HOME »« CONTACT »« WHY TAG? »«WANT TO BE AN APRON GODDESS?»«ADVERTISING & SPONSORING

Monday, November 30, 2009

I Hear Sleigh Bells!!!! It's a Christmas Giveaway by D-Lux 57!

December has hatched! Or blossomed... Or ran us down like the wild bulls in Madrid. So, it's officially time to move into gear and welcome the holidays with gusto.

Cynthia at D-Lux 57 has sponsored the giveaway of a Christmas themed apron for Apron Goddesses to stampede the aisle way to win. This special apron is cheerful in red and has adorable holly leaf pockets and trim. With your cute Santa hat and this apron you would look awesome during the holidays!

Just so you know, there are several other holiday themed aprons available for purchase at D-Lux 57, including this poinsettia flowered apron to the right.

And for all you who want to know - the pretty part of the poinsettias are not flower petals, they are bracts. (I could not let that slip, since I am a botanist after all.)

Then there is this snowmen demi half apron with green gingham trim to get you in the Christmas spirit!! So cute, so cute, so cute...

But, to enter the giveaway of the red apron with the holly leaf trim here's what you need to do: First visit D-Lux 57 and browse the selection. Second come back and make a comment about your favorite to gain one entry into the drawing.

For five extra entries into the drawing create a blog post about this giveaway, leaving your permalink in your comment. Be sure to mention this in your entry.

And for 10 extra, bonus chances at winning send in a picture of you or a family member wearing an apron. Leave a comment that you are sending in a photograph too! (Contact is above) No headless apron wearers please!! We will write up your "apron-ography" in the weeks to come.

Giveaway Closes 12/15/09

Sunday, November 29, 2009

Over The Top Aprons-10.00 Off Half Aprons and a Giveway Reminder

Hope your Thanksgiving was great Apron Goddesses!! I am crawling back to reality and want to remind you about a few things...

There is still time to enter the giveaway from Over The Top Aprons!!! Click HERE to enter the random drawing for the apron pictured to the left at The Apron Goddesses!!

And to top it off, Corline at Over The Top Aprons is offering $10.00 off all her half aprons from the store.

There are plenty of beautiful colors, styles and fabrics to choose from so you should visit and do some Christmas shopping for the lovely women in your life who deserve an adorable apron for a gift.

With a great deal like this you can not go wrong! And your gift is unique and handmade in the USA!!

Moms, sisters, sister's in law, daughters and girlfriends all love aprons. Really! What are you waiting for...Check out Over The Top Aprons right now! That's an order. ;)

Thursday, November 26, 2009

Happy Turkey Day

Thanksgiving

T..... is for our thankfulness for many joys and blessings...
H..... is for our homes so warm and bright...
A..... is for autumn, time for harvest and abundance...
N..... is for nature's beauty and delight...
K..... is for the kitchens where good food is cooked with love...
S..... for spicy fragrances in the air...
G..... is for the gathering of family and friends...
I..... for the inheritance we share...
V..... is for the vision that the Pilgrims held so dear...
I..... is for high ideals in all they planned...
N..... is for our native country brave and great and free...
G..... for God's great goodness to our land.

Wednesday, November 25, 2009

Gobble Gobble!! Happy Thanksgiving!


"Bwak, Bwak, Bwaaaakkkk!!!"


"Ladies, I am sure glad we're not turkeys...."



"It matters NOT you silly hens!! I am immune to the hatchet. I AM A PET!!! I'd watch your back were I you, CHICKENS!!"

Tilly Turkey has spoken and she is just GORGEOUS!!!


Happy Thanksgiving Everyone!!!!

Tuesday, November 24, 2009

The Girl's Reversible Swap Apron

My sewing machine called a truce and I was able to sew this apron together in record time. We have a rocky relationship and from time to time; and my machine, which is as old as me, acts up and I want to throw it out the door. Except, I could only pick it up and drop it. It weighs so much there'd be no launching this machine in the spectacular manner that I would want to achieve.

Anyway...I made not one but TWO of the aprons I showed fabric for on Monday. Here's Ella showing hers.

