Stone Soup

Today was a 'snow day' at the Wandering Wardrobe. I was afraid we couldn't keep the snow off the sidewalks and porch. Our customers' safey was more important than opening today, so I stayed home and cleaned a couple of drawers and closets. I hope our consignors did too, and that I'll be busy tomorrow.

The weather was perfect for making a big pot of homemade soup, but not for going to the grocery store. When our girls were little, one of their favorite stories was "Stone Soup", and I decided that if that old woman could make soup out of nothing, so could I. I dug through the refrigerator, freezer, and pantry, and came up with the fixings for one great pot of soup. No recipe, just a bunch of stuff in a pot.

Here's what I did, and what you could do to make this delicious soup: saute' one onion in about 2 T of butter. Add one garlic clove. Add 1 can vegetable stock and about 4 cups of water. Add 1 large can whole tomatoes (I used our very own home canned tomatoes!). Add 4 or 5 beef bouillon cubes. I added a beef soup bone because Kenny doesn't consider anything made without meat to actually be a meal, but you don't have to. Add some chopped celery, carrots, purple cabbage, and any other vegetable that's in your crisper. Add frozen or canned green beans, corn, mushrooms, and/or brocolli. Add some red or great northern beans. I added an old package of frozen asian noodles, and I actually think this is what made the soup so good. I seasoned with salt, pepper, basil, bay leaves, lots of seasoning salt, and sugar.

I made homemade cornbread muffins and added a cup of leftover pumpkin puree' to the mixture. Oh my, they were good.

I made that soup and muffins with bits of leftovers, and it was as good a meal as I've ever made.

It's SO Much More Fun. . .

to receive a gift with a bit of history.


Years before we owned our resale shop, Kenny figured out that gifts with a bit of history were lots more fun to give and receive than anything new. I love the old bowls, quilts, and santas he finds every year. Knowing these treasures have been used and loved by someone else makes them mean so much more to me than anything he could purchase at a local department store.

This year at the Wandering Wardrobe, our consignors have provided an amazing and ever-changing selection of pre-owned treasures - santas, snowmen, nutcrackers, nativitys, angels, bowls, pitchers, platters and quilts. . . and the history is free.

Do You Give Gift Baskets for Christmas?

If you give gift baskets to your friends and neighbors for Christmas, look no further. We have everything imaginable to make a perfect gift basket -baskets, large bowls, small bowls, wooden bowls, pitchers, platters, boxes, bottles with lids, jars with lids, vases, mugs. . . In fact, your imagination is all you need to make an amazing Christmas gift "basket"!

Need ideas? Pack a "basket" with fresh cookies, add a small Christmas decoration or new potholder or towel (we have these too), and tie with a bit of ribbon and an ornament - which we also have. Voila! Your shopping is done, and your friends will be delighted. You'll have saved money and done your part to save the earth. We can even help with the imagination part. What could be better than that?

"Refashioned" Shepherd's Pie

One thing you need to know is that Kenny does most of the cooking at our house. I used to be an excellent cook, but over the years, as the Wandering Wardrobe grew, he got home earlier than I did, took over most of the cooking, and has surpassed me in the kitchen. But every once in awhile, I get the urge to cook dinner. Yesterday, I made a rump roast and potatoes and gravy. Since there are now only three of us living in our home, we had leftovers.

Thank you Paula Deen for suggesting the recipe I made today. She called it "Shepherd's Pie from leftover beef roast and potatoes and gravy". I call it "Refashioned Shepherd's Pie". This recipe is perfect for me, being that I sell used clothing and other stuff.

This is how you do it:

Saute' one onion in 2 T. butter. Add the left over beef roast, chopped into bite sized pieces, and the left over gravy. Heat until beef is very tender.

Spray a 9 inch baking dish with "Pam". Spoon the left over mashed potatoes into the dish and spread evenly. Add 1 package of frozen vegetables that you have microwaved until tender. Add the beef and onions, and add 1 small can sliced mushrooms, if you wish. Mix two cups biscuit mix with 1 1/2 cups milk, and pour over the top. Melt 3 T butter and dribble over the top. Bake at 350 for 35 to 45 minutes. Serve.

The picture here belongs to Paula Deen, but I think mine was even prettier. I should have taken a picture.

The 3/50 Project

Have you heard about the 3/50 Project?

