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Even the Grinch caught on to the meaning of Christmas-
"And the Grinch, with his Grinch-feet ice cold in the snow, stood puzzling and puzzling, how could it be so? It came without ribbons. It came without tags. It came without packages, boxes or bags. And he puzzled and puzzled 'till his puzzler was sore. Then the Grinch thought of something he hadn't before. What if Christmas, he thought, doesn't come from a store? What if Christmas, perhaps, means a little bit more?" Dr. Seuss~
Wishing all of you a very Merry Christmas and a New Year full of peace and light....
Recently, the folks over at Tiny Texas Houses hosted an essay contest-the grand prize=a Tiny Texas House of course! Tiny Texas Houses link the future to the past by utilizing materials from salvaged buildings to create new and sustainable tiny houses.Tiny Texas houses are about so much more than the obvious,they are about keeping American craftsmanship and ingenuity alive, self reliance, reclaiming valuable resources,affordability, and kindness to our planet through a more sustainable way of life...
As posted yesterday on my Facebook page- a kind comment that made my day!
Don't forget to leave feedback for your favorite artisans-it can make someones' day. :-))
With flu season right here upon us, handwashing is an important and vital step in the fight against that nasty flu bug. Here are the steps as recommended by the CDC for proper handwashing technique.
What is the right way to wash your hands?
Until the IndieSpotting 12 Days of Giveaways begins - for 12 days beginning November 26 there will be a $20 gift certificate given away from each featured indie artist. Featured artisans include-Horsefeathers Gifts,Beadsphere,Lil Burrito,June Shin,Zoe Girl Designs, Pressed,Tierra Verde Handmade Soaps and many, many more.... Don't miss this chance to browse the shops of talented artists before the Christmas rush begins
Help support indie artisans this holiday season- buy handmade!
I'm not really sure why such a burden has been placed on my heart for the past month or two, but I can't seem to just go about my merry way without sharing this with you.
Some of you who know me, know that my husband is in a line of work in which he sees a lot of senseless tragedy occur. As he goes off to work yet another tragic event-I would like to appeal to you all to take care of your neighbors. You see, for the second time this month a child has died in a fire within just miles from our home. Often times a fire is preventable, if we take extra vigilant measures. We can service our heaters, make sure our portable heaters have 3' of clearance and have auto shut off, we can make sure we don't overload power strips/circuits and all those sorts of things,but what if you're living in poverty? What if using the oven as a heat source is your only means of heating your home at night with below freezing temps, what if a frayed extension cord is all you have to run to an aged portable heat source,what if you had to make the choice to put food on the table or buy batteries for the smoke detector? These are the choices some people have to make.It is our responsibility to take care of each other and in this depressed economy it is dire that we look out for each other.$20 can buy a very effective space heater with auto shut off-and often these tragedies occur in smaller older homes or older trailer homes in which a good space heater could easily provide heat.
Not always, but often the common thread in these senseless tragedies is poverty. If you know someone who is struggling with making ends meet-please be extra vigilant. Be aware that often people who are struggling are forced to take dangerous measures just to stay warm. Please look to see if they are running dangerous extension cords to older space heaters, or if perhaps they are using a oven to heat the home(or even an outdoor grill-this is a very dangerous thing due to the threat of fire and carbon monoxide poisoning) and lastly, please look to see if there are working smoke detectors in the home. Obviously, a smoke detector does not prevent a fire,but it does make a difference in the time allowed for egress. Almost always in the course of investigating these horrible tragedies the common denominator is the lack of a smoke detector. So, it is with a very heavy heart that I plead for you to check on your neighbors-make sure they have a safe way to stay warm and if you do not have a smoke detector or you haven't changed the batteries out in quite awhile please, please, take the time to obtain and to service your smoke detectors-they can save the lives of the people you love most-your children.* note- if you do not have a smoke detector, please contact your local Fire Department/or Volunteer Fire Department often they have smoke detectors available to give out to people in need-if by chance they do not have detectors available they can instruct you where to get one.
On a different note-please remember it's the time of year in which the elements can be very harsh for the homeless. Things we take for granted like a warm coat, blanket or sleeping bag can make a big difference.If you are blessed with the basics of a roof over your head and a warm bed-please think about donating blankets, coats that are heading out to donation, sleeping bags etc. These items can make a big difference to those who are in need. If you are local and would like to donate time,money,clothing,sleeping bags,coats etc. please contact lburrus@linkministries.com.
