said...
I just don't know what to say other than AW CRAP, I forgot your birthday!
- July 30, 2008 at 11:54 AM
- sadieloree said...
No, I said I want a pupu platter cake!!! Not poopoo! Ugh!
- August 1, 2008 at 2:26 PM
- Unknown said...
I love this cake. Having just spent two years in Japan and having seen Unko on many 'lucky' items...why not cake!?
- August 3, 2008 at 1:10 AM
- Unknown said...
Asia has some very stinky extracts for food creations. I wonder if the cake smells and tastes as bad/wrong as it looks? Ok...off to the bathroom because just the thought is making me want to hurl...i bet there is an extract for that too...when will it ever end!
Poop w/flies + cake = Ewwww! - August 6, 2008 at 3:54 PM
- Mary Luce said...
FYI, where I come from, it costumary to wish "good s***" before a school exam, for success - you're not supposed to thank the wisher or it will be bad luck.
Cultures are weird. - August 6, 2008 at 7:10 PM
- maya said...
great theories, people, but it says "Happy Birthday" in chinese. so...that pretty much just makes it stranger.
- August 7, 2008 at 2:21 PM
It's most probably from Japan. From my bad memory of Japanese lessons the same characters for happy birthday can be used as Chinese. And Japan has a poo fad right now, you can buy collectible little plush "piles" of that shape that go on your mobile phone, sit on your desk, whatever. They have a few diminutive words for it, the equivalent of "poopy" or "doo-doo" or something I guess.
/end foreign language nerditude.. - August 8, 2008 at 5:02 AM
- Sam said...
When I was in Korea poop was also everywhere.
I was interested to read the comment about the poop/luck pun in Japanese. The Korean word "ddeong" is a false cognate with the English "dung" so if the the little soft-serve poop swirls my students doodled on their books wasn't enough of a give away, the word is essentially the same.
I still don't understand how poop is such a cute, marketable decal for children's pencil cases and the like...
I saw one character called Dongchimee who pretty much blew my mind:
I also got this dung coffee mug as a gift while I was in Korea:
It would go well with a slice of lucky poop cake! - August 10, 2008 at 12:07 PM
The inscription says "Happy Birthday" in traditional Chinese characters. No idea about the flies on poop, thing, though. That's just odd.
- August 10, 2008 at 10:12 PM
I made a cake like this for my mothers' group at church not long after my husband left me...and mext to the pile I wrote "MY LIFE IS..."
- August 11, 2008 at 9:14 AM
It's Japanese. Some characters are similar between Chinese and Japanese, but with the intention here being to wish a 'lucky' (the poo) Happy Birthday (basic translation) it is definitely Japanese.
- August 14, 2008 at 8:50 PM
- Joshua Samuel Brown said...
The cake says "Sheng Ri Kuai Le," Chinese for "Happy Birthday"
There is a restaurant in Taipei that has a bathroom motif - customers sit on toilets, eat out of toilet bowls, and much of the food is excrement themed. I had chocolate ice cream there once. It was pretty good. Maybe this cake is from there?
I love your site! - August 15, 2008 at 12:09 PM
One million flies can't be wrong...
- August 17, 2008 at 3:20 PM
It definitely isn't Japanese. There's an extra character to "birthday" in Japanese, the "kuai" character doesn't have the same meaning in Japanese and Chinese, and Japanese does not use the traditional Chinese form for the "happy" character. That's definitely a Chinese cake (as well as a Chinese picture, from the green text at the lower right).
- August 19, 2008 at 12:52 PM
- Mike said...
"生日快樂/Shengri kuaile" is definitely Mandarin Chinese. Japanese would be "誕生日おめでとう/Tanjoubi omedetou," or some variation thereof.
- August 21, 2008 at 12:00 AM
Looks like a dump cake to me.
- August 22, 2008 at 7:31 AM
What's with the Japanese and their weird obsession with crap?
- August 29, 2008 at 5:01 AM
I love poop, especially when it's a cake! Thanks for the link Brendada!
- August 29, 2008 at 12:35 PM
- Jennifer Good said...
We had a poo cake on my externship!!!! It was a pile of poo!!!
It was a really shitty experience, by the way. =) lol. - September 4, 2008 at 3:15 PM
- Amanda said...
this has become my favorite blog in the whole world.
- September 5, 2008 at 3:57 PM
Well.... That's a sh***y cake if I ever saw one!!!
- September 15, 2008 at 4:23 PM
- Unknown said...
For the last time:
Those are not Japanese words. They are Mandarin Chinese words printed in the Traditional (as opposed to Simplified) variant. They read (in my approximation of American phonetics):
Shung-rr kwy-luh
The Japanese would say/write:
Tahn-joe-bee oh-may-day-toe.
THE END. - September 15, 2008 at 5:13 PM
- Ringo McHarrison Lennon said...
Man, that's sickening!
- September 25, 2008 at 6:20 PM
Well, I'm glad everyone got that out of their systems.
- September 26, 2008 at 6:52 PM
Happy birthday! I'm dumping you.
;P - October 2, 2008 at 5:17 AM
Lol, poop.
- October 18, 2008 at 1:29 PM
Y'know, I've watched a fair amount of Asian tv shows...read a good bit of manga...viewed a hefty amount of anime...
And do you know what I've learned? Something about poop REALLY amuses people in that part of the world. It's insanity.
That cake made me Giant Sweatdrop.
That'll be funny to SOMEone around here, I'm sure. - November 4, 2008 at 9:01 AM
So, did you hear about the cannibal who dumped his girlfriend.......?
- November 15, 2008 at 10:24 AM
I think I can clear things up for you all. In my family we have an expression reserved for people who look utterly depressed. Whenever we are gathered as a groom and someone makes a miserable face, someone else always says "who sh** on your birthday cake?" No lie.
My mother actualy put a Baby Ruth candybar on my birthday cake as a joke one year.
I dont know for sure, but I', guessing that this cake comes from someone else familiar with that particular expression. - November 15, 2008 at 12:02 PM
- Ellie Green said...
See I was thinking that it would be some kind of "you can get through this" cake. Like "Oh crap!" because the person hit a deer and got their car totaled or.... found out they were irregular? Okay, so I didn't think that far ahead, but it was a nice idea, right?
- November 16, 2008 at 1:06 PM
- Christa said...
someone questioned the brown spots... I think those would be fly specks more commonly known as fly poop. You know it is true that flies vomit/poop everytime they land and eat it...well part of it. Those brown dots are what they leave behind
- November 19, 2008 at 7:31 AM
- Shawna said...
Um. Who gets the piece of poop? I think I'd almost rather have a piece with a fly.
Caller, over bad cell phone connection: "I'd like to order a cake."
Baker: "Sure. What would you like?"
Caller, over static: "I want a sheet cake."
Baker: [blinks] "Uh, what was that?"
Caller, over more static: "A sheet cake."
Baker: "Um, okaaaay. What do you want it to say?
Caller, spilling hot coffee on self: "Oh sh*t!"
Baker: [more blinking] "All right. It'll be ready for pick-up tomorrow afternoon." - November 20, 2008 at 12:41 AM
- Al said...
before jamie clarified i thought it might have said something like 'Eat $#!^' and delivered to an ex boyfriend
- December 2, 2008 at 12:28 AM
- Matt said...
Moose Turd Pie! (google it for the Utah Phillips story)
- January 22, 2009 at 9:55 AM
I went on one chinese mandarin class and there we learnt how pronounciation is very important. I don't remember which was it was anymore but Baba could mean Poop or dad, depending on how your pronounced it. So maybe the cakemaker heard it wrong?7
- February 2, 2009 at 8:42 AM
Nanna, no baba does not sound anything like what is depicted on that cake. As Jamie said earlier, it says Happy Birthday in traditional Chinese. But it does not mean Happy Birthday in Japanese, rendering Tom Terranova's tidbit, just that: A tidbit.
- February 6, 2009 at 11:37 PM
- Miriam said...
It Says Happy Birthday in Chinese
- March 4, 2009 at 7:59 PM
- doodle said...
Please tell me that the poo pile is not solid frosting, please I'm begging you.
- August 23, 2009 at 3:09 PM
- Melissa (& Billy) said...
This was...educational. 0_o Gross, but educational.
I'm not feeling very well; I'm going to lie down now...*turns a strange shade of green*
WV: Destiond. Whoever gets this cake is destiond to spend some time in the lavatory... - August 26, 2009 at 12:55 PM
- haleyknitz said...
hah! i love it.
- September 18, 2009 at 4:54 PM
As I was reading this I happened to be listening to the parody "You'll Look Like Poo" on YouTube.
Cherish - November 25, 2009 at 6:20 PM
Well, in Japan the whole "cute little pile of poop" thing is pretty big.
- December 23, 2009 at 8:32 PM
The "cute little pile of poop" thing is pretty big in japan, but I just don't see how this cake is particularly cute.
- December 23, 2009 at 8:34 PM
And since the cake is inscribed in Chinese, the popularity of cute poop in Japan is probably not related.
