Elephant Election Parade: Celebrate with Items Less Than $50

November 4, 2014November 4, 2014Leave a comment

This ceramic cookie jar breaks the $50 limit – but really just by $1. You can purchase it here for $51.75. What a cutie!

The day is finally here – Election Day. If you work in politics, you will know what I mean when I say – whew, it’s over. Many, many people have been working tirelessly to make America bigger and better than ever. So, loud hand clap for that blood, sweat and tears. It always amazes me to see hardworking Americans come out of the woodwork to cheer on their chosen candidate.

Well, it is not a secret (have not kept it a secret on my blog that I vote red). At any rate – this is a celebratory/hopeful blog post – donning elephant accessories. Not only are they fashionable but highly appropriate this election cycle.

See the set of items on Polyvore here. This link will give you the websites where you can purchase these elephant items.

And everything on this list is $50 or less – hip, hip, hooray. Check out these cool items. Maybe a cute Christmas present for a loved one – or political junkie in your life?

I don’t know about you but I am sporting my elephant gold necklace today (found in Eastern Market) and drinking coffee from my Jonathan Adler mug right now.

Thumbprintz ‘Having a Ball II’ Elephant Graphic Print Tote ($25): Charm everyone you encounter when you’re carrying this Thumbprintz tote. This sweet tote features an elephant design and is made from polyester for durability and long-lived beauty for toting around your essentials.

Fornash Elephant Earring ($28): Enamel elephant stud earrings. We love our exotic elephants! Our Elephant Earrings are adorable studs with plenty of intricate detail. Available in black and white. 3/4″ diameter Stud earring Surgical steel posts.

Corciova Soft Animal Elephant Printed Infinity Loop Scarf ($12): Shop the latest styles of Corciova® Soft Animal Elephant Printed Infinity Loop Scarf (Pink) at Amazon Women’s Clothing Store. Free Shipping+ Free Return on eligible item.

Chantecaille Fun Elephant Cheek Shade ($38): Chantecaille’s first refillable single compact. A soft apricot with a slight shimmer that offers the most subtly convincing blush of color-Micro-particle technology produces an ultra-light, ultra-fine powder-Goes on matte, blends smoothly, and adheres beautifully. – Goes on matte, blends smoothly, and adheres beautifully-Embossed with a limited-edition baby elephant to help raise funds and awareness for the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust.

BeanSack Classic Heavy-duty Twill / Elephants Print Bean Bag Chair ($43): Comfortable and durable,this Bean. Sack classic bean bag chair has a heavy-duty,black twill cover that decorated with white elephants. Filled with long-lasting polystyrene beans,this casual bean bag is the perfect spot for relaxation.

Habitat Topsy Elephant Pattern Cushion ($19): Buy Habitat Topsy Elephant Pattern Cushion – Yellow at Argos.co.uk, visit Argos.co.uk to shop online for Cushions.

Elephant Bookends in Turquoise ($45): These beautiful turquoise Buddhist-influenced Elephant Bookends are a unique and rich addition to your bookcase or mantel. In Buddhism, the elephant is seen as a source of strength, steadfastness, and responsibility. Adorn and inspire your room with these symbolic stoneware masterpieces.

Zents Elephant Door Light ($18): Illuminate dark spaces with our motion censored LED Elephant Door Light. Perfect for lighting up those dark rooms, or used as a key stand. Lights up for approximately 20 seconds and automatically shuts off. Great gift idea. Elephant Door Light. Blue. LED Light. Magnetic.

Closing note: If you think about it, send up prayers for this country today. The leaders we choose make a huge difference to this nation, her people and overall well-being.

Oh To Be Sheep!

October 30, 20141 Comment

This is how we should feel under the guidance of the LORD. Comforted, protected and warmly loved.

Oh to be sheep! How abundantly blessed we are to be placed in this position. We have one shepherd and (amazingly) he calls us by name.

How marvelous! Out of the whole heard of fluffy creatures – he knows us individually.

We know his voice as well and should be full force willing to go where he leads. This Miracle Maker Guide has enabled feet to walk on water, has turned water into wine and raised a man from the grave.