The 3/50 Project encourages people to shop locally. When we shop locally, the money we spend stays in our community. For every $100 we spend locally, $68 is returned to the community.

When we spend in a national chain, only $43 remains in the community. And, of course, when we buy online, nothing stays home.

So pick 3 businesses you would miss if they went out of business. Spend $50. Save our local economy.

For more information, check out http://www.the350project.net/home.html

This Dame has a NAME!

We had a great response to our "Name that Dame" contest. The names suggested by our customers were as varied as they are: Wysteria, Alicia, Chloe, Queenie, Lulu, Delilah, Delia, Trixi, Gwenivere, Betty Lu, Connie, Sally, Dame Wilhemina, Darlene, Elaine, Oakley, Marly, Daphne, Sharla, Sophie, Isabella, Maria, Ella. . .and the list goes on.

Because the winner of the "Name that Dame" contest is not eligible to win the purse, the names of all customers who entered our contest will be placed in a drawing, and the name drawn will win a brand new handbag. So everyone has another chance to win the bag.

Imagine my surprise when I dumped out the bag of entries and saw an entry signed "Kenny Hulce". Kenny is my husband. His name choice? "Cupcake". And Cupcake it is. Somehow it just fits her, and it makes me laugh.

Name this Dame

The Wandering Wardrobe has a brand new mannequin. She has everything she needs, including a face, except for a name.

Drop by the store and enter our "Name this Dame" contest. You could win a brand new, really cute purse!

This is a good day

I blogged a couple of weeks ago about my good friend Becky's project, "Operation Hooah", and sent a constant contact email to our customers. Neither had anything to do with consigning or selling used clothes, but everything to do with remembering good times with a good friend, and caring about her cause. I thought that I was in a position to get the word out, and that my friends and customers might want to help.

I received an email today from Aubree Bushman, the school counselor at Mt. Loafer School in Salem, Utah, regarding Operation Hooah:

"We're going to make about 30 care packages and have each class be in charge of writing letters to the service men and women. I plan on assembling the packages next week and then plan on taking them to the post office that weekend. I'll have my student council help out with getting each class to write a packet of letters and then I'm going to have some of my young women
help assemble the packages. We're using money from a service project we did at Mt. Loafer last year to pay for the packages".

This means 30 young men and women serving our country will receive packages from Salem, Utah. More importantly, 30 young men and women will know that people care, and appreciate the sacrifices they are making. It means young kids in Salem, Utah, are learning good things, and making a difference.

Stay Tuned!

Wanda is looking hot in this Refuge skirt, Ralph Lauren t, flip flops, funky jewelry and sunglasses, all temporarily available at the Wandering Wardrobe. Life is just about to become very exciting for Wanda, and that's all I'm going to say about that right now. Watch the blog and the Wandering Wardrobe's Facebook page to see what happens!

Get your shopping shoes on and mark your calendars for Friday, April 3 from 6-9 p.m. for our spring LADIES' NIGHT. We'll have lots of new jewelry, purses, scarves and other fun stuff that you're going to LOVE, and I'll be reminding your favorite consignors to clean their closets so the store will be brimming with spring and summer fashions for you and your home.

This event is RSVP, ladies only. RSVP right NOW to save your place. Reservations will be limited.

Sign up at the store or send me a message on Facebook. On Facebook, become a fan of the Wandering Wardrobe and receive updates on both Ladies' Night and Wanda's upcoming adventures.

When you become a fan, your name will be entered in our drawing for a brand new handbag! The winner may choose a handbag in stock now or from the fabulous shipment we expect today or tomorrow.

"New" in the Store

I'm very excited about this "new" piece that Kenny just finished. Again, I wish I had taken a "before" picture. I never remember to take them until the piece is finished, and I always think that I really should show you what these poor, ready-for-the trash pieces look like before Kenny works his magic on them. Next time, I promise.

Look at the detail on this four drawer dresser. It looks like at one time all the drawers locked. Now the keyholes are just a fun detail. Kenny's painted it a pale, pale pink, and the insides of the drawers are painted white. I don't know what it is about painting the inside of the drawers, but it makes all the difference on Kenny's pieces. It makes them seem brand new. They're ready for a little drawer paper and your treasures.

The dresser stands 33 inches high, is 38 inches long, and 17 inches deep. Kenny's replaced the old, broken drawer pulls with new pink glass ones.

