Bead Soup Party

I am SO excited to be part of Lori Anderson's summer Bead Soup Party. I've never done anything like this before, so it will be a first!

Here's how it works. After signing up on Lori's blog we were paired off. Each person prepares a packet of lovely beads including a nice clasp, a focal piece and assorted beads and spacers. Off the packet goes in the mail to our assigned partner and we're then to make something stunning out of our newly found treasure.

I was given the name of Terry Carter, who has a blog called Tapping Flamingo.  First thing I noticed - she's Mormon too! Of course I would have been pleased to be paired with anyone, but I confess it made me grin like a little girl when the first thing I spied on her blog was the Angel Moroni on top of the Baton Rouge Temple.  Go check out her blog at http://tappingflamingo.blogspot.com. Right now her top post is for a orzo salad that looks wonderful.

I can't post a picture of the beads I'm sending to Terry, because it's a surprise, but I'll post of picture of those I receive and you can follow along. I'm hoping to get all crafty and artistic and make something wonderful!

Pinterest

Two weeks ago I was introduced to a fun new bit of social-ness on the web.  It's called Pinterest and it's all about your favorite images.

If you're anything like me you have a huge file of pictures that you've found on the web and you want to keep.  And if you're really like me you'll have forgotten where you found most of those pictures.  

Pinterest lets you link (or "pin") the picture (and the website) that you've found and post the picture in one of your boards.  They even have a little gadget you can stick on your Favorites/Links bar, to help you snap up any pictures you find.

Friends and the public and then browse your boards and re-pin the picture to their own boards. You can also follow other boards (or people) that you enjoy and even leave comments.

I had to apply to the site and then wait several days for an invitation, but I doubt they will turn anyone away.

Go take a look!

http://pinterest.com

You're welcome to browse my boards if you'd like.

I'd love you to leave a comment. :)

http://pinterest.com/complinebelle/

Amazing Rescue!

I have to admit that three months ago, when the news broke about Chilean miners being found alive but half a mile down, the first thing I thought was "They're dead".  I had no hope for the poor men and was sure the media vultures would have a heyday as they reported the miners dying one by one, far from their loved ones.

Fast forward to tonight when I sat with tears in my eyes and watched the amazing rescue unfold. I've never been so glad to be proven wrong!

One thing does bother me. From the few statements of the miners and their families you get a glimpse into how much their faith in God helped to pull them through this ordeal.  Sadly but predictably, the US media is doing all they can to filter out these "religious" aspects of the story.  No wonder the world sees America as a godless country.  That brings tears to my eyes also.

But forget the media and let's say thank you to the men and women who worked so tirelessly to bring the miners home and to the Lord for his hand in the rescue.  Gracias Senor!

A Month of Hideous Fun

Here it comes - our favorite month of the year. Except for December, of course. And July. Can't live without July. And maybe April. But where was I?
OH YES!  Halloween Month.  Might as well call it Halloween Month, since we'll start decorating tomorrow and won't stop until the ghouls come out on the 31st.

But more on this subject in the coming days.  Today I wanted to mention two things:

1) L. Tom Perry Tie Alert!!
We love watching each conference to see which tie L. Tom Perry will be wearing.  He's always on the cutting edge of sartorial fashion as far as I'm concerned.  I'll never forget the pale pink tie he wore one Easter.  Stunning!

I only caught a glimpse of Saturday's tie as they showed the apostles walking out - seemed to be baby blue.
But today's tie was a real winner.  Pale gold with dark squares. Very Distinguished!

2) The demise of BOB
I was so sad to come back to my blog list after a summer away and find that Kim P. had closed the Binge On Books blog. I always enjoyed that blog - both the content and the writing.  I even contributed to it once of twice myself, although sadly not enough to help her keep it alive.  I'm glad she's still writing her Ex Libris Lady blog. You've got me as a life long reader, Kim!

Now, back to scrounging the fridge in the hopes of a nourishing Post Conference Nosh.