My hope is in him all the days of my life. But we don’t have to blindly follow. He has opened our eyes and said, ‘trust me.’

He tells us no one will snatch you out of my hand. He stands guard over his flock of sheep. Like a pillar of fire by night, this shepherd protects us and by day he says – follow my footpath.

“I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one will snatch them out of my hand. My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all; no one can snatch them out of my Father’s hand.” – John 10: 28-29

Oh to be sheep! How blessed we should feel. Our protection is covered.

The Heavy Rocks of Insults

October 29, 2014November 3, 20141 Comment

My profession is one that requires thick skin. Politics. Insults are hurled, names are called and facts are more often than not – twisted and gnarled. In a world that is fallen and not our own, I guess this should be expected. I have learned to lean not on my own understanding and in all my ways acknowledge him and he will direct my paths.

Yes – God is at work in you and he will not (never ever) forsake you. Yet, reading insults are hard (even if they are not about you). They eat at your core and your spirit. They create a heavy heart and disappointment.

I am a firm believer in encouragement – that we need to build each other up in love (1 Thessalonians 5: 11-12). Why aren’t we doing this more often – in politics and personal lives?

Everyone is going to disagree. We all were formed with different, diverse minds. And, thank God for that! Like 1 Corinthians says, we all cannot be the ear of the body – we have to have arms, eyes and knees to make everything work in a cohesive pattern in the Body of Christ. So debate is not what I am talking about when I mention insults. I am talking about the bitter, biting personal attacks – ones that attack someone’s character without getting to know their soul.

As a conservative, I have seen it coming from the liberal side more often (merely because this is the pattern I observe regularly). But, we are all to blame. Whatever happened to the command, ‘Love one another as I have loved you?’ We certainly do not have to agree with someone to love them – and lift them up in prayer.

I point a finger back at myself writing this little post. I have been guilty of this thought process to accuse those that are not like you. However, novel thought, instead of condemning them, why don’t we lift the accused in our minds up in prayer to God the Father? Pray for those who persecute you that is a Biblical promise.

Jesus displayed this best, when he uttered on the bloody cross: Father forgive them for they know not what they do. He also famously said – those without sin, cast the first stone.

My knuckles have been white a time or two from clutching onto that shameful stone of accusation. But, it’s time to drop those rocks of callousness and embrace each other.

Don’t get me wrong, I am not advocating skipping together hand-in-hand and disappearing into a delusional rainbow of peace and love. 1 Thessalonians also says to abstain from every evil. Yet, it also notes, do not repay evil for evil.

To take from a famous song, ‘what the world needs now is love sweet love.’ And what better way to display love Jesus’ way – because he is love. How absolutely breathtaking to act out his love with our words spoken to one another.

A challenge to myself this week will be – to speak love through my actions and deeds. Life is too short to spew hatred and vile comments to one another, whether you stand in accordance with that person or not.

I love the children’s song which goes, ‘God is still working on me to make me what I ought to be.’ The King is at work in hearts and minds across the globe. He is not dead. Let’s choose to be the face of Jesus who allowed Mary, a sinner, to douse his feet with oils and her tears. He did not recount her sins to the world or hurl insults her way, he forgave her completely in love.

Food Allergies & Halloween {Teal Pumpkin Project}

October 27, 2014November 3, 2014Leave a comment

Fortunately, I did not find out about my gluten allergy until a year out of college, so Halloween was no big deal to me. I could stuff my face with Kit Kat’s, Twix and Whoppers and not think twice about the contents of the candy. However, not so for kids with serious food allergies!

Halloween, a typically celebratory candy fest, can be heartbreaking to some kids. They want to fit in with their friends and indulge in the goodies; but their diet won’t allow for such indulgences.

Thankfully, this year The Food Allergy Research & Education has launched ‘The Teal Pumpkin Project’ specifically for children with food allergies. How sweet it is!

All you have to do to participate is either buy a teal pumpkin or paint one teal – and offer some non-food items. How simple. Just think about how many allergy prone kids you could be helping.

How perfect are these light treats!?

Some sample non-food items include: spider rings, pencils, play doh, glow in the dark toys, whistles, kazoos, bracelets, stickers…etc.