I imagine it must be some kind of in-joke on the birthday boy/girl. - December 28, 2009 at 9:26 PM
The insciption says: happy birthday..Although the cake has a rather more subtle meaning than birthday..
- January 15, 2010 at 9:41 AM
C'mon y'all, so serious! Thanks for the info but I think yer messin' the poont. Just dump all the educational stuff and eliminate all seriousness. It is time to clean out the air and get down to business. Go to the library and constipate, er, relieve yourself of yesterdays business. Yea! Log on!!!!
- April 25, 2010 at 4:29 PM
- Cupcakes Lady said...
ahahaha I just pointed and laughed at this....brilliant. Thats insane, but not in the least appetizing! lol x
- October 7, 2010 at 3:41 PM
- Haiku Joy said...
Good luck enjoying
your birthday surprise this year.
You're going to need it. - July 12, 2011 at 2:13 PM
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- The Airbrush: Saving Cake Decorators from Decorati...
- Don't Laugh; They're "Special"
- And Now for Something Completely Different
- Lost in Translation?
- The Creepiness Continues
- Inspiration vs Perspiration
- I Respectfully Disagree
- I Think I Just Lost My Appetite
- Beyond Bizarre: The New Category
- Break Out the Sparklers
- You Say Goodbye, and I Say Hello
- A Snarky Shout-Out


text:
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
Lavish me with praise.
While I didn't slave over the girls' Valentines like some people, I did make them myself.
It was as simple as getting a picture of the girls with their hand in a fist outstretched. Overlaying some "Happy Valentine's Day" text in Photoshop and having them printed as a 4x6.
Then I simply cut with some sharp-pointed scissors, a slit at the top and bottom of their hand and slid the sucker in. I also used a piece of scotch tape on the back to make sure the Tootsie Pop didn't fall out.
Done. Total time spent, maybe one hour?
179 comments:
- stephanie said...
those are completely awesome.
- February 10, 2009 at 2:51 PM
- JeNeal Martinez said...
Love it!! I might be stealing your idea for next year!!
- February 10, 2009 at 3:06 PM
- Lee said...
Those rock. If my kids could give out candy we would copy you. but they can't. So they get to give out the boxed crap.
- February 10, 2009 at 3:14 PM
- Erica said...
awesome! such a great idea.
- February 10, 2009 at 3:15 PM
- QueenMeadow said...
Fantastic! I bought cards this year, like always :P.
- February 10, 2009 at 3:22 PM
- Courtney said...
That is a totally awesomely awesome idea. I'm stealing it.
- February 10, 2009 at 3:50 PM
- La Yen said...
Those are very cool. You are setting yourself up for next year...
- February 10, 2009 at 3:57 PM
- beckylou said...
That is totally awesome! How original!
- February 10, 2009 at 4:06 PM
- dastew said...
I just think your girls are the cutest ever. If we ever have kids will you make their valentine's day cards
- February 10, 2009 at 4:10 PM
- J-Dub said...
a nice touch. sure beats the traditionally bland card
- February 10, 2009 at 4:15 PM
- Christie said...
You. are. a. GENIUS.
Just took pictures of my kids and am TOTALLY stealing this idea. LOVE it. - February 10, 2009 at 4:54 PM
- Char @ Crap I've Made said...
I freaking love these! Nicely done!
- February 10, 2009 at 6:06 PM
- Christie said...
Okay. Just ordered my pictures and will pick them up at Sam's Club in an hour.
I freaking love you right now. I'll be sending readers your way for this idea. Thanks a million! - February 10, 2009 at 6:16 PM
- Kermit~the~Frog said...
A fantastic idea and brilliantly executed!
- February 10, 2009 at 7:00 PM
- Maleen said...
What an excellent idea. I am totally copying this one next year.
- February 10, 2009 at 7:13 PM
- Debbie said...
Praise! Praise! Praise! These are such a clever idea. They will be the hit of Valentine's Day at school!
- February 10, 2009 at 8:59 PM
- Amber said...
I love it!!
- February 10, 2009 at 10:20 PM
- Kimmarie Baker said...
What a great idea! They look awesome!
- February 11, 2009 at 7:49 AM
- TwinkleBee said...
OK, I'm bowing down to the master of valentines. I'll have to remember this when I have kids and have no creative ideas. You're soo good at this kind of stuff. Looks Rad!
- February 11, 2009 at 8:02 AM
you totally deserve praise ... hmmm wonder if I have time to lift this idea! :) SO SO CUTE! best Valentine I have ever seen!
- February 11, 2009 at 9:44 AM
- Jenny said...
I totally slaved over mine and wish I would have done this. Next year for sure.
- February 11, 2009 at 10:35 AM
- Lucinda said...
we aren't allowed to do candy, but I'm going to try it with pencils instead. Thanks for the great idea!
- February 11, 2009 at 4:25 PM
- Amber said...
I totally copied you. Hit of the playgroup party for sure.
- February 11, 2009 at 4:47 PM
- Company EIGHT said...
how clever are you! I love this idea!
- February 12, 2009 at 4:03 PM
- Ella A. said...
I just happened across your blog and think it's lovely. I love your photography and obvious love for your children. And what a great valentine card idea!
- February 12, 2009 at 4:18 PM
Genius. Completely genius.
- February 12, 2009 at 5:12 PM
- Sally said...
100% adorable, 100% genius.
- February 12, 2009 at 6:47 PM
- Jamie said...
Your mom forwarded the link. Those are really cute Valentines. You are so creative! :)
(I'm in your mom's ward, by the way.) - February 13, 2009 at 10:42 AM
- SCRAPPNMOM said...
Wow, Amazing Alis! Thanks for the idea for next year!!! LOL
- February 13, 2009 at 1:59 PM
- Kate Chartrand said...
The cutest valentines ever!
- February 15, 2009 at 10:26 PM
- Lei said...
Nu-huh! I love it!
- February 16, 2009 at 11:17 AM
- smart mama said...
that makes the valentines hall of fame!
- February 16, 2009 at 9:29 PM
- Stephanie Ford said...
A seriously brilliant idea!
- February 16, 2009 at 10:08 PM
- Jenn Kirk said...
Super cute! Going to steal your idea for next year!
- February 20, 2009 at 11:39 PM
- Kari Sweeten said...
K, these are so cool!! I must feature these!!
- January 27, 2010 at 1:56 PM
- w said...
you've got the smarts. and thanks to you, after i complete this project, all the moms in preschool (as well as the teachers) are gonna think i have the smarts, too.
thanks for this awesome idea. - January 27, 2010 at 2:08 PM
- Sherri @ Dude I Made It said...
Can I post this idea (and a photo of it) on my blog along with a link to you? I LOVE it!!
- January 27, 2010 at 6:28 PM
- Lindsay said...
I am so doing this this year hope you don't mind
- January 27, 2010 at 8:32 PM
- w said...
ok. so right after my first comment, i went ahead and made this card.
it is awesome. and when i say awesome, i mean awesome. also. i may have to buy another bag of tootsie roll pops because i may or may not have eaten too many.
thanks again for this idea! - January 27, 2010 at 8:59 PM
- Tiffany said...
Can I post this on mypetitepurse.blogspot.com with one of your pictures? I am trying to find inexpensive and fun V-Day gift ideas to post and this is perfect.
email@example.com - January 27, 2010 at 11:50 PM
- Angie - email@example.com said...
OMG this is adorable!!
Come share your totally neat picture idea at my party: Thursday's Treasures!
http://treasuresfortots.blogspot.com/2010/01/thursdays-treasures-week-7.html - January 28, 2010 at 3:15 AM
- mel said...
this is the best valentine i've ever seen! really well done! i don't have any kids, but i might make them for my friends, haha
- January 28, 2010 at 3:45 AM
- Karli said...
I am TOTALLY going to copy you here! Thanks for being brilliant and sharing it with the rest of us. :)
- January 28, 2010 at 3:58 AM
- Michelle said...
this is awesome! I just might steal this idea
- January 28, 2010 at 6:18 AM
- DeAndra said...
I have to try these! thanks for the idea!
- January 28, 2010 at 7:41 AM
- kirsty said...
Best. Idea. EVER!
- January 28, 2010 at 8:05 AM
- Julie said...
I'm blogging about you and totally stealing this idea. - January 28, 2010 at 8:26 AM
- Petit Design Co. said...
that is so completely AWESOME! I think I will do this every year from now on! Thanks for the wonderful idea
- January 28, 2010 at 8:36 AM
- Holly said...
Wow! I have seen similar projects involving fake flowers, but this is just awesome!
- January 28, 2010 at 8:44 AM
- Katie Bishop said...
I am so making these this year. Valentines are always a fight!! This is so much better!
- January 28, 2010 at 8:49 AM
- Valerie said...
I am here to lavish you with the PRAISE you deserve! Those valentines ROCK!! I am filing this at thecraftersfilebox.com.