Me: "Wait, Come Back HERE!!!! We need to take a picture of the apron you are wearing...


That's better!


And the other side looks like this.


Ella: "Since there is grass I must roll in it."


That's it! I am amazed I managed to make two aprons in a over a 48 hr period. Watch out, I may break a land speed record next.

I made this apron by tracing the outline of another kids apron on the fabric, cutting three inch strips for the tie straps, and a rectangle for the pocket. The rickrack dawned on me after all the cutting was done so I just added it into the equation for that extra touch. Believe me, anyone can make this one!!

Monday, November 23, 2009

A Prelude to Thanksgiving

Last Thanksgiving, I attempted to tackle a complexity of cuisine never before seen from my kitchen, with the level of difficulty about 7. The play book was straight out of Sunset Magazine, and I made a game plan to launch me to culinary victory. This is the story...

My assignment for our fabulous feast was: stuffing, potatoes, cranberry sauce and the rolls. Suzi tackled the bird, sautéed mushrooms, green beans,and hoerderves, and Mother-in-law Darlene made the desserts and gravy.

Yes, it was a real team effort here.

My Dish No. 1: Overnight Soft Herb Rolls. First, I must say Thank You to Sunset magazine. Because of your inspirational photography, I decided to go extra fancy with home made bread rolls that require about 15 minutes of kneading.

However, editors of Sunset please note: The directions should say: "Knead dough until carpel tunnel syndrome flairs and your wrists are searing." Since I made two batches of 12 rolls, I now know why the European baking goddesses have shoulders like linebackers and baseball mitts for hands.

My Dish No. 2: Meyer Lemon Cranberry Sauce. Directions say use one 12 oz bag of cranberries and add two Meyer lemons. I was in trouble at the onset since the store only had plain lemons. Am I allowed to make such substitution? What happens if you don't have Meyers? Well I have lived to tell the tale: nothing happens. I made the sauce with regular old lemons and amazingly the sky did not fall from the heavens.

My Dish No. 3: Artichoke Parmesan Sourdough Stuffing. This extra special stuffing was chosen due to the King men (our husbands and FIL) love of artichokes and the wives love for mushrooms.

I figured everyone gets something they like out of it even though my father-in-law, Greg, says, "Eatin' mushrooms is like chewin' on a rubber tire." But we were not competing in NASCAR now were we. What could possibly go wrong here?

First instructions were to "brown the vegetables in a 12 inch pan." This would have been nice if all the produce would have fit in a 12 inch frying pan.

Dear Sunset, please edit recipe to say,"brown vegetables in horse trough sized container." Then about the so called "browning." All the cooking vegetables made a lovely brown broth at the bottom of the pan. So now I was making soup. I figured I had to remove the broth...a task for which I was not prepared. How to get the broth out without dumping the vat of veggies was illusive. Spooning it out was not working so well. Then the power play kicked in and I found my kids hot pink colored easy dose dropper. You know those sucky bulb things you use to medicate your kids with Tylenol and Ibuprofen. So there I was suctioning one teaspoon of vegetable broth at a time with a fuchsia colored baby baster. Lovely. I must have made Martha proud at that point.

While the mire poix was cooking, my husband Mike came in to investigate. Then the hysterics broke out.

The bellow exploded, "You're cooking onions....." According to my husband onions are toxic vegetables who's only purpose is to inflict agonizing blindness on people like him.

Note to self No. 1: Cook onions to get Mike out of house.


With my brief window of opportunity I showed Mike the large quantities of ingredients and explained my cooking pot and bowl size problems. He surmised, "You could have just halved the recipe."

How can I argue with logic... But that being said another note to Sunset Magazine is: The recipe should be revised saying, "use small satellite dish to mix vegetables, bread cubes, artichokes and cheese."

Lastly, the stuffing recipe from Satin calls for a final ingredient. Mix in one one solitary scrambled egg. At this point I thinking... huh?? WTF!! Then a whinny brought me back from the abyss.

I had forgotten to feed my horses their lunch.
Big oops. Then worse, I remembered they still had their blankets on. Oh crap. The poor horses were out in the barn sweating under their blankets since it had warmed up to 65 degrees (too hot for horses and blankets). Sorry horses, I am coming.

