Don't Forget!

You can still enter the giveaway for Mr. Owl here.  Just leave a comment telling me your favorite sign of Spring.  You must be a follower to enter.  The contest winner will be drawn on Monday!!  So excited about everyone who has been stopping by lately!  Thank you so much!

Keeping Warm

Over the weekend, I concocted this fabulous drink. 

From the kitchen, we have warm strawberry milk!! Yum!  Then, I kicked it up a notch with strawberry heart-shaped marshmallows.  Wet the 'mallow, or if no one's looking, just lick it and dip in chocolate powder.  So delicious, so Valentine-y!  Go make some!!

You can still enter my giveaway here!  It ends tomorrow, so hurry hurry!

Love-ly Giveaway - closed

*This giveaway is now closed.  Thanks to all who entered!*

This is my 101st post!  Yay!!!  I feel like Rocky reaching the top of the steps and jumping up and down.. can I get some theme music?

Why did I not celebrate my 100th post?  I wanted didn't want to be cliche, and writing that next post shows I'm moving forward.  Right? Carrying on?

And because I wouldn't be here without my readers, I've made this bag for you!!

So cute!  How do you win?  Well, everyone (this contest is open to readers in the US and Canada only) has TWO chances to win!

1) Leave me a comment saying, "I'M FEELING LOVELY!" and a way you like to celebrate Valentine's Day.

2) Look on the right side of the page.  You'll see my Fabulous Followers section.  Follow my blog, and then leave a comment saying "I'M A FOLLOWER!"

-AND-

3) Add my button, found on the right side of my blog page, to your blog page.  Then, come back here and leave another comment saying, "I HAVE MOXIE LOVE!" and leave the link to your blog, so I can check you out! ;)

Remember, you MUST leave a comment for each action you take so that you receive the appropriate amount of entries.



The contest will stay open for one week.  One winner will be drawn at random using random.org.  I will announce the winner on Tuesday, Feb. 8th!  Good luck everyone and thank you SO much for reading my blog!! Love to all!!

The winner is... and my chili recipe!

KU WON!!! YAY!  It was kind of a blow-out, but it always takes me back to Lawrence just watching the games.  So, as promised, here is my chili recipe.  All the ingredients are in yellow for easy reference, plus I can't remember how to make it unless I run through the process in my head.  Scary, I know.

1 lb ground hamburger, 1 green bell pepper, 1/2 a white onion - chop those veggies up and throw them in with the hamburger to brown everything.  Add salt, pepper, garlic powder (or 2 cloves fresh garlic, chopped), chipotle Tabasco, chili powder, onion powder.  The seasoning are all by taste and it's pretty much, if you love it, throw it in!
Drain the grease from the hamburger and veggies, or if you use really lean hamburger you can skip that part because some fat in the chili really tastes nice.  Take all that stuff and throw it into a giant stew pot.  Then add the large can of tomato sauce, large can of diced tomatoes (drain the juice off if you want it really chunky, which is what I prefer).  Also, add a can of dark kidney beans, and drain the juice stuff before you do.  If you like "runny" chili, add another small can of tomato sauce.
This is best when you let everything simmer together for at least 30 minutes.  It saves really great in the fridge for about a week, or in the freezer for about a month.  Goes great on top of Fritos, hot dogs, nachos... anything you'd put chili on.  I love to eat mine with a TON of sharp cheddar cheese.  Others love it with sour cream and green onions on top.  It's all up to you!  Great for Sunday football!

And the winner of the wish jar is.....   Elaine Crenshaw!!   I only had 6 entries, and she had 2 in there.  So, ma send me a message of what you want your jar to look like, or we can design it together when you come out here.  Congrats!! 

Laughing Lilly line for When You Wish Co.

I've just finished the first Laughing Lilly jar.  This is going to be one of the "un-customized" jars from When You Wish Co.  I didn't necessarily love the color of the glitter or the paint on the lid, but it leaves room for improvement!  Check it out!

I tried for a really really long time to not have a glare, but that's what I get for using jars.  I'll have to find some photography tips on photographing glass stuff.  If you have tips let me know.  I digress.  The Laughing Lilly line is a little more girlie, but that's what girl's love.  This just gives you an idea of what I can and am willing to do with jar customization. 

The giveaway is still open!  Leave your comments under the 'Step 1: Acceptance' post, or on the bottom of this one.  Hope you enjoy your weekend!

Step 1: Acceptance (and MY first Giveaway!)

I had set myself up BIG TIME with a Month of Martha. I really worked hard for the month before trying to print recipes, do meal plans, grocery lists, coupon cutting, scheduling days and activities and trying to be something I'm not. To all of you mothers who actually carry through with the whole "Martha" image, I commend you. It is not an easy task. While I do appreciate some of the information I've learned and changes I've seen in myself, I know this isn't for me.

My days are jam packed with Dylan, the hubs, army, "projects"... (what else do I do??), I think it's important for all of us to step back from the "ideal image of mothering" and focus on what really matters to each of us. It is always different. Your image may be safe-sided, daring, or just plain interesting. Take time to embrace those things that make you and yours unique. Don't try to change because you think others want this from you. Do it for you!

Here's my "Do it for me" thingy.

I know you can't really see all the detail and what it is, or what's going on - that's the point. Sorry. But this here lil do-dad is my latest creation/project. This is the Wish Jar from my new company "When You Wish." Inside is tiny origami stars. Each one is tedious work in itself, but makes a stunning collection. This Wish Jar shown is just my little first experiment, so it's not complete, nor is it the final idea. I'm posting this fabulous treat to generate a little buzz. Also, I want feedback.

This jar isn't you-get-what-you-see kind of thing. I can randomize patterns/colors for stars. I'm making little signs to hang on the inside. The "uncustomized" Wish Jars will have a sign hanging on the inside that says "Wish" followed by the dangly stars. If you choose to customize your Wish Jar, I will make a banner for your wish. Your wish could be directed towards a child about your dreams for them, or can be as silly as "I wish you would quit picking your nose" for one of your friends. HA. It's all whatever your brain can "wish" for. (Sorry, I had to). The lid of the jar can be customized with colors, glitter, stickers, whatever co-ordinates with your theme, as well as being left plain. I'm also coming up with holiday themed jars, baby shower jars, graduation jars.. yes, the possibilities are endless.

Here's the deal - From now (August 26 2009) until September 4 (2009) at 8p.m. (Mountain Time), I want your comments, suggestions, hopes and dreams (for Wish Jar critiques) to come spilling in. I said I was going to do a giveaway, so here's your chance for a one-of-a-kind freebie! If you are randomly selected as a winner of the Wish Jar, I will design a piece just for you. These bad boys are not going to go on sale until October (maybe even later). I will be sure to let you know all the details of the When You Wish shop opening. I can't wait to hear what you all think about it.

*BONUS* If you become a follower of the blog (which is posted on the left side), you get an additional entry in the drawing. If you subscribe to my blog (also posted on the left side), please send me an e-mail (click the contact me letter on the left side) and let me know you subscribe and you will also receive another entry. That's a total of THREE entries per person. Take advantage of it!