This piece is truly a one-of-a-kind treasure, and is just waiting for a new home.

White Chili

There's something about hot soup that gives us comfort, even on sunny days like today. My favorite is white chili. I took a bowl to a sick friend last week and she said it cured her. So now I believe in the healing powers of white chili as well as its powers of comfort.

This soup can be made quickly, or you can let it simmer for a few hours and let the scent comfort you as well.

White Chili

Cook 5 chicken breasts and season well. Chop into bite sized pieces.

Melt 1/4 cup margarine in a six quart dutch oven. (I used the one Kenny gave me for Valentine's Day. Isn't it wild?)

Add 1 large chopped onion and 1 clove garlic and saute' until tender.

Add the chicken breasts and 5 cans of great northern beans, drained.

Add 6-8 cups water (depending on how thick you prefer your soup) and 6-8 chicken bouillon cubes (you could use canned chicken broth as well)

1 T basil

2 t ground red chilis or chili powder

1/4 t. cloves

1/2 t. cumin

coarse salt and pepper, to taste

other seasonings, according to your taste

Simmer soup for a bit to allow flavors to blend. Add chopped cilantro to taste, and simmer a little longer.

Dish soup into bowls and if you like, add fresh tomato, grated cheese and serve with tortilla chips.

Operation Hooah!

I received this email from my good friend Becky. Becky is the kind of friend who brings flowers and cake when you're feeling a little blue. She's starting a compassionate service project for the soldiers in Afghanistan, and I'd like to help any way I can. Please read her email to me, and help if you can:

Dear Friends and Family:

I apologize for the Lonnnnng email, but please read to the end. Each part is important. I am starting a little compassionate service project for the soldiers in Afghanistan. I am calling it "OPERATION HOOAH!"
"Hooah!" as you may know, is a U.S. Army battle cry. It is pronounced: Hoo-ah (who-ah) This exclamation is used by US Army soldiers for many things. Much like the word "Aloha", Hooah! has many meanings, some of which are:

• Thank you
• All right!
• Outstanding!
• Well done!
  
• Amen!
• You've taken the correct action
• Glad to meet you
• Welcome
• A substitute for "that's cool" = "That's hooah".

OPERATION HOOAH!

As you probably know, my son Chad is a Chinook pilot with the 101st Aviation from Fort Campbell, Kentucky. They were deployed to Afghanistan Dec 13, 2008. They will be there at least a year.
.
The living conditions are actually quite good for Chad and his fellow pilots, especially compared to many other soldiers, (many of whom are in tents, or WORSE.) They live in little wooden buildings with their own 8 by 8 rooms. The electricity is 110. In fact, compared to the soldiers down range at Forward Operating Bases, they have it pretty good. They have their computers and ipods, and internet access (intermittently... been down for the past 12 days!)

However, It is VERY cold right now, and difficult to keep warm. They could use some twin size electric blankets, small ceramic heaters, and small oscillating fans. They don't necessarily need food, as they have a great chow hall. However, healthy snacks such as tuna packs, protein bars, protein powders, trail mix, dried fruits, beef jerky, hot sauce, condiments, and particularly, anything exotic or homemade, is appreciated VERY MUCH.

They could use anything to do with cleaning: body wash, deodorant, soap, foot powder, lotion, razors and/or blades, non aerosol shaving gel, shampoo plus conditioner, toothpaste, toothbrushes, foot powder, neosporin ointment... they do have a bx/shopette, but things whip out of there in a day, so there are always shortages.

Need 60 watt light bulbs, simple desk lamps, and AA batteries.

They would also like DVD movies (Drama, Comedy, etc. can be used or new) Used CD players for music, VHS Movies, new or used CDs, frisbees, footballs, water balloons, silly string, gag items, board games, playing cards, video games for PS2, XBOX 360, hand-held video games, newspapers, books, magazines, Sudoku, crosswords, newspapers, small portable artist kits, eg: colored pencils & small sketchbook, watercolors and small pad of watercolor paper, felt-tip pen set and small sketchbook, stationery, pens, and anything else for them to do while they are over there to kick back and relax their minds.

Also, things to decorate their dull and drab rooms with... holiday themes at the appropriate times, postcards, uplifting or motivational posters, artwork, nothing offensive or obscene!

