Spicin' Things Up In The Kitchen

When I showed Russ the picture of the apron below, he loved it...so much so that he insisted I buy one! I was pretty surprised by his enthusiasm and not quite sure where to find it. I had originally found the picture a couple of months ago when I was searching for home decor with damask print (my recent obsession) online. When I came across the apron, I saved the picture on my computer, in hopes of coaxing my mom into a little project since I can't sew and she's pretty much Martha Stewart. I tracked it down through someone’s style blog who had a link to it on etsy.com which is a really great website if you haven’t checked it out already. It’s a place where people sell their homemade specialties from woodwork, glassblowing, and art, to crocheted baby booties, jewelry or aprons! You can even search for items by location if you want to support local business.This specific company makes one of a kind vintage aprons that I absolutely fell in love with. Yesterday my package arrived wrapped in tissue with a big pink satin bow. Now I can do my domestic duties in style!

Domestic Goddess

I love to cook. I love to do dishes (yes, I'm serious). I am also obsessed with damask print. Wouldn't these things be even more fun in this amazing apron?! I'll clean your kitchen and bake you cookies if you'll sew one for me!

Blessed to Give

In a recent post, I mentioned that Russ and I decided to sponsor a child through World Vision in lieu of Christmas gifts as we have pretty much everything we need. As God has increased our financial wisdom, we have felt a strong desire to give . Our little guy is from Tanzania and his name is Adamu. He is 7 years old; the same age as my 2^nd graders which of course makes me love him even more. Last week I sent him a letter with our picture and I’m anxious to hear about his progress. It’s pretty amazing that for only $35 per month, he can get his basic needs met as well as an education and a chance to experience Christ’s love. I am thankful for this opportunity and am praying over his life. If you and your family want to get involved, you should check it out. www.worldvision.org. Another great way to give is through their “gift catalog.” You can donate money to buy things such as chickens, goats, and sheep for families to provide nourishment and boost income. You can also buy things like a share of a well for a community or education for a child. It’s great because you can make these donations in someone else’s name as a gift too. There is a range of donations even under $20. Check it out!!

New Year's in Denver

Russ and I were lucky enough to get a last minute opportunity to visit our good friends Karissa and Dan over New Year's weekend in Denver. It was definitely spur of the moment - thank you to Karissa and her flight benefits! It was a little nerve-racking flying standby but we made it there and back without a hitch. We spent New Year's Eve with them and their friends in their beautiful new home. The next morning we woke up super early and drove up to Keystone Resort in the Rockies for a weekend of snowboarding. Russ and Dan hit up the double black diamond runs while Karissa and I stayed together on the bunny slope, ha! It was a lot of fun and a great way to spend the holidays before returning to work. Wish they lived closer! Miss you guys (and Daisy too)!