I'm sorry, I know this was a pretty "heavy" blog post today,but occasionally there are things more important than soap.
To the individuals that broke into vehicles up and down our street - at first I was very angry that you would destroy and steal property that clearly didn't belong to you. You shattered glass and took things that weren't yours - that's what thieves do. I wonder if you ever see beyond the loot you take in such a cowardly manner? Do you stop to think about the middle class American that goes to work day in and day out to provide for his family? Do you see the nice vehicle parked in his driveway that he has worked overtime to buy, the vehicle that takes him to work each and every day, or the vehicle that takes the family on their much anticipated annual vacation that has been tightly budgeted for- the vacation that you have now compromised? Do you see the child that is now afraid to go to sleep because you have threatened his world? Do you see my neighbor that has to call the insurance adjuster and pay a deductible that may mean less food on the table this Thanksgiving? Do you see the dismay, the anger, the fear you caused with your actions? Probably not-because you think only about you-how sad.
Even though ours was one of the vehicles you made your mark on-I'm sorry for you. Even though I will undoubtedly have trouble sleeping tonight-I feel pity for you. I feel sad that you weren't snug in your bed in the wee hours of the morning. I feel sad that you thought it would be a great idea to take from others for your gain. I feel sad that you don't have that moral compass that tells you stealing/vandalizing is not right. I feel sad that you thought you had so much to gain by taking random useless things that meant nothing to you. I feel sad that you stole the wistful innocence away from a child - shattering the security of the place that is home. I feel sad that you don't feel....
I was thinking yesterday that it's been six months since I began on the Fourteen Day Shampoo Bar Challenge. I have to say that in the beginning I was very skeptical as to how my hair would respond to a "shampoo bar." I had doubts that I would be happy with it. I had the same questions that I think most people have 1) would it lather enough to be satisfying 2) would I be able to get a brush/comb through it if I don't use silicone laden product on my hair 3) would it be too harsh. Well, six month later I am happy to say that my hair loves it. My hair is soft and manageable-every bit like my hair prior to the switch and maybe even better. I use strictly shampoo bar with a vinegar/water rinse. I never ever deviate I am very consistent,and my hair is totally adjusted and loving it.;-))
For those of you who have been brave/curious enough to try it-what has your experience been like?
So sorry for the interruption. Seems it's very important to back up your template if you make any sort of change to the html code.duh! Anyway, the long and short if it all, is that I almost lost my entire content - over a years worth of blogging and photos.Ugh! As you can see, my dear husband was able to save the day,but in the attempt something went awry with the header. Oh well! We'll just have to live with it awile until we have a chance to re-work something - maybe it was time for a change anyway.
So sorry to be a day late and a dollar short,but I wanted to post a note about yesterdays delicious lunch. Enjoy!
Penne Pasta with Bell Peppers and Leeks
1 box of Penne Pasta
1 leek cut into rings
2 red bell peppers
2 yellow bell peppers
1/3 cup of organic chicken stock
Salt and pepper to taste
1/4 cup chives, minced
Looking for something fun to do this Friday night? Head on out to the First Friday Art Trail- on the first Friday of every month, galleries, restaurants and businesses open their doors in support of the local arts. This event is free to the public you can drive to each venue on your own or take the trolley for a guided tour. How fun is that? This Friday night as an added extra-the Lubbock Downtown Art Market will be participating meaning extra handmade goodness will be available BONUS! Please note the Downtown Art Market part of FFAT is dependent on nice weather.
My friend, Donniece Smith will be selling her beautiful jewelry at Ron Simon's studio over at the Underwood Center's Studio Flats 1010 Mac Davis Lane- from 6-9 p.m. Admission is Free.
"To be successful, you have to have your heart in your business, and your business in your heart."
Thomas Watson Sr. ~
Amy, over at Great Cakes Soapworks posted her review of the Tierra Verde Shampoo Round-you must pop by and read it. There is quite the humorous story associated with a hair appointment and the shampoo round. lol!
Are you a Texas artist or crafter with an online shop? Don't forget the link party over at Handmade in Texas tonight-just mosey on over, and leave photo + a link to your Etsy, Zibbet, Artfire,Ebay, Big Cartel or Indie shop. It's free, and you might end up in the Lonestar Showcase for the week.The participation has grown every week, and you can also end up on the Handmade in Texas Pinterest board!
