almost here...

If you stand outside you can hear it...

Winter's footsteps, the sound of falling leaves...

Gifts That Bring Hope

I know there are a lot of causes out there that ask for our help at this time of year. I chose a long time ago to help only specific causes every year, and one is Samaritan's Purse.

First, we began packing a shoebox every year for Operation Christmas Child.

Now, this year, my husband & I have agreed to give each other a gift that will actually help another family, through Samaritan's Purse Gift Catalog, and we're also doing this as gifts for a few who we know will enjoy this concept.

Choose a gift that is the amount you would normally spend on "stuff", then find something in the catalog for that amount that touches your heart and will help families in underprivledged countries. The gift will be given in the name of your friend/family.

Think of it:

a basket of chicks given to a family as a way to make money for themselves by selling eggs & chickens, plus food for themselves

medical supplies & vaccinations for Samaritan's Purse doctors to use in the field

supply a family with clean water through well-digging projects

and much more...

New listings for me today:

Evergreen - ooak & ready to ship at a fixed price!





Frosty - my last custom of Holiday 2007

Season of Soup

One of the reasons I love the cool days of fall is that I feel like making soup again! Here's one of my favorites, and I get requests for this recipe a lot:

Tortilla Soup

Set One
1 Tbsp olive oil
1 medium onion, diced
3 stalks celery, diced
2 medium carrots, diced
2 tsp. garlic, finely diced

Set Two
1 (32 oz) box of chicken broth
1 (15 oz) can corn, not drained
1 (28 oz) can diced tomatoes
1 (4 oz) can green chiles
2 (12.5 oz) cans chicken breast,
or 1 lb. cooked chicken breasts,
shredded
1 cup salsa
1 (15 oz.) can black beans

Set Three
1 ½ tsp. cumin
1 Tbsp garlic powder
1 tsp salt
¼ c. cilantro, chopped

In large pot, heat olive oil, add remainder of Set One & saute’. Add Set Two to pot & bring to slow boil, stir & mix well. Add Set Three, stir to mix & reduce pot to low heat. Simmer for 25-30 min. Serve with avocado slices & tortilla chips.

Christmas is coming!

I took pictures of my little nephew and his parents on Monday.

They wanted Santa hats since this is for their Christmas card picture -

I love how it all turned out!

Strawberries & Creme

Just listed this new winter coat set for Lilyplum's Petticoat 101 launch:

Strawberries & Creme
(Click ^ to go see it on eBay)

Self Portrait Challenge - What I Wear #1

I have been donning this garb since I was four.

Looking in this mirror as I practice can be intimidating,

seeing all my flaws, and yet

Ballet has taught me so much more than just how to dance.

Confidence.

Taking care of my body has far-reaching effects.

The harder you work, the better the results.

Keep trying.

To see more Self Portraits of what others are wearing, click HERE