Thanks so much for sharing! - January 28, 2010 at 9:19 AM
- shauna said...
Really and honestly? This is about the CUTEST idea for a Valentine that I have ever seen...and I have seen my fair share! I am totally copying you. I LOVE it...
- January 28, 2010 at 9:39 AM
- Heidi said...
these are seriously awesome! I wonder if I can get my 2 year old to pose like this....
- January 28, 2010 at 9:59 AM
- Belinda C said...
WOW! I love this! Genius!
- January 28, 2010 at 10:22 AM
- Nicole said...
This idea is completly awesome. I have a perfect idea for my daughter picture in her valentine tutu and this tutorial.....Thank you so much for the idea.
www.allthingssweetandsassy.blogspot.com - January 28, 2010 at 10:45 AM
- Disney said...
You totally deserve to be lavished with praise! These are so fantastic and creative!!
- January 28, 2010 at 10:54 AM
- Tina said...
GENIUS! Utterly genius! What a great idea!! These look amazing and I am so on board with with the simplicity factor!!! WAY TO GO!
- January 28, 2010 at 12:25 PM
- Cori said...
WOW, that are extremely cute! I might have to try that.
- January 28, 2010 at 1:18 PM
- Brandy @ The Moody Fashionista said...
Bravo! Uber cute ~ thank you!
- January 28, 2010 at 1:34 PM
- The Mom of 'em said...
I borrowed your idea but gave you credit on my blog. Thank you!!! ADORABLE idea!!!
- January 28, 2010 at 3:41 PM
- JeolsliesMomma said...
I LOVE love LOVE this idea!! My girls have a Valentines party to go to in a couple weeks and I couldn't think something up, last year we did a sucker thing as well, but put heart shapes around a sucker so it looked like a flower.
- January 28, 2010 at 7:43 PM
- Unknown said...
Brilliant I tell you, just brilliant!!
- January 28, 2010 at 8:25 PM
- onegirliegirl said...
So brilliant!
- January 28, 2010 at 8:43 PM
- cre8ivesky said...
LOVE THIS! What a creative thought this is- you rock! Thanks for Sharing :)
- January 29, 2010 at 1:54 AM
- Lorie said...
That is amazingly cute! I am going to link it from my blog tomorrow so that my readers can see it!
- January 29, 2010 at 7:14 AM
- Amy said...
I LOVE IT!!! I am going to copy you and do it too. Thank you so much!!
- January 29, 2010 at 11:58 AM
- Peggy said...
So, I am blog surfing and I see these cutie pictures with two little girls, and I ask myself, why do they look so familiar? They are your girls and you are web famous - did you see http://kari-youcanmakeit.blogspot.com ? Congratulations on being fabulous!!!!
- January 29, 2010 at 10:44 PM
- Luke and Hailie Girl said...
- January 29, 2010 at 11:04 PM
- firstname.lastname@example.com said...
I just came across these via Crap I've Made. I love them!!!
- January 30, 2010 at 3:45 PM
- Kim Walus said...
This has got to be the most creative valentine card that I've seen. Wow! Thanks for sharing.
- January 30, 2010 at 10:31 PM
- Sixty-Fifth Avenue said...
You are so creative!! Love this idea and will be doing a photo shoot with the little one today....if shes in the mood! Just found you, nice to "meet" you.
- February 1, 2010 at 3:24 PM
- Megan Lofgran said...
Love, Love love this! Your killing me with your cleverness! Gotta go- going to copy you right now with my 2 boys! Brilliant
- February 2, 2010 at 1:27 PM
- anne @ Floralshowers Craft Blog said...
These are so great! I can't believe how creative and silly and fun they are!
=) - February 2, 2010 at 2:30 PM
- Rogers said...
Char from Crap I've Made showed me these!!! I'm totally doing this with my daughter! Thanks for a great idea :D
- February 2, 2010 at 6:35 PM
- Emma @ emmanemhandmade said...
I found you via Ucreate - thanks so much for the great Valentine idea! I've included it in a post on my blog about making your own - thank you!
http://emmanemhandmade.blogspot.com/2010/02/valentines-delights.html - February 3, 2010 at 11:46 AM
- Margaret said...
Love this so much. And can't wait to give it a try.
Thank you! - February 4, 2010 at 2:55 PM
- Fashionable Fabrics said...
What a wonderful creative card. I love it!! My boys will enjoy passing these card out at school!
- February 4, 2010 at 10:10 PM
- Heidi said...
thank you so much for this awesome idea! i found you through U-Create, and created these myself with my little guy, I'll be posting them on the 14th, and linking to you, of course!
- February 5, 2010 at 12:32 AM
- Anna said...
I'm totally trying that!
- February 5, 2010 at 3:39 PM
- Bailey Doehler Designs said...
These are adorable! So creative and unique. I am featuring this on my blog.
http://baileydoehler.blogspot.com/2010/02/homemade-valentines.html - February 5, 2010 at 5:07 PM
I LOVE this idea and have already made it for one of my boys! I posted a pic of the sample one that I made on my faceook and everyone loved it! I shared a link so they could find it too. Thank you for sharing your creative ideas!!! You are so creative and I LOVE it! Thank you Thank you Thank you!!!
- February 6, 2010 at 12:49 AM
- Jen said...
Fanasic...off to take a picture of my boy right now! Thanks!
- February 6, 2010 at 1:49 PM
- Courtney said...
Thanks for the great idea. Everyone who has seen them loves them!
- February 6, 2010 at 5:47 PM
- Sarah said...
I am falling all over myself I'm so impressed. Really you must be the most creative fabulous momma ever! Thanks for sharing with us slacker moms. ;>
God's blessings,
Sarah :D - February 6, 2010 at 7:07 PM
- Laura said...
LOVE that idea!!! Mind if I copy? Genius!
- February 7, 2010 at 8:55 PM
- Tiffany said...
Yep, I sure hope u gave us permission to use this idea, cause I'd like to have these printed up tonight!
- February 8, 2010 at 2:41 PM
- Trish said...
What an amazing idea! I might turn that one into my son wearing his incredible hulk costume with the big giant hands - it would be really funny and right up his little six year old boy alley.
- February 8, 2010 at 9:15 PM
- Gabrielle of Design Mom said...
So great! Just posted this on kirtsy.
- February 9, 2010 at 12:26 PM
- Kelley said...
Found this via Ucreate! Awesome idea, I had to copy.... I linked back to you on my blog!
- February 9, 2010 at 3:26 PM
- Francesca said...
...So, so, SO CREATIVE!
- February 9, 2010 at 4:14 PM
- Shop Without Money Sisters said...
I'm lavishing you with the highest form of flattery - I copied and stole your idea for my kids' Valentines! I posted pics to my friends facebook page and put your link up for people to check out. They are so adorable!!
Heather - February 9, 2010 at 9:45 PM
- Kerry said...
This idea rocks!!! Fabulous!! Totally sending you readers!!
- February 10, 2010 at 11:31 AM
- staskym said...
this is such a cute idea i had to do it , so i stole the idea from you BUT my boys thought it was to baby (10 & 11 what do you expect?)so i cornered a friend and did it for his pre-k
again these are to cute thanks for the idea when i show my scrap buddies i will link to your site thanks again
(opps hope you don't mind) - February 10, 2010 at 12:03 PM
- emily said...
I saw these on Crap I've Made and wanted to come over here and give you a big THANK YOU for the great idea ... I sent them off to school with my crazies this morning!!!
- February 10, 2010 at 2:09 PM
- Dena Rooney-Berg (SugarShop) said...
Oh I am so doing this! Thanks for such an awesome original idea!
- February 10, 2010 at 4:20 PM
- redheadtina said...
Hey Alissa, I copied you this year. Apparently, half the kids at the school are doing the same thing. Yer so popular!
- February 10, 2010 at 6:31 PM
- katie@tulsadetails said...
Absolutely love this! What a cute idea!
- February 10, 2010 at 8:51 PM
- Shannon said...
thanks so much for the idea!
We LOVED making them.
Looks like they are all over the blogs now! Fun! - February 11, 2010 at 1:31 PM
- LobotoME said...
AWESOME! Saving this idea for next year!! J :)
- February 11, 2010 at 1:48 PM
- Just say Julie said...
I totally did this! Thanks for helping me not totally embarass my son with cheesy valentine sentiments-- 4th graders take those things very seriously :)
http://metamorphosisandmarshmallowfluff.blogspot.com/2010/02/my-funny-valentine.html - February 11, 2010 at 3:27 PM
- Squelly said...
RAD!! I love the idea, totally going to copy you!! Thanks for sharing!
- February 11, 2010 at 5:58 PM
- A Sign of the Times said...
Too cute! I'm going to link you to my blog. Hope you'll do the same.
http://mmtncrfts.blogspot.com - February 11, 2010 at 6:18 PM
- Unknown said...
THIS SUCKER VALENTINE IS SO DANG CUTE! I saw it on NANNY GOAT, I had to make them for my sons class!! Thank you.