If your package is intended for Chad, just address it to him at this address:

CW2 JOHN C. EVERETT
OPERATION ENDURING FREEDOM
B co 7-101 TASK FORCE LIFT
APO AE 09354

If your package is intended for Chad and all his buddies, please designate that by labeling the package: "For Chad's Buddies" on the bottom left hand side of the package.

example:..................................................

Your Return Address

CW2 JOHN C. EVERETT
OPERATION ENDURING FREEDOM
B co 7-101 TASK FORCE LIFT
APO AE 09354

FOR CHAD'S BUDDIES
........................................................................................................

NOW FOR THE COMPASSIONATE SERVICE PART, THE REAL HOOAH!

It is VERY cold over there in Afghanistan now. Many soldiers are deployed to outposts in very rugged and primitive conditions. They live in hand built structures of timber and rock/mud/sandbags. They are cold, dirty, hungry, bored, and lonely. Many do not have any laundry facilities, and water is rationed, so they only get a shower once a month. Often, sanitary conditions are dispiriting. Sorry, but these are the facts. They can use, and will appreciate ANY treat you can send them. As well as any news or info from "home". A handwritten note is a prize.

NOW HERE IS THE COOL PART!

Because Chad and his fellow pilots are the BIG LINK between supplies and soldiers in the field, they are in a perfect position to carry small care packages to soldiers that have no access to chow halls, laundry, hot showers, computers, shopettes, and bx facilities. There are many hundreds of soldiers in the field at hundreds of Forward Operating Bases (FOB) that are in need of basic things, small treats from home, and an encouraging word..

THEREFORE, HERE IS THE PLAN:

Two ways to help:

1. Pack items from the lists below, into small packages for individual soldiers, and mail to Chad separately, with HIS proper address, and THIS designation in the lower left hand corner of the package:

"HOOAH! BLUE", (for male) or "HOOAH! PINK", (for female)

BE SURE AND MARK EACH INDIVIDUAL PACKAGE MEANT FOR DELIVERY TO SOLDIERS OUT IN THE FIELD, WITH THE APPROPRIATE DESIGNATION

OR,

2. Pack small individual packages, each correctly labeled, "HOOAH! BLUE", or "HOOAH! PINK", into a larger box (please, no larger than 20 pounds at a time) properly addressed to Chad, with THIS designation in the left hand corner of the BIG package:

"FOR OPERATION HOOAH!"

example:........................................................................................................

Your Return Address

CW2 JOHN C. EVERETT
OPERATION ENDURING FREEDOM
B co 7-101 TASK FORCE LIFT
APO AE 09354

FOR OPERATION HOOAH!
........................................................................................................

THINGS THAT ARE BADLY NEEDED:

GOOD FOR ALL SOLDIERS:

WARM SOCKS. hand warmers, foot warmers, wind sox knitted face masks (must be tan, light brown or olive color), black or green Army socks, white athletic sox, knitted caps are often worn under a helmet at night, (must be dark color.) bandanas or handkerchiefs, underwear, pajamas, sweatbands, anything pocket-sized that you might wish you had on a hike or a campout.

AA and AAA batteries, notebooks, pens, stationery,

pocket tissues, hand sanitizers, cough drops, vitamin c lozenges, multivitamins, zinc lozenges, gum, tic tacs, certs, dentyne, toothpaste and toothbrushes, dental floss, toothpicks, soap, eye drops, eye care products, lip balm, hand lotion, also in pocket size, wet wipes type moist towlettes (can't have enough of these!) pump spray or lotion insect repellant, neosporin ointment, chapstick, carmex, sunscreen, shampoo, non-aerosol shave cream, razors, laundry soap...

Packaged snacks of any kind welcomed. Instant coffee, hot cocoa, and tea, pringles, pop-tarts, candy bars, crackers & tuna, ramen noodles, more healthy snacks: tuna packs, Protein bars, protein powders, trail mix, dried fruits, beef jerky, hot sauce, condiments, microwave popcorn, gatorade mix, girl scout cookies, drink mix packets you can put in water bottles, anything to make the bottled water taste better, anything you would consider putting in a sack lunch. Remember, NO home-cooked items can go to the field.

As for down range requests for candy goes... Always, chocolate is a treat, gobstoppers, atomic fireballs, M&Ms, Red Hots, Nerds, pop rocks, skittles, mints, Werthers, gummi bears, and sour cherries are requests.