The Great Clothing Coverup

No, it's not the name of the newest fashion house based murder mystery, it's my annoyance at not being able to readily find clothing that a modest girl can wear. Why should be have to fight this battle?  I'm used to never being able to find pants that will fit someone six feet tall.  I'm also used to there being no cute shoes produced that are larger than a 10.  But when I can't find a shirt that isn't sleeveless or a skirt that doesn't stop at mid thigh, well that's when I get mad.

What's a girl supposed to do in this situation?
You know quite well - layering.  We all do it, and frankly I'm tired of it.  I have a closet full of tank tops and cardigans for making regular shirts and dresses presentable.

The other day I was trolling my friends on Facebook (I sometimes do look at Facebook, although that's another story) and ran across a girl I knew from when I was in Young Womens.  Her daughter had won Homecoming Princess (or Prom Queen or whatever they call those things now days) and pictures of her with her date were posted. The girl is lovely. The dress was a very pretty lavender georgette - halter top.  What's a girl to do? Well this girl had worn what appeared to be a white teeshirt under the gown.  YIKES!!! It wasn't a good combination.  Did not go with the tiara AT ALL.

Every so often I slum it and go to Nordstroms Rack.  They no longer have cute clothes in my size *sigh* but they at least have shoes over size 10.  I was shocked and flabbergasted when the first thing I saw as we entered the store was a cute, MODEST cocktail dress.  NO KIDDING!  (Sorry, I'll lay off the capitol letters now.)

Take a look:

Sorry for the bad exposure.  That's what happens when you try to sneak a picture with an iPhone.  I don't know why Nordstrom's store security would care if I took a picture of a dress, but I was feeling very sneaky about snapping the shot. Weird, no?

But isn't the dress sweet! Who would believe that clothing manufacturers knew how to make sleeves?!?
Sadly, I didn't get the name of the designer. I'd send her flowers.  Truly.

I did run across a fun web site that feature modest, wearable clothing.  It's also got a funky name, which only makes it more appealing. See what you think!
http://www.shabbyapple.com

PW comes to Beaverton!

I'm a huge fan of the Pioneer Woman blog. Photography, Cooking, Homeschooling and wonderful accounts of meeting Mr. Right - how could a blog go wrong with content like that?

I even bought PW's cookbook as a Christmas gift for my mother.  (Who left it here, supposedly by accident, so I've been enjoying it all by myself!)

If you haven't seen this cookbook, you must check it out.  Scrumptious recipes and even better photographs, all bound together by PW's wit, which makes a great sauce.


Today PW announced her Spring Book tour and she's coming here!
Not just Portland, here - Beaverton, here!

Monday, April 19, 2010, 6:00 pm
Powell's Bookstore at Cedar Hills Crossing

I'm not a huge Powell's fan (they're so snooty) but I'll brave the snubs of their staff for the chance to get my book autographed by Ree Drummond herself.  This will actually be a moment of some import.  The last time I stood in line to get an autograph it for Henry Kissinger.

Anyone want to come? We can swap biscuit recipes while we stand in line.

A Family Home Evening Idea for Passover

Or should that be "A Passover Idea for Family Home Evening"?
Probably the later, but I was afraid that people would be scared off by the early use of the word Passover, and I'd NEVER get your attention.

Either way, here's a wonderful video on how to make a delicious and easy unleavened bread. It's a great way to have fun with the kids and teach them about a holiday that held special meaning for the Saviour and thus for all of us.

Mark Bittman's Olive Oil Matzo (Sardinian style)

I have to admit to a love for matzo. So good in so many ways - the best of which is Matzo Ball soup. But I also like to eat it plain, with a thin, thin coat of good mayonnaise and a bit of kosher salt. (Must be kosher salt - not for the kosher, but for the granularity). So crunchy, so satisfying.

Manga!
Oops. I should say Nosh!

And Good Passover to you. :)