The first day of Fall is finally here-so to celebrate the changing of the seasons Tierra Verde Handmade Soaps is having a sale. Save 23% on all product for the day of September 23, 2011 and to sweeten the pot we are trying out $7 flat rate shipping-making it a deal to buy all the soaps and hand balms you've been dying to try!
"Delicious autumn! My very soul is wedded to it, and if I were a bird I would fly about the earth seeking the successive autumns." George Eliot
I couldn't have said it any better myself. I love Autumn, and if I could live in a perpetual state of Autumn-maybe I would. I love the subtle change in the earth's light-warm and slightly orange, the glowing orange orb of the Harvest Moon, crunching leaves beneath my feet, the slight crisp in the air,warm apple cider, bonfires and pumpkins... so to herald in my favorite season I think we'll have a sale. Friday, September 23 is the first official day of Autumn, so in honor of the first day of Fall please enjoy 23% all Tierra Verde Handmade Products.
Just in case you're in Texas, and you haven't heard Handmade in Texas is a blog promoting the talented artists and crafters of our great state.You can join the Handmade in Texas fan page,join the flickr group,follow along on the blog or twitter. You may also be featured in the weekly showcase on the Handmade in Texas YouTube Channel-the weekly showcase features a short video with your creations and link to your shop.
The Handmade in Texas blog features mini marketplaces for shops affiliated with Etsy, Zibbet, Artfire, or your own Indie shop also-from time to time the Handmade in Texas blog runs a feature on a Texas artist. The Handmade in Texas Catalog features links to shops under many categories of interest.Every Friday Handmade in Texas hosts a link party where any genre of Texas artist may post a photo with a link that may be selected to be featured on the Handmade in Texas showcase video on YouTube.
Cindi, of Rustique Art provides all of this for free. Her goal is to"remove the affiliation and promote for all "Handmade in Texas" artists." Cindi gives a great amount of time maintaining all of this and only asks that you "like" and post freely on the Handmade in Texas fan page and by utilizing all of the various venues you promote your work for free and promote the artistic community of the Lonestar State.
"Do not dwell in the past, do not dream of the future, concentrate the mind on the present moment." Buddha
If you live in Lubbock, you're probably familiar with the fun and funky shopping district at 26th and Boston. This historical Tech Terrace neighborhood houses a variety of local businesses such as; J&B Coffee Co. (part of the FFAT venue), Alternative Food Company-a natural food health/market, Boston Wellness and Hodgepodge Design-just to name a few.
Hodgepodge Design, is a Boutique/Studio specializing in gifts, jewelry and an eclectic mix of home decor ideas, and now, if you are looking for a place to buy Tierra Verde Handmade Soaps and Hand Balms you can swing by to pick some up. Hodgepodge now carries a wide assortment of Tierra Verde Handmade Soaps and all natural Hand Balms. Yes, I'm so excited! Also, if you are looking for a custom touch with invitations, announcements and stationary they do beautiful work.
"Every great dream begins with a dreamer. Always remember, you have within you the strength, the patience, and the passion to reach for the stars to change the world." Harriet Tubman~
I just stumbled upon this feature minutes ago- so funny how I often just happen across them without even knowing they are out there. Such a nice surprise to run across. A big "Thanks" to Mandie over at Heart Handmade. <3
Heart Handmade
Looking for something fun to do this Friday night? Head on out to the First Friday Art Trail- on the first Friday of every month, galleries, restaurants and businesses open their doors in support of the local arts. This event is free to the public you can drive to each venue on your own or take the trolley for a guided tour. How fun is that?
One of the special features tonight will be works by Donniece Smith, you may remember she was mentioned in this post awhile back. Donniece is a multi faceted artist that has her hand in many forms of creative expression - her talents seem endless. Tonight, Donniece will be participating in her first First Friday Art Trail of the year-what an exciting and exhilarating night for her.You can meet Donniece and see her work at the Alderson Mercedes building located at 1702 Texas Ave. Donniece's work combines her love of jewelry with her passion for fiber to create wearable fiber jewelry with bling. Each one of Donniece's jewelry pieces is a celebration of color with touches of shimmer that bring interest to each piece.
Check out the totally unexpected feature I just stumbled across on Indiespotting. What a fun surprise! A big huge "Thanks" to Erika at Indiespotting.
Indiespotting
"You're off to Great Places!
Today is your day!
Your mountain is waiting,
So... get on your way!"
Dr. Seuss (Oh, the Places You'll Go!)