If you want, you can view the ones I made... at Craftomaniac.blogspot.com
thanks Jenn - February 11, 2010 at 9:57 PM
- erica said...
most darling idea ever! really.
- February 11, 2010 at 11:45 PM
Lavish you with praise? Surely:
I just saw these on Design Mom and they are about the cutest, cleverest idea ever. You're brilliant! - February 12, 2010 at 12:11 AM
- Damaris @Kitchen Corners said...
and I thought I did good...
holy cow this is such an awesome idea. - February 12, 2010 at 1:59 AM
- Practically Perfect In Every Way said...
I AM SENDING YOU ALL THE PRAISE I HAVE! Your idea was amazing and I just posted our version of your cards on my blog.
My friend that took the pictures may have possibly got carried away with their sayings :)
j - February 12, 2010 at 2:25 AM
- Meredith said...
I made these this year - check it out! http://tuesdayswithmolly.blogspot.com/2010/02/thumbs-up.html
- February 12, 2010 at 11:27 AM
- Natalie, the Chickenblogger said...
Followed one blog, and she followed you. I came by to say thank you for sharing this dear Valentine. We made two versions and now my happy children are passing cute-clever Valentines.
w00ts! - February 12, 2010 at 1:07 PM
- Nobody Puts Mama In A Corner! said...
Posted up your CUTIE PATOOTIE Valentine's on my blog today!!
So stinkin cute!!!
Mama Holli
http://nobodyputsmamainacorner.blogspot.com/2010/02/introducing-httpwwwdesignmomcom.html - February 12, 2010 at 2:27 PM
- *reyanna* said...
SO cute!! Thanks for sharing.
(See, you just got LOTS of praise! ;) ) - February 12, 2010 at 5:02 PM
- Vanessa said...
Girl, I'm TOTALLY lavishing you with praise! What an amazing idea! I did this for my daughter, and everyone has LOVED them! But don't worry, I've been giving you all the praise! ;o)
http://everythingsheknows.blogspot.com/2010/02/audreys-valentine.html - February 12, 2010 at 10:54 PM
- Nobody Puts Mama In A Corner! said...
I lOve this!! I have posted you up on my blog!!!!
Hvae a great! Day!
Loving your blog!!~!
My new favorite!! - February 13, 2010 at 1:53 PM
- Amber said...
BRILLIANT! Simply brilliant! Where did you get the inspiration to come up with such a clever idea? Very cool!
- February 13, 2010 at 11:54 PM
- Sandra said...
Thanks for the super cool idea! Love it & we just had to make some, posted about here.
- February 14, 2010 at 8:15 AM
- Manoa Road said...
Where was this when I was slaving over my son's Valentine's cards a few days ago?! Great idea! I lavish you with praise this Valentine's Day! Genius!
- February 14, 2010 at 10:45 AM
- Toria said...
found you via kirtsy (and now about 3 other friends who also used your idea) and I just wanted to thank you.
I love the way they turned out and it was easy and fast.
Thanks - February 14, 2010 at 1:31 PM
- Kim said...
These were a huge hit with at my daughter's school! I linked back to you from my blog.
Thank you so much for the fantastic idea! Lavishing you with praise and internet cookies. - February 15, 2010 at 4:29 AM
Totally gorgeous!
- February 15, 2010 at 8:11 AM
- Alecia said...
You are so popular! Here's another blog that posted you idea. They couldn't remember where they has seen it but I let them know and I linked them to your blog! Miss you bunches!!!! http://pebblesandpoppys.blogspot.com/
- February 15, 2010 at 3:03 PM
Wow, just wow...
OK, my funky Thank You notes for my forthcoming Wedding are now all sussed.
I'll just cross that one off the list!
All praise and honour and internet good-tidings belong to YOU!
Thankyoueversomuch! - February 16, 2010 at 9:36 AM
- Jess said...
This screams "Save the Date" to me! I'm earmarking your page and coming back here in the coming months! :-D
- February 16, 2010 at 11:24 AM
- Echo said...
I have run into this post from another blog I follow and am totally captivated by this. I am obviously too late for v-day but I think these would also be an awsome end of the year little gift to hand out to the kids in my son's class and teachers. Thanks so much for this super intuitive idea!
Sharon : ) - March 11, 2010 at 12:24 AM
- Unknown said...
This is so cool i will do it for sure!!! after i will send you the pictures!!!
- March 30, 2010 at 3:31 AM
was very good super...
- April 15, 2010 at 10:14 AM
- kirsty said...
I've had this bookmarked for nearly 2 years now in expectation of using it for kindy christmas cards for my daughter, and now the time is nearly here! I am so excited to make these, thanks again for sharing the idea xx
- November 10, 2010 at 8:29 PM
- Susan Lower said...
definately going to share this with all my MOPS friends. What a creative idea!
- January 8, 2011 at 1:41 PM
- Marie said...
What a cute idea!
- January 25, 2011 at 3:11 PM
Absolutely AWESOME!! I am definitely stealing this!!
- January 27, 2011 at 12:31 PM
- senovia said...
This is an AWESOME idea! I love it!
- January 27, 2011 at 9:38 PM
- Li Li Land said...
Wow! This is a brilliant idea! Love it!
- January 28, 2011 at 5:09 PM
This will be awesome! I'm doing a profile shot of her blowing bubble and will put the wedding bubbles in place of the candy. SCORE! Thanks for sharing.
- January 28, 2011 at 11:39 PM
- Mundane and Beauteous said...
As all the others have said before -this is such a great idea! Really made me smile. Well done!
Hope you have a lovely day! - January 29, 2011 at 5:48 AM
- Whitney said...
I not only LOVE this idea and plan to steal it, I'm doing so IMMEDIATELY!!
- January 29, 2011 at 10:22 AM
- Janice Guazzo said...
I did this two years ago and plan to do it again this year. Fun and pretty cheap if you get prints on sale.
http://janiceandcompany.blogspot.com/2009/02/candy-addictintervention-needed.html - February 1, 2011 at 2:34 PM
- MariaT said...
saw this on pinterest and I'm totally stealing it! Thanks so much!
- February 1, 2011 at 2:52 PM
- Elizabeth said...
Best. Idea. Ever. Gonna steal it.
- February 1, 2011 at 6:12 PM
- Kim Danger said...
Wonderful idea! I did my own version here: http://www.mommysavers.com/2011/02/frugal-classroom-valentines-lollipop-photo-cards/
- February 2, 2011 at 12:21 PM
- Jessica Ochs said...
Just sent my shots to be printed. Love this idea!! Thanks!
- February 2, 2011 at 1:46 PM
- A Few of My Favorite Things said...
Such a fantabulous idea! I shared it over on Nickelodeon's Parents Connect today - you can find the post here:
http://www.parentsconnect.com/parenting-boards/valentines-day-party/132974 - February 2, 2011 at 2:06 PM
Thanks for the awesome idea. I took one of my son in front our red door. I'm going to put a heart shaped lollipop for his preschool mates and a red rose (fake) for his 2 teachers. It's a great idea for Christmas as you can use a candy cane or Christmas pencil.
Thanks again. will do again next year when he's in Kindergarten.
Terese - February 3, 2011 at 9:51 AM
- Kim @ Life of a Modern Mom said...
I love, love, love this idea and have been waiting to make them for my daughter. :) I posted the pictures of the ones we made on my blog today with a link to your post. Thanks!
http://lifeofamodernmom.blogspot.com/2011/02/mollys-valentines.html - February 3, 2011 at 6:39 PM
- Ginger said...
You rock! The only thing I don't love about this idea is that I saw it AFTER I made our custom cards for this year :-) But I featured it on my blog today, for others to revel in your creativity... http://gingerdiaz.com/blog/2011/02/07/inspiration-sunday-2/
Thanks for sharing!! - February 7, 2011 at 10:34 AM
- Unknown said...
totally love these and completely copied them for my son's Valentines this year. Showered you with lots of praise over on my blog It's Toile Good with lots of link love!
- February 8, 2011 at 8:36 AM
- Journey through Creation said...
I know I'm about a year behind but these are way cute! Just confirmed with my daughter that she wants to do these this year!!! Thanks! :)
- February 8, 2011 at 5:38 PM
- Twins Squared said...
These are amazing! I am so keeping these on my list for next year! Thanks for the great idea!
- February 9, 2011 at 1:07 PM
- Laura said...
Love this idea!! I saw it last year and couldn't wait to make them this year. http://6lalas.blogspot.com/2011/02/kindergarten-valentines.html
Thanks for sharing your genius! :-) - February 10, 2011 at 2:34 PM
- Liz said...
Love this! I used your idea last year with all three of my kids and it was a huge hit. Thanks for sharing. I will be featuring you on our blog ziggycrafts.blogspot.com
- February 10, 2011 at 3:03 PM
- Karin said...
LOVE this idea!!!
- February 10, 2011 at 11:52 PM
- Coffee@3 said...
Love your idea and tried my own spin...left you some love on our blog with your link too. Your blog is awesome thanks for sharing your wonderful ideas!