Glow lights are super great options. You can buy a pack of 5 at the dollar store – for $1. Great deal.

I am an adult and hate having a food allergy – so I cannot imagine how kids (who want to fit in desperately) feel. This way they can gladly accept a prize at the door and Halloween will seem more like a treat than a trick.

Place a teal pumpkin on your porch this Friday night and make a child with a food allergy happy!

Follow this link to get the little sign to place in your window: http://www.pinterest.com/pin/165085142566700064/

Beer + Bread Cheese Soup {Gluten Free}

October 24, 2014November 3, 2014Leave a comment

This scrumptious dish looks complex; but, I think you will be rather surprised at how easy it is to whip up. I absolutely love making soups in the winter. Not only do they warm your body, they send these feel good rays into your soul.

You will need: 1 quart of gluten free chicken broth, 1 cup water, ½ cup heavy cream, ½ yellow onion, 3 cloves garlic, 2 tbsp. Italian seasoning, salt and pepper, 1 bottle of gluten free beer (Red Bridge is readily available in grocery stores), 2 tbsp. butter, and 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese.

First, boil your gluten free broth over the stove. I added the Italian seasoning and cup of water to the broth first and foremost. Taste – to see if you need more salt. You may need to add a chicken bouillon cube or some powder like this.

In a separate pan, sauté the onions and garlic in olive oil until lightly golden brown. Then dump them into your soup mixture. Let soak in the broth for about 10 minutes.

Add in the cream and butter along with the bottle of beer. Stir up the mixture and let simmer for about 5 more minutes.

Lastly, dump in the shredded cheese. Add salt and pepper to taste.

Add – gluten free croutons to the top of the soup for a crunchy, garlicky addition. Find a recipe here on how to make gluten free croutons.

Enjoy.

5 Simple Modest Halloween Outfits for Women

October 22, 2014November 3, 2014Leave a comment

Let’s face it, we live in a society where being a girl is sexualized so much so that it’s hard to find just a plain old cute festive Halloween costume. Costumes that leave little to the imagination line the shelves of seasonal shops and (I don’t know about you) but I would just feel so uncomfortable wearing anything that raunchy out.

So, wanted to provide the ladies out there (who feel the same way as me) with some cute DIY options for Halloween this year! You don’t have to be risqué to look super cute. Value your body and treat it as a temple; but, by all means have fun and dress up on October 31^st. Hope y’all like these cute suggestions.

1. Olaf or Frosty The Snowman

Okay – so the hit movie ‘Frozen’ has many characters to choose from; but we all know that Olaf, the cute little snowman, has stolen America’s heart. How easy is this outfit? Purchase a white tutu and wear a white T-shirt (complete with felt buttons), red scarf, sparkly party top-hat and warm black tights! Adorable, affordable and appropriate!

2. A Christmas Present

Get into the Christmas spirit early by dressing up as a present! This is so, so simple and fun to make. So wear a black turtle neck and black A-line skirt. Buy one of those mondo packs of holidays bows and either hot glue them to your skirts or just stick them on with the self-adhesive tape on the back of the ribbons. Add a tinsle belt and a bow in your hair of course!

3. Disney Princess

This idea is so easy and cute. Buy a Disney Princess apron and wear it for Halloween. There are so many to choose from online (that are super cheap and won’t break the bank). As you can see, this one below is Cinderella. Simply strap on your apron of choice over black pants and a black top – you are ready to go! You can also make the aprons yourself if you are a crafty maven!

4. Living Fruit

Have a yellow dress and sunglasses? Well, then you can dress up like a Pineapple for Halloween. How cute is this outfit? And the little leaf headband – so simple to make. Just use a toilet paper roll and green construction paper! Here are some simple instructions on how to do just that!

5. Whimsical Deer

So this little outfit is easy – as pie! You have a few brown articles of clothing ie: skirt, pants, sweatshirt or blouse – you are good-to-go! Just layer brown on brown, make a cute little cotton ball tail and fasten some cute horns on your head. There you go. You can even add whimsical face paint for extra pizazz! Check out these cute antler/headband ideas!