Things get a little fuzzy about here. The arrival of the relief pitcher containing beerritas occurred somewhere after this. Suzi to the half time rescue. Coincidentally, that brought us up to naps for the kids. Except, as I was half snookered as well I had to lay down for a few minutes too.

Note to self No. 2: Drinking on an empty stomach is stupid and for amateurs.


After my recovery period in time out, I was blessed by my baby Ella reentering the game but looking a bit injured. She came walking out from her room holding her butt. "What is it?" I asked.

"Owie, owie, pocket, owie pocket owie..." she babbled. I reached down to check her back pocket and extracted a two inch long yellow brontosaurus from her butt. OK who did this to her? And she slept on it too. Poor baby.


Not dwelling too long on a dinosaur in the butt, I moved onto My Dish No. 4. Instant mashed potatoes with cheese and bacon (Not so glamorous or difficult right??). Picture a lady cooking bacon with white bed sheet wrapped around her midriff to protect her good crappy cords. This is me.

At this point, necessity being the mother of invention, Suzi and I conspired to get each other designer aprons in the hour before dinner was ready. After all, we should be looking matronly hot when cooking slaving for the family.

Therefore, Suzi and I made a pact to buy each other aprons for Christmas and so it began. The adventure into aprons was started by the mess and grime of Thanksgiving...

That's really how this entire apron blog was born. And now you know the rest of the story...

Sunday, November 22, 2009

My Latest Apron Project

Hi Apron Goddesses,

I got off my lazy butt and started working on this last night.


It's for a swap with Sara at the Handy Hooker. She's making a beanie cap for Ella and I'm making this apron for her daughter Jesse! This is a reversible full apron with pockets on both sides, bright and cheery for the coming of winter.

With the prep work done, I have some sewing to do. I am hoping this is going to be cute enough for a little girl. What do you think?

Saturday, November 21, 2009

Creme Brulee and a Review

Remember this?
I am finally putting it to good use.


I received this little set from Cookware.com so I could do a review. With life happening all around me it has taken a little longer to get to it than I expected. But I finally made the much loved creme brulee.....twice.

The first time I made it exactly as the instructions read. I didn't have a problem with the recipe, I had a problem with the creme brulee setting properly. When it was finished baking and spent the proper time in the refrigerator the middle was still soupy.

I decided to try again. However, this time I didn't fill the ramekins as full as I did the previous time. That was the perfect fix. I did end up filling 3 more ramekins with the remaining batter. So instead of 4 7oz. ramekins, I ended up with 7 ramekins that were 2/3 full.

I love the set. It made the process very easy. It has a wire rack the ramekins sit in and that is lowered into the pan. Add water and it is ready to bake. When it is time to refrigerate the tasty treat, just pull out the wire rack and place in the refrigerator. Easy!

It even comes with a torch. I had fun with that. What kitchen is complete with out your very own torch? (Butane not included.)

With Christmas coming up, this would make a great gift for the baker in your life. You can find it HERE! If your are really feeling adventurous go check out Rachel Ray Cookware.

Friday, November 20, 2009

Pumpkin Preperation and an Apron

It is that time of year again! It is time to get our pumpkins prepared for proper food creating. Each year I grow sugar pie pumpkins with the sole purpose of baking them down, pureeing them and making something out of it. I typically make pumpkin bread, pumpkin cupcakes, and pumpkin chocolate chip cookies. This year I have ventured to make pumpkin ice cream and pumpkin pancakes. Mmmmm, mmmmm good.

Monday, I get the pleasure of starting the process. I usually can the puree, but this year I think I will just freeze it. Less time with preparations is beautiful. Monday I will wear my apron as I start the process.......again. Why you ask? Adam's class is doing a unit on squash and he gets to bring in something made from squash. His pick? Pumpkin cupcakes of course! So Adam and I will be putting on our aprons and making some pumpkin goodness to share with his class on Tuesday.

Stay tuned for that long over due review of a Cookware product.

Thursday, November 19, 2009

Thanksgiving (or not) and an Apron

Hmmm......see the speech bubble below? Yeah, I do too. Who doesn't like Thanksgiving food?