Lauren and Michele
www.coffeeatthree.blogspot.com - February 11, 2011 at 12:02 AM
- Unknown said...
I also waited a whole year to do this card. Such a great idea! Singing your praises.... http://smallfrieswiththat.blogspot.com/2011/02/obsession-best-valentines-day-card-ever.html
- February 11, 2011 at 1:13 AM
- butrcup74 said...
Great idea and all but I'm REALLY loving the pink door! Do you really have a pink door on your house? (Please post a pic!)
I'm so jealous!!!! - February 11, 2011 at 11:42 AM
- sue at nobaddays said...
Loved your idea, which I found on Skip to My Lou ... here are our photocards: http://bit.ly/hPVLSY
Thanks so much! - February 11, 2011 at 4:19 PM
- Michelle said...
That is the GREATEST thing I've seen in a long time! Wow!
- February 12, 2011 at 9:37 AM
- JuneBug said...
COolest thing ever! You've saved my life, I love it!
- February 12, 2011 at 2:54 PM
- Linda said...
This is a fabulous idea. It will be great to use Granny's picture and give it to my grandkids.
- February 13, 2011 at 2:37 PM
- PammyJ said...
This is AWESOME! Just sent it to my kids to try with their wee ones. Would work well as a birthday card too! GREAT idea.
Pammy - February 13, 2011 at 6:38 PM
- Free Spirit said...
It is so amazing for you to share. I fell in love with it and I gave it a try. Check it out at www.twoworldsunite.blogspot.com
I linked back to you.
Thanks again. - February 14, 2011 at 1:28 AM
- Nik said...
Thanks so much for a great idea!!! Love your blog!!
- February 14, 2011 at 11:52 PM
- Chefwife said...
This is incredible! I, too, will be using this idea next year. I found you through a friend of a friend. Thank you for sharing your genious!
- February 24, 2011 at 10:24 AM
love the idea- hate the candy- going to use flowers and do this for easter cards!! Thanks a million!!
- March 1, 2011 at 11:45 PM
My first-grader and I did this for her Valentine's party at school and it was a hit! No one had ever seen this sweet idea before. Thank you, thank you, thank you for sharing.
- March 7, 2011 at 3:57 PM
Just made a similar card for a birthday invitation - thank you so much for such a wonderful idea!!
http://besquirrely.com/2011/05/19/invites-check-2/ - May 19, 2011 at 12:11 PM
- Rae said...
I just ran across this site with stumble. I love this idea. I will be doing this with the grandkids next year. Thanks!
- September 9, 2011 at 9:59 PM
- The Photographer said...
I think this idea has to be one of the best for Valentines. Borderline genius!
Just posted about it on Craft Gossip!
http://lessonplans.craftgossip.com/?p=5366 - January 9, 2012 at 1:40 PM
You could use the same idea with homemade tissue flowers or Valentine pencils.
- January 17, 2012 at 3:52 PM
- Unknown said...
OMG! You are brilliant! (seriously.)
- January 31, 2012 at 7:07 PM
Did you ever figure that three years would pass and people would still be finding this idea and living it? You probably did because it's awesome...
- February 1, 2012 at 9:23 AM
Stealing! Stealing! Stealing! Stealing! Thanks for posting and sharing!
- February 3, 2012 at 5:42 PM
I am making these right now and am having trouble making the hole! I am trying to use an X-Acto knife, scissors, box cutter, etc. I did one and now the picture is curving. Did you have these problems? Any tips??
Shanna S. - February 5, 2012 at 9:21 PM
- Catherine said...
Great idea! It only took 50 shots of me attempting to get my 2yo to cooperate! :o)
What a great idea! - February 6, 2012 at 1:49 PM
I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE this! Thank You!
- February 7, 2012 at 11:41 AM
Thanks! I just finished mine up. Yours made it to Pinterest, and were my inspiration, so you are getting the credit!
I am featuring them on my blog simplyinspiredbymegan.wordpress.com tomorrow if you'd like to take a look. - February 12, 2012 at 6:34 PM
- Sharon said...
This is our Valentine this year! Thanks for the idea!!!!!
- February 13, 2012 at 5:14 AM
- Nicola said...
The love for your brilliant idea continues! Here's how ours turned out: http://growingberries.blogspot.com/2012/02/61-valentines.html
- February 13, 2012 at 6:10 PM
- plastic card printing said...
OK, I'm bowing down to the master of valentines. I'll have to remember this when I have kids and have no creative ideas. You're soo good at this kind of stuff. Looks Rad!
- February 12, 2013 at 1:51 AM
- plastic card printing said...
Those rock. If my kids could give out candy we would copy you. but they can't. So they get to give out the boxed crap.
- February 12, 2013 at 1:53 AM
I am LAVISHING you, darlin'!!! Trust me, I am WELL past the need to do anything other than giggle at my kids' and their significant others' distress at coming up with fun and novel things to create...(duh... I guess my hours and hours for years of being a homeroom mom is finally getting her revenge... oh.. I meant to say reward???) LOLOL Your idea is genius and your great humor is even better!!! I LOVE LOVE LOVE your beautiful children's picture on the homepage. Once I picked myself up off of the floor from laughing so much, I immediately thought what VERY lucky children you have! Keep up the good work and I know our future generations will do just fine with high caliber of parenting and sharing you are gifting to the world! Hugggsss aplenty from an old mom who accidentally found your site, Mary Lou
- February 6, 2014 at 8:58 PM
- ShishuWorld said...
What a completely awesome idea!! I'm going to do this with my daughter's photo. She will be very excited to see it. Thanks for sharing!
- February 1, 2016 at 2:09 PM


text:
It's done! The Innocent Crush Quilt is finished I do love how it has turned out.
Fabrics: Innocent Crush by Anna Maria Horner, combined with Kaffe Dots
Design: Very heavily based on the Sugar and Spice pattern in the new release book Quilts en Provence by Kaffe Fassett.
Quilt Back:
The back of the quilt features more Innocent Crush and is pieced with 8 1/2 inch squares. I was pretty happy with how well the quilt back lined up. I ensured the quilt top was pinned straight by matching a seam line from the quilt top with a seam line from the backing, both horizontally and vertically, prior to the rest of the quilt being basted.
Hand-Stitching: A row of hand stitching in zig-zag formation was quilted along the top edge of the quilt in Perle 8 embroidery thread.
Binding: Robert Kaufman Kona Cotton in Chartreuse (this is quickly becoming another stash favorite!).
And the quilt was labeled using fabric selvage:
I have listed the Sugar and Spice Quilt in my Etsy Store.
You can find the listing here. SOLD
Innocent Crush fabric collection by Anna Maria Horner is available for purchase from:


text: Good morning, I'm Steve Inskeep. British authorities have called off the lion hunt. In a county outside of London residents insisted they'd spotted a lion on the loose. One couple in Essex even took a fuzzy photo of it. Police took the reports seriously and even sent two helicopters to aid in the hunt. But local zoos report no big cats missing, no cats were found and authorities now suspect that this was a tall tale rather than a lion's tail, sort of a Loch Ness lion. It's MORNING EDITION. Transcript provided by NPR, Copyright NPR.


text:
"I am very mindful that mere words cannot match the depth of your sorrow, nor can they heal your wounded hearts," Obama said at an evening vigil in the grieving community of Newtown, Conn. "I can only hope that it helps for you to know that you are not alone in your grief."
The massacre of 26 children and adults at Sandy Hook Elementary on Friday elicited horror around the world, soul-searching in the United States, fresh political debate about gun control and questions about the incomprehensible - what drove the suspect to act.
It also left a newly re-elected president openly grappling for bigger answers. Obama said that in the coming weeks, he would use "whatever power this office holds" to engage with law enforcement, mental health professionals, parents and educators in an effort to prevent more tragedies like Newtown.
"Can say that we're truly doing enough to give all the children of this country the chance they deserve to live out their lives in happiness and with purpose? I've been reflecting on this the last few days," Obama said, somber and steady as some in the audience wept.
"If we're honest without ourselves, the answer is no. And we will have to change."
He promised to lead a national effort, but left unclear was what it would be, and how much it would address the explosive issue of gun control.
"What choice do we have?" Obama said. "Are we really prepared to say that we're powerless in the face of such carnage, that the politics are too hard?"
As Obama read some of the names of victims early in his remarks, several people broke down, their sobs heard throughout the hall.
He closed his remarks by slowly reading the first names of each of the 26 victims.
"God has called them all home. For those of us who remain, let us find the strength to carry on and make our country worthy of their memory," he said.
For Obama, ending his fourth year in office, it was another sorrowful visit to another community in disbelief. It is the job of the president to be there, to listen and console, to offer help even when the only thing within his grasp is a hug.
All the victims were killed up close by multiple rifle shots.
The toll: six adults. Twenty boys and girls, all of whom were just 6 or 7 years old.
Inside the vigil children held stuffed teddy bears and dogs. The smallest kids sat on their parents' laps.