White Goat Cheese & Spinach Pizza {Gluten Free}

October 21, 2014November 3, 2014Leave a comment

It is always fun to have a pinot, pizza and painting night.

You will simply fall in love with this rich, delightful pizza. It is so light, garlicky and cheesy – that you really can’t not adore it. Olive oil and spinach sautéed to perfection on top and creamy goat cheese sprinkled in, let’s get to making this show stopper dish.

Is your mouth watering yet? Mine is. I might be partaking in my last night’s dinner for breakfast. Cold pizza anyone?

You will need (For the Crust): 1 packet of Bob’s Red Mill Gluten Free Pizza Crust Mix (you can buy this online for $3 or in your grocery stores), 2 cage free eggs, 2 tbsp. of olive oil, 1 ½ cup warm water, ½ cup parmesan, 2 tbsp. garlic powder and 2 tbsp. Italian seasoning.

(For the Toppings): 1 bag of baby spinach, 2 tbsp. olive oil, ½ cup goat cheese, 1 bag of mozzarella cheese and 1 tbsp. garlic powder.

First, you will want to preheat the oven to 425. Get it nice and toasty for that yummy crust that will be roasting in there soon.

In a bowl, pour in your gluten free pizza crust mixture. You will want to read the back of the packet for step-by-step instructions; but, I can tell you the gist of it too.

Crack two eggs into the mixture along with 1 cup of warm water. Mix and then drizzle in your olive oil.

In a tiny bowl, dump in your yeast mixture (that should have been in the gluten free packet) and add ½ cup warm water to it. Let it sit out for a few minutes, giving it time to activate – then add this separately to your crust dough. Mix into the dough.

For extra tastiness, add in ½ cup of parmesan cheese, 2tbsp. garlic and 2 tbsp. Italian seasoning to the dough mixture. Trust me – you will want to add these additional ingredients into the mix.

Use your hands to knead the dough into a nice little fluffy ball (just like this one pictured below).

Right after I dumped the yeast into the mix, so the bread was beginning to rise.

Spray a baking pan with some cooking spray and plop your dough mixture onto the surface of the pan. Do not worry about fitting the dough precisely into the pan perimeters – I like to make mine look artisan by just crudely spreading the dough out with my fingers.

Once the dough is spread to your crust thickness preference, glaze the top with an olive oil/garlic powder mixture. And then pop this in the oven and bake for about 5 minutes.

After 5 minutes, pull your crust out of the oven and add on the bag of mozzarella cheese to the top. I also sprinkled on some more Italian seasoning for more taste. Put it back in the oven for another 20 minutes.

In a separate pan on the oven, sauté your spinach. Just use olive oil and those washed spinach leaves to make those leafy greens to add on your pizza at the end.

After 20 minutes, pull out that cheese pizza and carefully scatter your spinach leaves on the top of that white pizza. Also, sprinkle your goat cheese on with the spinach. Let this cook for another 5 minutes (or until golden brown).

Let cool. Cut your pizza into square bits or pie shaped slices. But, most of all – enjoy your gluten free artisan pizza! And hey – make a night out of it while you eat on your pizza – be creative: paint, sing , craft.

My pizza night painting.

Fall & The Grateful Practice

October 20, 2014October 20, 2014Leave a comment

It’s fall – the season for crunchy leaves, coats, leggings and pumpkin spice lattes. This season really warms my heart. It is my favorite season hands down. Its fun to see the pumpkin patches full of orange, plump fruit on the side of the road and oooh and awww over babies draped in head-to-toe fleece sitting plop in the middle of a sea of burnt orange pumpkins. Like seriously cute!

Fall envelopes me with cute ideas – I scour Pinterest for fluffy outfits and craft projects. This season fills me with a fervent passion to conquer. However, I tend to forget that fall is also a season of thankfulness. After all, after Halloween comes Thanksgiving. Turkey dinners simply should not be a standalone meaning for that precious holiday.

I practiced an exercise this week. Think of the things that make you angry and frustrated sometimes – and flip those trials into something you are grateful for. I know, it was a hard task; but, I did think of a few things that I wanted to share.