FEMALES NEED: White ankle socks, pajamas, detergent, air freshener, birthday cards/greeting cards, notecards, stationery, thermal underwear, tan long sleeved t-shirts, panties, hair ties and bands, disposable tooth brushes, toothpaste, chapstick, feminine hygiene products, both tampons and pads, Q-tips,cotton balls, combs and brushes, deodorant, neosporin ointment, wet wipes, hand sanitizer, eye drops, bobby pins, razors, manicure items, sunscreen, shampoo and conditioner, body wash, scented lotion, bath powder, anything, that would help them feel more feminine.

COOL THINGS TO SEND:

THINGS TO RELIEVE THE BOREDOM:
DVD movies (Drama, Comedy, etc) Used CD players for music, VHS Movies CDs, frisbees, footballs, water balloons, silly string, gag items, board games, video games, handheld video games, puzzles such as rubiks cube, etc., paperback books, books for inspiration and encouragement, magazines, (fashion, decorating for females; cars, video games, and sports for males; current events, US, People, Reader's Digest, Discover, for either gender) Sudoku, crosswords, newspapers, small portable artist kits, eg: colored pencils & small sketchbook, watercolors and small pad of watercolor paper, felt-tip pen set and small sketchbook, workout resistance bands, ab wheel, pullup bars, (down range teams don't have workout facilities)....small rugs, things to decorate our dull and drab living areas with, holiday themes at the appropriate times, postcards, posters, artwork,... nothing offensive or obscene!

Prepaid Phone Cards! Military Exchange Prepaid Calling Cards
The Department of Defense Military Exchanges have been authorized to sell prepaid calling cards to individuals and organizations who wish to purchase these cards for our troops serving overseas in Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom. NOTE: Soldiers in remote field areas have no access to pay phones, but many are in posts that do have some infrastructure. Phone cards should be sent insured. Please click here for the official website for purchasing these phone cards: https://thor.aafes.com/scs/default.aspx

Beanie Babies!

No kidding! A really good excuse to get rid of those things (don't buy new ones, collect them from your house and ask your friends)!! Send some in every package to ALL units as they are really easy for the Soldiers to carry with them and give to the local kids who love them. These are better then small plastic toys which will break easily and are not as easy to carry in a pack. There is NO more effective ambassador for our country than a Soldier helping the local folks. This is done far more often then the press shows, and quite probably the most important thing a Soldier will ever do.

NOTE: Even if some things you send cannot be used at one post, they can be bartered for things that CAN be used at that soldier's post. There is a thriving barter system among soldiers.


Address all BIG packages like this:
........................................................................................................

Your Return Address

CW2 JOHN C. EVERETT
OPERATION ENDURING FREEDOM
B co 7-101 TASK FORCE LIFT
APO AE 09354

FOR OPERATION HOOAH!
........................................................................................................

OUR SOLDIERS NEED YOU! Please remember them. They are out there enduring long hours, cold weather, unpleasant living conditions, loneliness, fatigue and danger. For us. THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT! Be sure and email me if you have questions. Please print off the lists of needs/wants so that you will have them when you are out shopping.

Thank you so so much!
Love, Beck

IMPORTANT INSTRUCTIONS!:

1. Ideally, pack items for an individual soldier into a small package. Make sure your box is strong and secure, and pad anything breakable. DON'T SEND GLASS. A good way to send is in the Post Office's FLAT RATE box. For info on that please click here: http://www.usps.com/communications/newsroom/2008/pr08_010.htm
You can order flat rate boxes in sets of 25 and priority address labels (with your return address pre-printed) in sets of 100, free from the post office. http://shop.usps.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?langId=-1&storeId=10001&catalogId=10152&productId=36604

BE SURE AND MARK EACH INDIVIDUAL PACKAGE WITH THE APPROPRIATE DESIGNATION:

"HOOAH! BLUE", (for male) or "HOOAH! PINK", (for female)

2. Try not to include food items in a care package with any hygiene items or chemicals of any type. It is best to make it only food items or only non-food items in a single package. Even factory sealed cookies taste awful when they have been in the same package with bath soap or bug repellent for a couple of weeks. If you double baggie each item, that might make it possible to keep smells from ruining food, but it is best to just box food items and anything with a fragrance of any kind, in separate packages.