There were tears and hugs, but also smiles and squeezed arms. Mixed with disbelief was a sense of a community reacquainting itself all at once. One man said it was less mournful, more familial. Some kids chatted easily with their friends. The adults embraced each other in support.
The president first met privately with families of the victims and with the emergency personnel who responded to the shootings. That meeting happened at Newtown High School, the site of Sunday night's interfaith vigil, about a mile and a half from where the shootings took place.
"We're halfway between grief and hope," said Curt Brantl, whose fourth-grade daughter was in the library of the elementary school when the shootings occurred. She was not harmed.
Police and firefighters got hugs and standing ovations when they entered. So did Obama.
"We needed this," said the Rev. Matt Crebbin, senior minister of the Newtown Congregational Church. "We need to be together here in this room. ... We needed to be together to show that we are together and united."
The shootings have restarted a debate in Washington about what politicians can to do help - gun control or otherwise. Obama on Friday called for leaders to agree on "meaningful action" to prevent killings.
Police say the gunman, Adam Lanza, was carrying an arsenal of ammunition big enough to kill just about every student in the school if given enough time. He shot himself in the head just as he heard police drawing near, authorities said.
A Connecticut official said the gunman's mother was found dead in her pajamas in bed, shot four times in the head with a.22-caliber rifle. The killer then went to the school with guns he took from his mother and began blasting his way through the building.
The tragedy plunged the picturesque New England town of 27,000 people into mourning.
"I know that Newtown will prevail, that we will not fall to acts of violence," said First Selectwoman Patricia Llodra. "It is a defining moment for our town, but it does not define us."
A White House official said Obama mainly wrote the speech himself. He worked with presidential speechwriter Cody Keenan, who helped Obama write his speech last year after shootings in Tucson, Ariz., left six dead and 13 wounded, including Rep. Gabby Giffords.
Just this past summer, Obama went to Aurora, Colo., to visit victims and families after a shooting spree at a movie theater in the Denver suburb left 12 dead.
In November 2009, Obama traveled to Fort Hood, Texas, to speak at the memorial service for 13 service members who were killed on the post by another soldier.
After the Colorado shooting in July, the White House made clear that Obama would not propose new gun restrictions in an election year and said he favored better enforcement of existing laws.


text:
Smoking Cessation. Where do I start?
According to the US Surgeon General, quitting smoking is the single most important step that smokers can take to enhance the length and quality of their lives. It has been reported that over 70% of smokers want to quit and as many as 50% try to quit every year. This is equally, if not more important, for people who have received a cancer diagnosis. Continuing to use tobacco during treatment can make treatments more difficult to tolerate, increase side effects, and even undermine their effectiveness.
The addiction to all forms of tobacco is real and difficult to overcome, even more so without support. Support can come from other ex-smokers, family and friends, supportive websites (quit nets) and phone numbers (quitlines), medication, and formal support programs. Despite these resources, it often takes multiple attempts for a person to give up smoking for good. So, where should a person who wants to quit start?
Get Started
The first step to quitting is deciding you want to quit and making a commitment to quitting. It sounds simple, but it is critical. You can't quit because (insert friend or family member) wants you to, you have to want to quit. Write down the reasons you want to quit and put them somewhere you can refer to them for inspiration when times get tough.
Set a Date
Got your list? Good, now pick a quit date and gather support. Experts suggest setting a quit date within 2 weeks and sticking with it. Let friends and family know and ask them to support you. Maybe that means taking a walk with you or meeting for lunch when you really want a cigarette. It may mean just being understanding when you're just not acting like yourself and perhaps in a bad mood. Having a friend to talk to who has quit can be helpful. If you don't have one, consider joining an online support group through smokefree.gov, or Become an ex. Other options can include text message programs through these organizations, quit apps on your phone, and Facebook groups.
Talk to Your Provider
Remember that tobacco use is not just a habit, but an addiction. Unfortunately, only 5-10% of smokers who attempt to quit "cold turkey" are successful long-term. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services recommends that, unless advised by a healthcare provider, people who smoke 10 or more cigarettes a day should use medication therapy in every attempt to quit. There are a number of medications that can help you quit and your healthcare provider can help you choose which is best for you.
Make an appointment to discuss your plan with your healthcare provider and ask them for suggestions to help you be successful. They can recommend medications, information about what to expect (withdrawal symptoms, common challenges), or referrals to organized cessation support programs. Continue to involve your healthcare provider during the quitting process. They can be good sources of information and support. (Read about smoking cessation aids.)
Tips to Help You be Successful
Have you tried to quit before? You are not alone! On average, it takes smokers seven attempts to quit for good. Think about past attempts. What was successful about the attempts to quit, and what caused them to ultimately be unsuccessful? Think of ways to avoid those previous pitfalls. There are some common obstacles, including living with someone who smokes. Ask them to quit with you or not smoke in front of you. Being in a place where others are smoking can be far too tempting, so avoid those situations for a while. Alcohol is often associated with smoking, so try to avoid the bar scene for a while. Many ex-smokers report feeling better and breathing better within a few days of quitting, but this can make them think it is okay to smoke again. Remember, quit means quit, not just a puff here and there. One puff quickly reverts back to the old habit by increasing the urge to smoke, making quitting harder. So practice abstinence from smoking!
Think about situations that you normally light up in; can you avoid them? Change your daily routine to not be in those familiar situations. Do you smoke in the car on the way to work? Can you take public transportation or carpool with a nonsmoker until that habit is broken? Have to pass the smokers on your way out to lunch? Can you take another route, pack a lunch or ask a non-smoking support buddy to come along? Planning ways to deal with common situations will make it easier to deal with them after your quit date. Keep yourself busy during the first few weeks. Visit friends, start exercising, get to those around the house jobs you've been putting off.
The day before your quit date is final preparation time. Throw away all your tobacco- that means all of it! Check your car, your purse, your coat pocket. You don't want any unnecessary temptations! Get rid of (or hide) the paraphernalia that goes along with smoking; lighters, matches, and ashtrays. Make sure you have things on hand to keep your mouth occupied that aren't necessarily food, such as sugarless gum, mints, or candy.
The first few weeks will be tough, but remember your reasons for quitting and call on your support people. You may experience nicotine withdrawal, which can manifest as irritability, depression or sadness, headache, inability to concentrate, and a craving for cigarettes. Nicotine replacement therapies can help with these symptoms. Withdrawal symptoms typically last 2 weeks and then start to decrease, so hang in there.
If you happen to have a cigarette, get right back on the quitting horse. Think of what led to the slip and how to prevent it from happening again. Call on your support people or healthcare provider, call a quitline or visit a quitnet chat room. Remind yourself frequently what a great accomplishment every smoke-free day is for you. You are setting a great example for other smokers and improving your health. Quitting is not easy, but you will be rewarded with improved health and well-being. Not to mention all the money you will save!
To find local quit smoking programs or groups, try contacting your health insurance company or local hospital or call the American Cancer Society helpline (1-800-277-2345). Ask someone you know who has quit or your primary care physician for recommendations. Use good judgment - if a program seems too good to be true or charges a lot of money, ask your healthcare provider about it first.
Resources for More Information
Smoking Cessation Aids: This article reviews the available treatments, both pharmacologic (drug) and non-pharmacologic, to aid in successful smoking cessation.
Smokefree.gov: provides free, accurate, evidence-based information and professional assistance to help support the immediate and long-term needs of people trying to quit smoking. From the National Cancer Institute.
Become an EX: A project of the Truth Initiative and Mayo Health, this resource includes an active social community, text, and email messaging support, expert guidance and interactive quitting tools.
Tobacco-Free Kids: one of the nation's largest non-governmental initiatives, with the goal of protecting children from tobacco addiction and exposure to secondhand smoke. They offer talking points and support for parents.
QuitLogix: An online program designed to help people quit smoking successfully. While it is run by the State of Pennsylvania, you do not have to be a resident to participate.
The American Cancer Society: There are many excellent resources and printed materials (brochures/booklets) available from the American Cancer Society. Learn more by visiting their website or by calling their toll-free number, 1-800-227-2345. Representatives can also help you find local in-person support resources.
Freedom From Smoking Online: This online resource for adults is an adaptation of the American Lung Association's gold standard, group clinic that has helped thousands of smokers to quit for good.
CDC Tobacco Information Page: Contains lots of helpful information covering: statistics, kids and smoking, quitting, research information (Surgeon General's Reports), etc.
Nicotine Anonymous: a 12 step Fellowship of men and women helping each other live nicotine-free lives.
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency: Information about second-hand smoke and smoke-free homes, cars, and kids.
Do you live in the Philadelphia Area? You may qualify for smoking cessation studies at the Center for Interdisciplinary Research on Nicotine Addiction.


text:
One of the staple dishes at our house, while growing up, was the wonderful yet simple dish of aloo gobi - gently sautéed cauliflower and potatoes tossed in a aromatic melange of spices. It's certainly has got to be one of the most popular Punjabi vegetarian dishes, which rose to international fame in Gurindar Chaddha's cult film Bend It Like Beckham. The film does not need any introduction as I am sure almost everyone has seen it.