My commute into work. Driving in my car and sitting in a gridlock of traffic bothers me. I hate to admit it; but many times – it just makes me blood boil. People in fast, pricey cars cut you off in the merge lane (I speak from experience) and then people who are texting or talking on their phone can take forever to realize that a lane is moving. Yet, in this midst of this chore – I am thankful for my drive in. I get to pass the Pentagon, Washington Monument and U.S. Capitol every single day. What a joy! There are many people who never get to experience this marble, monumental grandeur every single morning. So I thank God for that experience and my eyes that can see such wonder.

Walking my dog. I live in an apartment – so, literally every single time my dog has to go potty, I have to take him on an elevator and outside into the little doggie park. This can be a pain especially when it’s like 20 degrees outside and snowing or when I am just flat out tired from work and want to plop down on the couch. But, I thank God for my legs that are able to walk outside – for the ability of mobility and the beautiful feeling of the crisp, clean air I get to breathe. The pumping life that I breathe in and out of my life house!

Convoluted city living. Living in the city can be rough, we discussed traffic in a point above – but the living quarters are pretty tight too. Parking spaces are rare and – everything just takes much, much longer to complete. Maneuvering around DC can be pretty bleak. However, I am so thankful to everything that is proximity to me. One weekend, I can experience Gettysburg and the next, I can walk on the Fisherman’s Wharf and enjoy some fresh fish – prepared right in front of me. I can tour Mount Vernon or even walk on the West Lawn of the White House and experience a garden tour.

I encourage you to practice gratefulness this week. Think of three things that are the bane of your existence and flip them around to find something wonderful in that chore. Remember that a smile is a frown turned upside down.

Baked Rosemary Cashews {Gluten Free}

October 2, 2014November 3, 20141 Comment

Let’s talk about a simple, toasty snack – nuts! Not only are they high in Omega 3’s but they are very appetite crushing. This little recipe is simple and the perfect thing to set out for a dinner party or just out in your house during the upcoming holiday season.

The blend of rosemary and 21 Seasoning Salute (Trader Joe’s) is mouthwatering. Believe me. Love, love this blend!

You will need: 1 cup unsalted cashews, 1 tbsp. dried rosemary, 2 tbsp. olive oil or melted coconut oil and 1 tbsp. 21 Seasoning Salute.

First dump all your cashews in a bowl and coat with your olive oil. Make sure they are covered – this is what makes the herbs stick to the nut.

Pour in your spices and stir with a big wooden or plastic spoon. (Did I mention that I absolutely LOVE Trader Joe’s 21 Seasoning Salute. Please buy this little yummy spice. It can really add to any dish you cook up!)

Spray cooking spray on an oven pan and dump your spice nuts into the pan.

Make sure the oven is set to 400 – you want it pretty hot so your nuts can get nice and toasty. Place the nuts in the oven and bake for about 10-15 minutes until the cashews are nice and brown.

Set out and enjoy!

Fall Décor Idea – Chalk Wine Bottle Vases

September 22, 2014November 3, 2014Leave a comment

Just wanted to share with y’all a fun little weekend project. Today is the first day of autumn. You should start thinking about harvest décor for your home.

This little craft is super fast and easy to make. It will add a little cute factor – without the gore of Halloween decorations.

You will need: three wine bottles, chalk paint, chalk and flowers of your choice!

Make sure you take off the wine bottle labels. Just hold the bottle under a steady stream of hot water and tags peels off easily. I used a little dish scrub brush to scrap the paper off and get rid of the stickiness.

Dry the bottles with a towel. I painted the bottles out on my apartment balcony and used a paper grocery sack under the bottles (as not to get paint on the concrete).

Simply paint the bottles using a paint brush. You will probably want to coat the bottles with 2 layers of paint. The bottles dry super fast. So, I would let the first coat of paint sit for about 25 minutes and then paint another layer over it.

You will want your bottles to set overnight – for ultimate chalkboardness. Use some chalk to write a creative slogan on your bottles. I used the phrase ‘Boo.’ It is cute, simple and not too long. You could add one more bottle to your décor and spell our ‘Fall.’

Then place your flowers in the wine bottle (with water of course).