Drop in and Decorate III

I hosted my third "annual" Drop in and Decorate party last night and it was a blast! This non-profit encourages groups to have a cookie decorating party and then donate the cookies to a local homeless shelter. Being that most of the meals served there are mass produced, it really is a blessing to them to eat something that was made individually. For THEM. It's a neat opportunity to give during the Advent season.

Here are some pictures of our fun!

High School Musical.

Many of you probably know that I went to a performing arts middle school and high school. It was an amazing opportunity to learn from highly talented artists and teachers. I had the privilege of taking acting classes from Burt Reynolds, Loretta Swit, Charles Nelson Reilly, Deidre Hall, Henry Winkler...the list goes on and on.

While the teachers and actors at my school were incredible, my friends from high school are my favorite part of my high school experience. While we are all spread far apart, when we are back together, it is like no time has passed at all.

Natalie is one of my favorites. She is always known (to my friends who have never met her) as "My crazy friend Natalie". Since i have been home for Thanksgiving break, I got to have dinner with Natalie. When she got her credit card back from the waiter, she had an opportunity to show her hilarity.



Where it says "Phone Number," she wrote "Wouldn't you like to know?" and gave it a red-lipsticked smooch. I miss high school.

A few of my favorites...

Sheesh. This Fall has been busy!

Between going to many weddings:





....and dating The Bachelor....




...it's been wild! Forgive my absence on the blog. I am sure you have all been eagerly awaiting my next stroke of the pen :)

(Ok, I didn't really date Jake...just saw him in the airport. Made for a great Facebook post, though!)

Here are a few of my favorite things that I have discovered this Fall!



Pirate's Booty.
While the name leaves something to be desired, this popcorn treat does NOT! It is on sale BOGO at Publix this week- try it out!



Steve Madden "Cadence" boot.
Usually out of my price range, but not at TJ Maxx! I wear these a LOT and they are super comfortable!



Essie "Chinchilly"
Great color and looks good with black and brown. Love it!



Pinterest.
I am sure I am "late to the party" on this one, but it has been such a blessing as I have been decorating and fixing up my new home!



Organix Keratin products
I don't use the shampoo and conditioner, but I LOVE their straightening serum. You can buy it at a drugstore for about $9 and it really helps to smooth your hair!

My article

I have gotten back into writing a bit. I wrote the article linked above in last month's local paper. I have also been asked to write an article about "What Christmas means to me." I have submitted it and it will be published in next month's edition. (What a great opportunity to share the hope of Christ!)

And, finally....I have been working with a friend to decorate my house. Here is her blog with the many postings she has done about my house, in case you care to take a peek :)

Befores and Afters

More updates

Painting the floors....

45-50-60? Hut! Hut!

When I was asked to make some "football cupcakes" for a child's birthday party, I couldn't wait to get into the details! I am not creative on my own, but I can follow directions like a mad woman. After looking online, I found the design I liked most and found a way to create the look with the footballs made out of Tootsie Rolls! It was labor intensive but so much fun!

I will admit, though, I was not sure what the numbers on the "yardage" went up to. I was about to punch out "60" and "70" and thought I better Google how many numbers were on the field. Phew. Thank GOODNESS for Google!

Craig.

I would be lying if I said that I am not terrified by Craig's List. I watched the horrible story of the "Craig's List Killer" unfold and it made me swear off of the idea of even attempting to buy something from a stranger.

Until this week.

I overcame my fears for a great deal! I bought these matching chests of drawers:

I bought both of them for only $250! They are in perfect condition, are made of all wood and all of the drawers are in working condition. I am hoping to learn how to refinish furniture and give it a whirl with these two items! If you have any tips, please let me know!

Summertime Faves!

Here are my latest addictions:

(Blogger thought that they were so important, it underlined each item and I can't undo it!)

Morning Star Farms: Grilled California Turk'y Burgers

While I know that most of you aren't typically fans of "tofu" these are delicious! They have a yummy combination of tomatoes, avocados and soy protein...packing a great punch of flavor and they are good for you!

French Press

Because I am really fancy and formal, I bought mine at HomeGoods for about $16. I love a good cup of iced coffee and the French Press delivers! Just pour boiling water into the press, add coffee grounds (not instant coffee, just regular old grounds, and put on the top. Let the coffee steep for about 5 minutes and then press down. The strainer will push all of the grounds to the bottom of the carafe for a stout cup of coffee. I let mine get to room temperature and then refrigerate.

Basket

I feel like Little Bo Peep carrying my basket around town, but it is great! I put all sorts of things in it. Today it was my devotional books, my computer and my planner. Hit the road to Starbucks and I am all set! Rumor has it that they are available at Walmart these days :)

Pop Chips

While I can't say that I love every flavor, I really love the BBQ variety! They are packed with fiber and really fill the salt cravings I have been having in this heat! Forget Baked Lays (which I think taste like cardboard) and pick up a bag of these!

Exciting!

This adorable couple is in my small group from Brookhills. They are an awesome couple and have asked me to make their wedding day cupcakes. (As aforementioned in this post.)

I have been trying new flavor combinations monthly and sharing them with our Thursday night small group. I think I have enjoyed this process as much as the taste testers. E, the bride, has decided this week to have strawberry cakes and lemon cakes for their big day!

On Sunday, a group of us was talking at lunch after church. was asked if i would ever start a business with my cupcakes. This conversation led to a friend mentioning that she knew a couple who was about to open this new shop in Crestline village. She called them up and asked if they might give me a shot in their pastry counter. They agreed! So...I am going to pray through this and give them a call this week! Now, I am working to come up with a name for the "business". I think I have "the" name...but any suggestions would be great!

What a fun way to continue to explore my hobbies! I am blessed.