3. ALL items which contain liquids and pastes (even in cans), PLEASE put in a zip-lock bag, and then in a second one up-side-down from the first one. If an item can leak, it will.

4. I would like to suggest that if you send any CDs or DVDs, use a permanent marker to neatly write "Operation Hooah!" on both the cover and the label of the CD/DVD. There has been some pilfering, and these items in particular are sought after to sell. With this marking, they will be less able to sell, and thus no longer a target for theft. This has mostly happened in Iraq, but some does occur in Afghanistan.

5. Soldiers particularly enjoy beautiful postcards, so your personal note that you send with your package would be doubly nice written on a pretty postcard. There is no guarantee you will get a reply from the Soldier that got your package, due to the fact that things are very hectic in the field and getting more so. However, if you would like to increase your chances of getting a reply, pre-address an envelope to yourself,and put a few pieces of paper & a pen in your package. No need for a stamp on the envelope. Ask that they drop you a quick note. Be sure to ask if there is anything in particular you can send them.

6. Your postage cost is from your address -> to the APO AE address only, NOT clear to Afghanistan! Postage to APO AE (A = Army),(E = Europe) is only to NY where the connection to the APO (APO = Army Post Office) is. The Military pays for the transportation from NY port to the actual soldier's post.

7. It can take from 7-14 days for a package to go Priority to Afghanistan. It takes longer during peak shipping times. So if you want to get something to the soldiers for a particular holiday, keep that in mind.

8. Be sure and note the "Things NOT to send" and the "Military Mail Restrictions" on what can be sent, listed below.

9. Customs Forms: http://webapps.usps.com/customsforms/cp72sender_recipient_APO.jsp (Note: The online form asks for a destination phone number, enter your own phone number, or just put all '1s'.) A detailed description of contents is required on the customs form. Do not list items such as "food," "medicine," "toiletries," "gifts," or other general terminology. For example, list the toiletries and the food items: 3 bars soap, 2 tubes toothpaste, 1 doz hairbands, 3 boxes cookies, 6 candy bars.) Certify that this is a "gift, for personal use only".

10. All mail is subject to X-ray so fill out the customs form accurately. Not putting on there that there is an electrical device and stating that there are only a few bars of soap, may cause an innocent package to be blown to bits because it looks like an explosive device of some kind.

BE SURE AND MARK EACH INDIVIDUAL PACKAGE WITH THE APPROPRIATE DESIGNATION:

"HOOAH! BLUE", (for male) or "HOOAH! PINK", (for female)


THINGS NOT TO SEND:

Illegal copies of anything. Period. No personally burned CDs or DVDs.

Dangerous Items

Flammables, corrosives, toxins and other dangerous goods are not permitted. Some of those items include perfumes, colognes, hairspray, matches, butane, flea and tick sprays, shaving cream, and other aerosols, some cleaning agents, paints, etc.

Flea Collars Some soldiers in Iraq were using flea collars to control insects. These are toxic. Send pump spray or lotion insect repellant instead

Home-cooked anything.
Factory packaged only. Sorry. The Soldiers are told to throw away anything that is not in a factory package, unless it was sent to them by someone they know. Family members can send home-cooked goodies personally to the Chadster, however.

LARGE SHIPMENTS
Especially during the holidays. Send SMALL boxes. Ideal would be a 10-20 pound box of smaller shoebox sized packages labeled for individual male or female soldiers. Remember, don't mix food and deodorant : ).

................................................................

Again, OUR SOLDIERS TRULY DO NEED YOU! Please remember them. They are doing a good work. They are out there enduring long hours, cold weather, unpleasant living conditions, loneliness, fatigue and danger. For us. For our freedom. THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT! Be sure and email me if you have questions. Please print off the lists of needs/wants so that you will have them when you are out shopping.