Oh, right, my hubby.

This picture brought up memories of last years Thanksgiving. We were all here at my house enjoying a nice, well cooked family meal. My In-laws were here, my mom (?), and Julia's mom were all here to enjoy a day of good company and a good meal. After all it is one of the few times a year we all get together to enjoy these things. The way it works is I cook half the meal here at my house, Julia cooks half the meal at her house (she is only 100' away), our MIL bakes the pies, and then we all crowd around my little table and eat, drink, and be Thankful.

On this particular Thanksgiving my dear, loving hubby (not so loudly) says "I really don't like Thanksgiving food anyway." Well, Julia and I being the "cooks" both heard it. I was at a loss for words, but not my fun loving SIL. Her rebuttal? "Well why don't you go fix your own damn meal." (or something of that effect). Needless to say her rebuttal was a conversation stopper. All conversations in the dining room, kids included, ceased to exist. You could cut the the tension in the air with at butter knife. I don't think Jeff will be making the same mistake this year. And if he does?

Well it doesn't matter! On Thanksgiving Day I will wear my apron, with pride, and fix the proper fixings whether he likes it or not. This is a day to be Thankful for the things and people in our lives. My dear loving hubby will eat it, despite his dislike for it, and enjoy the company on this family day!

Happy Thanksgiving!

Wednesday, November 18, 2009

The Winner of the Aprons By Julie Giveaway

It really feels like fall today Apron Goddesses!!! Have you got your Thanksgiving meals planned?? We're working on it...

The business at hand: Revealing the winner of a new apron.

First off: Thank you Aprons By Julie for the great sponsorship of a "choose-your-favorite" apron giveaway on TAG!!!

If you did not win today *sigh* you should do some shopping to get a great apron AND support hand made, woman made, and made in USA!!

On to the winner: I'll keep this short and simple.

San-dee at Sno-wear won her choice of an apron from Aprons by Julie. Yeah San-Dee!!!!

San-dee said she likes blues so I am guessing she will be making her choice soon. Let me know what you like best, San-dee and send me an email with your contact info!!

Happy Fall Apron Goddesses!!!

Monday, November 16, 2009

Go Over The Top With This Apron Giveaway

Owner Corline, at Over The Top Aprons, has generously sponsored the giveaway of this adorable polka dot half apron. With a two layered skirt and a long pretty sash this apron is an essential addition to your apron collection. Or if do not have an apron, I'd think this would be a great one to win and start your journey into apron appreciation.

At Over The Top Aprons, you can find fancy one-of-a-kind aprons which have individual style written all over them. They are colorful, chic, beautiful and fancy, so depending on whether you are looking for a full or half apron you can find one that will make you look stunning.

In addition to adult aprons, Corline has produced childrens aprons too. This picture is of my daughter Ella in her green and white polka dotted Over The Top Apron. It is still one of her favorites and the proportions are perfect for toddlers!

To enter the giveaway for the black apron with white polka dots from Over The Top Aprons, visit the boutique and browse the selection. Then come back to The Apron Goddesses and make a comment naming your favorite. That will give you one entry.

For five extra entries into the drawing create a blog post about this giveaway, leaving your permalink in your comment.

And for 10 extra, bonus chances at winning send in a picture of you or a family member wearing an apron. (Contact is above) No headless apron wearers please!! We will write up your "apron-ography" in the weeks to come.

Sunday, November 15, 2009

Who Does She Think She Is?


There is a movie which I think all Apron Goddesses should see called Who Does She Think She Is? directed by Pamela Tanner Boll (who won an Academy Award for her film Born into Brothels).


This film made me think about my original premise for this blog which is: a celebration of womanhood and the feminine form without the loss of equality, intelligence or self value. Taking care of your family does not mean you have to loose your identity and individuality.

In Who Does She Think She Is? this concept is addressed specifically in regard to the creation of art by women. The film portrays the lives of five amazing women struggling to find balance and success between their art and their family lives. To be a mom and an artist? The challenge is real. This film shows the paths that the selected women have taken to stay true to their own hearts while maintaining their family. The highly talented women artists in this film have varying degrees of support from their families and the nuances of each ladies story are shown in documentary style.