A few months back my boss, Prof. TS, watched the film and became a fan. The following day he asked me if the Punjabi family - the Bhamras - embodied my family back at home! I had to laugh because it does not get more clichéd than that!
However, there is a certain truth in each cliché and I do remember my grandmother's (nani) credence was very similar to the unreasonable demands Jessminder's family put on her in the film.
Good Punjabi girls are not supposed to run around in skimpy shorts running after a ball, instead she should be charming, shy, dressed decently and know how to cook good down-to-earth Punjabi food. After all she has to fulfill her one purpose in life - marry well and cook a good aloo gobi for her husband. At the age of 15-18 I defied all of these clichéd notions with intrepidity. Luckily for me, my grandfather was mostly on my side!
Nani and I would often banter affectionately:
"Meeta stop running around half naked! Swimming, water-skiing - this not something for young ladies- beti" (Beti = daughter)
"But Nani I am on the swim team - I can hardly wear a salwar kameez in the pool!"
"Swim team, swim team! Forget the swim team. Has your mother taught you how to make dal or aloo gobi yet?"
"No nani - I am 16 I do not need to learn how to make all that Indian stuff!"
"All that Indian stuff? Ahaha, look here - angrez di puther - you are not only Indian but you are a Punjabi and you will learn how to make aloo gobi!" (angrez di puther = daughter of an English man)
"Not now Nani - I have to go to swim practice!"
From behind us I hear my Nana sigh.
"Gurcharan - leave the girl alone. If she does not go to swim practice how can she save the life of her drowning husband? She can hardly throw a life saving aloo gobi at him!"
That was my cue to freedom. With a quick hug and a wet kiss on his white bearded cheek I winked at my nana and left for swim practice.
Things change. Sadly, both my nana and nani are no longer here with us. I did learn how to make an aloo gobi. I can save my husband should he ever be drowning and feed him that damn good Punjabi aloo gobi too!
Recipe: Punjabi Aloo Gobi – Spiced Cauliflower and Potatoes
Printable version of recipe here.450g russet potatoes, peeled and cut into cubes
450g cauliflower, cut into small-medium sized florets
400g canned diced tomatoes
200g frozen peas
5-6 inches long ginger, finely chopped
4 large garlic cloves, finely chopped
2 teaspoons garam masala
1/4 teaspoon ground turmeric
Bunch of coriander leaves, chopped
2 tablespoons canola oil or ghee
- In a large skillet heat the ghee or canola oil over medium heat. Add the chopped garlic and ginger and gently stir-fry until they begin to turn golden, approx. 1 minute.
- Lower the heat, add the potatoes, garam masala, turmeric and a pinch of salt. Carry on stir-frying until the spices cook and begin to smell fragrant – approx. 2-3 minutes.
- Add the cauliflower and toss to incorporated with the spices, then pour in the diced tomatoes. Stir once or twice, cover and allow to simmer over a medium heat for approx. 30-35 minutes. Stir occasionally. The vegetables should be tender but still firm.
- Add the peas about 10 minutes before the cooking time is completed and gently stir
- Sprinkle with coriander leaves and serve with hot rotis or naans.
Kitchen Tips:
- Once you have cut your potatoes into cubes, place them in a bowl of cold water. This will prevent the potatoes from turning brown. When you are ready to use, drain the water and pat dry with a few paper towels.
- Need for speed: use a bag of frozen cauliflower florets instead. Do not thaw them just add them to the skillet and proceed as directed.
I miss both the pillars in my life. My nana and nani were two opposites but both enriched my life in ways only grandparents can. I think my nani would have relished this aloo gobi. It is adapted from my mother's recipe who taught me how to make the dish after my nani passed away. It is typically made the Punjabi way - dry and with not much gravy. The cauliflower is tender and the potatoes hold their shape in the dish. The medley of spices bring an extraordinary highlight and the turmeric gives the dish a sunny yellow color.
More Bollywood Cooking from WFLH:
Spicy Okra with Onions | Aachari Alu - Potatoes in Mango Chutney Sauce | Vegetable Paneer Frankies with Mango Chutney |
From around the blogs:
- Indian Spiced Millet And Black Bean Timbale – Tasty Palettes
- Indian Spiced Black-Eyed Peas with Tomato and Curry Leaves – Kalyn's Kitchen
- Chettinad Mushroom Masala - Edible Garden
Daily Tiffin Reading Tip:
- Do You Find Comfort In Food? written by Deeba
All photographs and written content on What's For Lunch, Honey? © 2006-2009 Meeta Khurana unless otherwise indicated. | All rights reserved | Please Ask First


text:
Mr. Choochoo: "Quite frankly, doc, it's too expensive. I can't afford to pay for the pills and still meet my other living expenses."
Dr. Grumpy: "I understand that, but I'm concerned that without it you'll have another stroke."
Mr. Choochoo: "After insurance, Plavix is still $75 a month. Model trains aren't cheap."
Dr. Grumpy: "Model... trains...?"
Mr. Choochoo: "Yeah, I'm building a whole new track loop onto the set in my garage, and the trains and miniatures cost a lot." (whips out iPhone) "Here's some pictures of how it looks so far..."
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text:
By JEAN H. LEE
In this photo taken on Sept. 21, 2012 photo, a North Korean woman sews a button on a suit at a factory in Kaesong, North Korea, run by ShinWon, a South Korean clothing maker. Since April 3, North Korean authorities have barred South Koreans, including ShinWon managers, from entering North Korea through the Demilitarized Zone to get to the Kaesong industrial complex where some 120 South Korean companies run factories employing North Korean workers. (AP Photo/Jean H. Lee)
There is a North Korean factory with no portraits of the country's late leaders on the walls, no North Korean flags, no hand-painted posters screaming party slogans. Everything from the tissues to the toilets comes from South Korea.
Bent over bolts of wool and rayon, North Koreans work quietly to the hum of sewing machines making shirts, suits and overcoats that will go out with vaguely Italian names. Virtually the only hint of North Korea in the factory is a calendar on the wall that proclaims, "The Great Comrades Kim Il Sung and Kim Jong Il Will Always Be With Us."
Today, this factory and others in the Kaesong industrial complex, managed by South Koreans and staffed by North Korean workers, face the prospect of closure. Since Wednesday, North Korea has refused to let in South Korean managers and trucks bearing food, materials and supplies.
It's seen as punishment for Seoul's decision to forge ahead with joint military drills with the United States that continue through April and have incensed Pyongyang, which sees the exercises as a rehearsal for an invasion. Restricting travel through the armed border is also a way to remind the South Koreans that a state of war remains intact on the Korean Peninsula 60 years the fighting ended with a truce. Pyongyang also is angry with Seoul for backing tightened U.N. sanctions on North Korea for conducting a banned nuclear test in February.
North Korea has been raising its war rhetoric for weeks now, but so far, Kaesong is the main casualty. More than 500 South Koreans remained there Saturday and are free to stay, but their companies are beginning to run out of supplies. They hope this disruption ends up being similar lasts no longer than one in 2009 that lasted about a week.
For nearly a decade, the sprawling complex on the North Korean side of the Demilitarized Zone has been held up as a crucible of reconciliation, a test case for how reunification of the two Koreas might look. But as relations deteriorated in recent years, it became a prickly subject for South Korea.
The last media visits to factories from the South Korean side are believed to have been in 2007. In September, The Associated Press visited from the North Korean side, accompanied by officials from the North-South management committee that administers the special economic zone.
Kaesong seems like a slice of South Korea transplanted in North Korea, especially when driving in from Pyongyang.
From downtown Kaesong, the road to the factory park on the outskirts of town runs past rice paddies and simple cottages with tiled roofs. Oxen trudge along the sides pulling carts and a man cycles by with a dead pig strapped to back of his bicycle. A woman sitting by the side of the road has her head in her hands, a small cooler of drinks for sale next to her.
Enter the military-guarded gate to the vast, sparsely populated factory park and you'll find a Hyundai Oilbank gasoline station, two convenience stores with plastic picnic tables outside and a branch of the South Korea's Woori Bank. There are blue road signs in English and Korean, and lane dividers and bike lanes on the road. None of those things exist in the rest of North Korea.
The complex has stoplights, unlike downtown Kaesong, but not much traffic besides the Hyundai buses that shuttle North Koreans workers to and from work, and the Kia, Hyundai and Ssangyong cars driven by the South Korean managers.
The complex, conceived following the historic 2000 summit between late North Korean leader Kim Jong Il and late South Korean President Kim Dae-jung, broke ground in 2003. The first factory opened in December 2004. The plan was for South Korean firms to build 500 factories as part of a pledge to help develop North Korea's economy, according to Pak Chol Su, vice director of the General Bureau for Central Guidance, which manages Kaesong.