Thank you so so much!
Love, Beck

MILITARY MAIL RESTRICTIONS

Restrictions for Zip Code 09354 A-A1-B-B1-C1-E2-F-H1- M-R-R1-V-Z1
A - Securities, Currency or Precious Metals	Securities, currency, or precious metals in their raw, unmanufactured state are prohibited. Official shipments are exempt from this restriction.
B - Form 2976-A	Form 2976-A is required for all mail weighing 16 ounces or more, with exceptions noted below. In addition, mailers must properly complete required customs documentation when mailing any potentially dutiable mail addressed to an APO or FPO regardless of weight. The following are exceptions to the requirement for customs documentation on non-dutiable mail that weighs 16 ounces or more: All federal, state, and local government agencies are exempt from providing customs documentation on mail addressed to an APO or FPO except for those APOs/FPOs to which restriction B2 applies. Prepaid mail from military contractors is exempt, providing the mailpiece is endorsed "Contents for Official Use - Exempt from Customs Requirements."
B1 - Form 2976 or 2976-A is required (CUSTOMS FORM AT POST OFFICE)	Form 2976 or 2976-A is required. Articles are liable for customs duty and/or purchase tax unless they are bona fide gifts intended for use by military personnel or their dependents. When the contents of a parcel meet these requirements, the mailer must endorse the customs form, "Certified to be a bona fide gift, personal effects, or items for personal use of military personnel and dependents," under the heading, Description of Contents. Exceptions: All other exceptions listed in restriction B above are applicable to this restriction.
C1 - Obscene Articles & Comics	Obscene articles, prints, paintings, cards, films, videotapes, etc., and horror comics and matrices are prohibited.
E2 - Objectional Material	Any matter depicting nude or seminude persons, pornographic or sexual items, or nonauthorized politi-cal materials is prohibited. Although religious materials contrary to the Islamic faith are prohibited in bulk quantities, items for the personal use of the addressee are permissible.
F - Firearms	Firearms of any type are prohibited in all classes of mail. See definitions of firearms in DMM C024.1.1C. This restriction does not apply to firearms mailed to or by official U.S. government agencies.
H1 - Pork Prohibited	Pork or pork by-products are prohibited.
M - Fruits and Vegetables	Fruits, animals, and living plants are prohibited.
R - Alcoholic Beverages	All alcoholic beverages, including those mailable under DMM C021, are prohibited.
R1 - Alcoholic Beverages	Materials used in the production of alcoholic beverages (i.e., distilling material, hops, malts, yeast, etc.) are prohibited.
V - Express Mail Military Service	Express Mail Military Service (EMMS) not available from any origin.
Z1 - Anti-Pilferage Seal Required	The following restriction is applicable only to International Service Centers (ISC)/Exchange Offices. An Anti-Pilferage Seal (Item No. O817E or O818A) is required on all pouches and sacks.

BE SURE AND MARK EACH INDIVIDUAL PACKAGE WITH THE APPROPRIATE DESIGNATION:

"HOOAH! BLUE", (for male) or "HOOAH! PINK", (for female)

Military Packaging Tips from the US POSTAL SERVICE:

	Make sure your package arrives intact.

There are certain factors to consider when sending packages to our troops overseas. To make sure package contents arrive in good shape, take these into consideration. Extreme Temperatures: Desert temperatures typically exceed 100 degrees. The Box: Select a strong box with room for cushioning. On recycled boxes, cover all previous labels and markings with a heavy black marker or adhesive labels. Cushioning: Cushion contents with Styrofoam or bubble wrap to keep items from shifting. We recommend fragile items be double boxed, with cushioning inside and between the boxes to absorb shock. Batteries: Battery powered items will sometimes get turned on during shipment. Remove and wrap the batteries separately. Sealing: Tape the opening of the box and reinforce all seams with 2 inch wide tape. Use clear or brown packaging tape, reinforced packing tape or paper tape. Do not use cord, string or twine. Include a card describing the contents: Improperly wrapped packages can fall apart during shipment. Including a card inside, listing the sender's and recipient's addresses plus a description of the contents, helps in collecting the items.

Bringing the Sunshine to You

Maybe you're one of the lucky ones going on a cruise or heading someplace warm this winter.

Although I'm not planning a winter vacation myself this year, I'm busy getting ready for yours. We're ready for the 'cruise season' at the Wandering Wardrobe. We've moved things around in the store and made a 'cruise room', and we're tagging and hanging spring items as fast as we can. Isn't it handy to have a shop where you can buy capri's, shorts, tanks and sundresses in the dead of winter?

Even if you're not going somewhere warm, it's fun to find such cute summer clothing. You'll be ready when the sunshine finally comes.

Lest you think I've totally lost my mind, we're still selling winter clothing too. In fact, we get a kick out of selling coats and flip flops to the same customer!