At the theater there were maybe 10 men and 200 women in attendance of the film, unfortunately. This is a film that the male population needs to watch since most women already know how hard it is to navigate a career and a family, then integrate personal time and space. In support of all women who work, create and have a mind of their own and raise a family, I must recommend you see this film.

In general, I think mommy blogging as a writing art form is really a great way to express your self with the spare moments between family obligations and duties. It is no wonder that blogging has become so popular and almost a sub culture where support among moms prevails!

So on that note: If you make one out click from my site today please make it to Who Does She Think She Is? and watch the trailer for the film. I promise that you will not be sorry. You can look for screening locations near you or request the film come to your town! You can also purchase the film directly HERE.

Do You Want to Get Hammered?

See this hammer wielding crafts man? Well, he sees you. He says, Your need to visit Aprons by Julie and come back to The Apron Goddesses to sign up for the giveaway of an apron of your choice!"



So before he hits you with a mallet, go HERE to the giveaway post!!!

Friday, November 13, 2009

Apron Goddess in Fall Leaves

What a perfect apron for Fall! The colors, the leaves, simply lovely!

Okay, forget Fall Sandy is ready for Christmas and her blog shows it! She has a countdown to THE day.....something like 43 for those of you who need to start thinking about buying gifts. What happened to Thanksgiving? Anyway, she has joined a few ornament swaps that are posted on her side bar. She also has a sign up to send out Christmas Cards, if you would like mail (that doesn't involve bills) let her know and she will add you to her list!

Sandy says "Hi! It's Sandy at Aging Disgracefully . Above is my lovely apron-wearing picture; I was rushing backwards to try to get both apron and head in the picture, but it looks like I'm dancing."

For all of you who love aprons as much as we at TAG do go see Sandy and show her some bloggy love. Leaf her a comment about how adorable and season friendly her apron is. I know I will, I especially love how her apron twirls like a dress or skirt. How about you?

Thursday, November 12, 2009

Yes, I Know Halloween is Over...But

I think I might just have to wear a costume like this one day and scare the freckles off my husbands face.

And what inspired me to look at cleaning maid aprons?? Last night both of my kids were in bed at 7 pm. This normally means I get to have a break and breath and relax for a little bit. BUT not last night. I spent an hour cleaning and vacuuming and mopping.

If I was wearing this when my spouse arrived home I think he'd have a heart attack and could not accuse me of any wrong doings, ie. blogging... and being lazy.

Woe is me.

BTW. This apron is Circa 1890-1910. And made in U.S.A. The folks over at Premier Designs Historic Clothing have it for sale. Not that I am rushing to buy one any time soon. But could you imagine this as normal garb? Heh heh.

Tuesday, November 10, 2009

Enter to Choose Your Favorite Apron By Julie!!!

There is a giveaway still in process here at TAG. It features Aprons By Julie and her wonderful creations. For this giveaway you can choose your favorite from her store! Like this....












Or like this...











And even this one!


So you need to Click Here to enter this giveaway!!!!!

Sunday, November 8, 2009

Modern Aprons Straight from the 70's

Good Day Apron Goddesses!

Here's a picture of some aprons I found that scream Farah Fawcett (may she rest in peace) and Burt Reynolds from some crazy 70's movie that never made it to the big screen.

Not only are they men's wear, but they are really a form of chap with leg ties. And I thought chaps were only used by horse people!

Hmmm. I am not quite sure about the spoon and fork in the pocket of the man's "chap-ron" but I am thinking if he does any sudden movement he will fillet himself.

Then I am pondering the fact that these models legs are more than three times the length of their upper body. But they are sporting the boot cut, extra wide flair, so it must be OK.


Did you figure out what the accessory labeled A is?

I think it is some kind of pot holder substituting as a side arm. I mean, it looks kind of gun-like to me. Maybe you can stash a sawed-off shot gun in that thing and if anybody gives you grief about the chap-pron you can cap 'em.

So, with the sun glinting off my feathered hair, I bid all you Apron Goddesses adieu!! What say you about these aprons? Am I a little too harsh with my critique of them?