Pak, who is North Korean, noted that a June 2000 agreement signed by both Korean governments calls for improving North Korea's economy "equally, on the principle of mutual assistance."
Today, some 120 South Korean businesses have factories in Kaesong. He said they employ about 51,000 North Koreans, mostly women, making the complex the biggest provider of jobs in Kaesong, the country's third-largest city. Shoes and clothing make up 70 percent of the goods produced; the rest are largely chemical and electrical products, he said.
Hundreds of South Koreans run the factories, some living during the week in Kaesong and others commuting every day across the border. Goods, supplies and food are brought in by truck every morning, and leave in the late afternoon with finished products.
South Korean manager Chun Eun-suk took AP on a tour of GS Bucheon, which produces cables and wires that will make their way into Samsung and LG refrigerators and washing machines assembled in factories in China and Southeast Asia. A North Korean official accompanied the AP, which was denied permission to speak North Korean workers.
Workers in light blue jackets with the company name stitched on the pocket deftly handled multicolored wires.
"It's very simple work. They can learn this in a day," said manager Hong Ha-sung.
The propaganda on the walls here is about health and safety: "Beware of fires!" "Wash your hands carefully!" There's a ping pong table with balls emblazoned with the word "peace" — sometimes the competition is fierce.
The interaction between the North and South Koreans is collegial and cordial, but Chun and Hong say socializing is kept to a minimum. The South Koreans dine separately from the North Koreans, eating food brought from the South and stored in their own refrigerator.
The question of how North Korean workers are paid is a thorny one, with many believing that the government takes a large cut of the salaries. Hong said he pays the employees directly.
The average Kaesong worker makes more than $110 a month, said Pak, the North Korean official. Trainees make less, but an "incentive-based" system allows workers to earn as much as $150 a month, he said.
"With overtime, they can earn bonuses," Pak said, speaking to AP in September in a conference room with portraits of Kim Jong Il and North Korean founder Kim Il Sung hanging behind him. Discussion of bonuses and incentives has been associated with directive from leader Kim Jong Un, son of Kim Jong Il and grandson of Kim Il Sung.
At clothing maker ShinWon's three gleaming, futuristic buildings, the toilets are South Korean and the sewing machines are Japanese. Even the pantry is stocked with South Korean snacks.
Workers are dressed in blue bonnets and in uniforms with "ShinWon" stitched in English on the spot where they'd normally wear a loyalty pin bearing their leaders' portraits.
At one cutting table, a South Korean manager confers quietly with two North Korean women about a design. The women nod in agreement. A sign taped up on a wall says "Accuracy" in Korean.
ShinWon President Hwang Woo-seung said that although Kaesong's tax regulations and other rules can be complicated, it's worth it to be able to employ North Korean workers.
"First of all, we speak the same language," he said in Kaesong in September. "And secondly, they're very skilled with their hands."
On Saturday, ShinWon said its 15 South Korean managers were staying in Kaesong. The company has enough raw materials to last through early May but will soon run out of gas, fuel and food if the entry ban continues, a spokesman said Saturday.
The complex is about more than money, said Cho Dong-ho, a North Korea expert at Ewha Womans University in Seoul: "It is a string that links the two Koreas."
"If it evaporates, there is officially nothing in terms of economic ties between the countries," he said.
South Korea's new unification minister, Ryoo Kihl-jae, says new President Park Geun-hye is open to dialogue with North Korea.
"We have repeatedly said this, but what we want from the Kaesong industrial complex is stable maintenance and development," he said in Seoul on Friday.
Inside Kaesong, managers and workers avoid talking politics. In Seoul, South Korea is called "hanguk" in Korean; in Kaesong, they simply call the country "Choson," the pre-division name for Korea.
Similarly, the labels on ShinWon's garments read simply: Made in Korea.
"We don't say 'DPRK' or 'North Korea,'" Hwang said. "Southerners won't know if it's made in South Korea or North Korea — but the quality is just as high."
He said he's looking forward to the day when everything made on the Korean Peninsula can bear that same label.
"We're waiting for the day when the country will be reunified," he said. "We're working hard every day."
Associated Press writer Sam Kim contributed to this report from Seoul, South Korea. Follow AP's Korea bureau chief at


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Dear Editor:
"Superstorm" Sandy descended angrily on the East Coast with a crash that millions of folks in NJ, NY and bordering states felt for days after (maybe weeks or months) – and many are still coping with no power and long gas lines. Millions of us heeded the call by preparedness and contingencies for what Sandy could have wreaked. The lessons were well learned for future maelstroms of nature, and possible manmade attacks on our cities. But an ignorant or unconscious awareness from our governing officials for future storms still exists.
I'm talking about our federal, state and local officials. If they were anywhere prepared like the average household, they should be more equipped for any contingency—short and long damage and repair of power lines, property, safety and water accumulation. We are long overdue for a "real" nationwide upgrade of basic physical and organizational structures and facilities, like buildings, roads, and power supplies for "Innovative Water Infrastructure." We should be on our way to infrastructure change with power companies delivering and reforming methods of contingency preparedness to climate disturbances. But D.C. just talks about it w/out real bipartisan action – and that is appalling – not to mention that we pay their salaries – for what — to continually fight over ideology — to eternally form committees on how to "Fix Things" that never get fixed – like unemployment and the economy?
Long as I've lived the government never changes – I call it "day after a disaster" syndrome — a fast scrimmage for cover and faster scrambling "after the fact."
And the next few weeks churn on rules, regulations and laws on "crowd control" and "public safety". But never one ounce of "Prevention Preparedness" based on a "Vision" for future infrastructure change – so the next time a disaster hits, we wouldn't need to be without power so long.
The sad truth is no real vision exists in D.C. and state and local governments. Congress and our local leaders are mostly career politicians concerned with party politics and ideology – spending more time raising their own salaries and pensions. The problem will continue because Congress is working together – and because of this inability the blame falls mostly on them. Our local and state officials are not off the hook either – because they follow suit how the federal government leads the way –pointing fingers from the state capitol windows to D. C.
Listen and hear politicians after reading this: "Well, how do you expect to pay for these infrastructure changes and reforms?" That is the typical political retort when such issues are served on their plate.
Firstly, I'd say take a look at first responders like the power companies. Look at your utility bills loaded with extra taxes. These monies should be redirected into upgrading of power and water infrastructures. The feds can also go "Bipartisan" and seriously look into already budgeted "Green" America taxation, and do the right thing with real short and long term timelines for initiatives starting now in renovating and upgrading our power and energy infrastructure change.
John Amato
North Bergen


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Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of the Ukraine Support Act. I want to thank my friends and colleagues, Chairman Royce and Ranking Member Engel, for introducing this comprehensive legislation to support Ukraine in its urgent effort to meet its current crisis, including by building up its democratic institutions.
Mr. Speaker, Russia's land grab in Crimea violates the core principles of several bilateral and multilateral agreements and treaties between Ukraine and Russia, the Budapest Memorandum, and the United Nations Charter, as well as the Helsinki Final Act. This legislation includes strong sanctions against Russians directly responsible for the aggression.
H.R. 4278 also authorizes targeted sanctions against Ukrainians involved in undermining the democratic processes and provides assistance to the Ukrainian Government for identifying and recovering stolen assets. It is, after all, these criminal officials, including and especially Yanukovych and his cronies, who have so harmed the Ukrainian people and placed the country in the vulnerable position which Russia has exploited.
Another key provision of the bill provides support for Ukraine's democracy and civil society; and I want to here recognize the importance of supporting, as well, the faith-based groups and organizations that played such a prominent role, particularly on the humanitarian side, in supporting the movement for democracy and the rule of law.
The Ukrainian democracy movement is, in large part, a religious movement. Orthodox and Catholic clergy, for example, were prominent in the protests, and the drama of priests carrying icons confronting soldiers became as much a symbol of the democratization movement as anything else. And, again, when people were wounded and when people were being dragged away, it was the clergy that tried to step in to mitigate the violence against them.
Let me also point out a Catholic News Service article that just hit the wire that points out that members of the Ukrainian Catholic Church are fleeing Crimea to escape threats of arrest and property seizures.
Father Milchakovskyi, a parish rector in Crimea, said:
"The situation remains very serious, and we don't know what will happen–the new government here is portraying us all as nationalists and extremists."
The article also says:
"Officials from Russia's Federal Security Service, or FSB, had called him in for questioning about his community and to ask whether or not he "recognized the new order.""
He pointed out that one priest in particular was actually beaten by Russian forces. And, again, Members will recall, and I remember during the 1980s when I first came here, how so many within the church, including the orthodox church, were beaten and sent to the gulag because of their religious faith. This could be the harbinger of a new wave of repression against people of faith. The Ukrainian Catholic Church, by way of reminder, was one of those churches that was outlawed during Soviet times, and now we see the same kind of repetition of that kind of repression.
This legislation is a clear step in the right direction. No piece of legislation will do it all. We have to appeal to the Russians to stop this, but, again, to cease their persecution of people in the Crimea.


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