In our attempts to make your life easier, we've made our own lives a little brighter. What is it about a rack of pastel clothing that brightens the spirit?

(Doesn't this picture from Coco-Kelley make you want to book that beach cottage NOW)?

A Cockeyed Octopus

My mom was a lover of musicals, and as children, that's the music we listened to. I remember her belting out "I'm Only a Cockeyed Optimist" at the top of her lungs, and picturing a strange, cross-eyed eight legged creature. I thought she was singing the words "cockeyed octopus".

My mom was a single parent during the 1960's Ozzie and Harriet, two-parent days. I'm sure life seemed awfully grim to her at times. She held her head high, and when she retired, she had worked for Senators, Congressmen, and Governors, and all three of her children were college graduates. She didn't believe in giving up.

I'm sure that my mom's innately positive nature has aided her this last week. A week ago, we were encouraged by her nursing home to say our good-byes. She had stopped eating and talking, and was sleeping most of the time. Yesterday, she ate almost all of her lunch and was laughing out loud at one of Kenny's dumb jokes. Kenny thinks his humor saved her, and I'm thinking it was her positive nature, or maybe because I told her that a Democrat was living in the White House again.

I'm sure I got my optimism, and possibly my stubborn nature, from my mom. I advised my customers last week about the new law regarding children's clothing and toys going into effect on February 10, because I believed it was my responsibility to do so. But in my heart, I believe it will be amended or struck by Congress, and all the worry will be "much ado about nothing". I can't believe Congress intended to put so many resale shops and hand made 'boutiques' out of business, and I just can't believe they won't fix the mess they made.

The benefits of resale are so many. To me, good prices are really at the bottom of the list of those benefits. Where else can you shop and find such different "treasures" all of the time? We don't have to order our inventory - it walks in the door, so our selection is as diverse as our consignors, and it changes daily. You don't have to wear what this year's fashion designers mandate. You can find the styles you were so happy with last year. You can feel that you're doing your part to save the earth by re-using and consigning rather than simply tossing the belongings you no longer need or want.

I am a firm believer that resale shops are a good and positive part of this country, and that Congress will figure that out, if they haven't already. Maybe I'm just a "cockeyed octopus", but that's what I believe.

CPSIA Information

Consignment store owners and shoppers need your help. Please click on the links below and read what Narts (National Association of Resale and Thrift Stores) and Kate Holmes, Resale Guru, have to say about a new law which may affect your ability to buy or sell your children's clothing.

Save Kid's Clothing Resale, Consignment & Thrift Stores from Closing!

http://auntiekate.wordpress.com/

I urge each of you to write to your Senators and Congressmen about this very important issue.

We know how many of our customers rely on secondhand stores and yard sales to clothe their children, and are also very concerned about waste and the impact this law will have on our already over-filled landfills.

Please write your letters today.

Happy New Year

I'd like to thank you for supporting the Wandering Wardrobe in 2008. You have no idea how knowing you has made my life fuller. Comments like "This is my favorite store" and "I LOVE this store" have warmed my heart.

For all of you personally, my wishes for a healthy and satisfying year, with a good share of laughter and love.

Now for your New Year's Resolutions: I'm hoping your number one resolution is to clean your closet. I've been reading lots of "clean your closet" tips, and I'm going to paraphrase:

Take everything out of your closet and make 4 piles:

1. One for the stuff you love and want to keep;
2. One to throw away;
3. One to donate to charity;
4. One filled with those items, purchased within the last couple of years, in wonderful condition, that you won't wear or use again.

Take pile number 4 to the Wandering Wardrobe. And while you're there, replace the items in piles 2 through 4 with "new" clothing and decor from the Wandering Wardrobe.

Now I know all those sites don't say "the Wandering Wardrobe" specifically, but I can dream.

I've been a little under the weather the last few days, but I'll be back on Monday, doing a little re-organizing, changing things around, and getting lots of goodies out of the back room for your shopping pleasure. It'll be fun.

As for me, my New Year's Resolution is to re-organize my little home office. Actually, that's been my New Year's Resolution for about three years now. This year I'm really going to do it. Kenny has promised to paint the walls and help me get my mom's old desk out of storage. I'm picturing something like this wonderful home office at housetohome.co.uk.

See you after you clean your closet.