Friday, November 6, 2009

Halloween Goddess Post Hallween

Miss Dot is at it again. Not only does she make spooktacular cupcakes, but she dresses up just as nicely for the occasion.


She dressed up as two of her favorite things Pinups and Zombies. Doesn't she make a beautiful Pinup Zombie? I think so.


Miss Dot is a lover of all things vintage which prompted her to post THIS regarding Suzie Homemaker. It is a hoot to watch and brings back memories of the the Easy Bake Oven of my youth (how I wish I had one). If you haven't picked up on her love of cupcakes check out her blog Miss Dot's Cupcake Spot where she shows us all what she is doing in her kitchen. If that isn't enough, check out her gallery where she shows us her cupcake creations. She has made a living out her her love for this tasty treat and she looks good doing it too. So go see Miss Dot and give her a shout!

Thursday, November 5, 2009

Domestic Divas with Rock Star Attitudes

Meet Atlanta from:

"This one is of Me and my little cutie AKA "my partner in crime"! I made these aprons for both of us. I have a tiny little sickness when it comes cupcakes. One that I am in no hurry to cure. We wear these when she helps me make pancakes or even just her oatmeal. Any excuse to wear an apron =)

If life wasn't busy enough with a husband, children, and an Etsy shop Atalanta went back to school. School, late nights, lack of sleep, papers, mid-terms, finals, AND a family. Admiration for this apron addict ALL. THE. WAY! Atlanta we, here at TAG, wish you all the best in your collegiate journey.

For those of you who LOVE aprons and/or cupcakes you must check out her Etsy shop! It is called Cupcake Concubine. She has some lovely aprons, cupcake charms, and a few other things.

Tuesday, November 3, 2009

Penelope is a Gorgeous Arpron Goddess with Baby on Board!

This lovely woman is Penelope from Penelope's Oasis. She is obviously expecting a bundle of joy very soon. She sent in this photo showing off her radiance in pregnancy! I am always amazed how wonderful you ladies look when pregnant. I, myself, can not claim that when I was expecting... Kudos to all you women who look so good when carrying a baby!


At Penelope's Oasis you can find giveaways, reviews and general merriment!
Her pretty blog is a place to relax and rejuvenate and the colors she has chosen for her decor support this claim!

Hop on over to Penelope's Oasis and you can see what is happening in her querencia!

Monday, November 2, 2009

Special Giveaway from Aprons By Julie: Pick Your Favorite!!

Welcome Apron Goddesses!!!

Today we have a special treat since Julie from Aprons by Julie is sponsoring the giveaway of an apron of your choice from her fabulous store. Julie constructs beautiful aprons, they are well made, most are reversible, and her pattern combination's rock!! Aprons by Julie can be relied upon for superior quality and you will not be disappointed with your apron if you buy one!! So, if you have not been to her store lately you need to visit.

This lovely apron is the "Tickle Me Pink Sophia" full apron (to the left). It is my personal favorite from her collection. The fabric pattern has all my favorite colors and includes flowers so I have been stalking this one for a while. When my apron budget gets a little looser this one will be in my kitchen for sure.

The Sophia comes in mom and daughter sets and I know I will have to get one for my Ella too.

Since, I am showing all my favorites from Julie, here is my runner up favorite apron from her store: Adult Sunflowers in Blue and White-Shabby Chick.

I love sunflowers and fall leaves and the way Julie has paired the blue and white checkerboard with the yellow sunflower discs is wonderful. And do you want to bet this makes a woman's waste seem tiny, tiny, tiny??? I am thinking it is super flattering to the figure.

To enter the giveaway for a fabulous apron of your choice from Aprons by Julie, visit the boutique and find your favorite. Come back to The Apron Goddesses and make a comment naming which apron you would like to win in the giveaway. That will give you one entry.

For five extra entries into the drawing create a blog post about this giveaway, leaving your permalink in your comment.

And for 10 extra, bonus chances at winning send in a picture of you or a family member wearing an apron. (Contact is above) No headless apron wearers please!! I will write up your "apron-ography" in the weeks to come.