photo credit: Dani Simmonds


DON'T STOP GIVING!


As he looked up,
Jesus saw the rich putting their gifts into the temple treasury.
He also saw a poor widow put in two very small copper coins.
'I tell you the truth,' he said,
'this poor widow has put in more than all the others.
All these people gave their gifts out of their wealth;
but she out her poverty put in all she had to live on'"

Luke 21:1-4

The woman gave two copper coins-what amounted to a fraction of a penny. This seems like such a small amount. However, God viewed her few coins with more regard than the large offerings of the rich.

Why?

Because she gave all she had to give - this woman showed her utter devotion to God. She was willing to offer everything she owned to show love to God.

He defends the cause of the fatherless and the widow,
and loves the alien,
giving him food and clothing.

Dueteronomy 10:18

Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse,
that there may be food in my house.
"Test me in this,"
says the LORD Almighty,
"and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven
and pour out so much blessing
that you will not have room enough for it.


Malachi 3:10

The media relentlessly reports the "failure of the economy" to us from every angle. What we SEE and HEAR can be pretty discouraging. Or it can be "the test"... what a terrific opportunity to walk in faith with your blessings. What a great way to reach out to those in our community who are in need.

The bank of God is secure. The banks on earth ... are not.

What will you do - TODAY?

With Christmas just one month and a little bit away, I'm sure there are lots of ways you might ease the pressure for someone - money, food, clothes etc for a family, single mom etc which would free them up to buy gifts for their loved ones. Don't make them come to a food bank - anticipate that need and meet it before they get to that point, if you can. Have you ever thought of this? If you know there is a need and if people actually have to go there - we may have failed them already?

Just a thought.

Lovely Loaf... not my own

What a great looking loaf - but I can't take credit for this one. This loaf Eileen's first attempt with the basic recipe for Artisan Bread in 5 Minutes a day. I tell you, I believe this recipe is almost NO FAIL! Eileen is experimenting with freezing her dough now too - you can visit her by clicking HERE to keep updated on how this goes.

I had the opportunity to show this technique to a young lady the other night - she's never made bread in her life. I'm so excited to see how she does. She and her husband were here for dinner and enjoyed the bread sticks I had made. (sorry, no picture, they got eaten too fast!) I used the recipe for the peasant bread for them - everyone agreed they were delish!

To find out more about this amazing recipe - and to enter a contest for the full cookbook...

Artisan Bread in 5 Minutes a Day Cookbook
a GREAT Christmas present idea!

You can WIN THIS - just visit the OFFICIAL website by clicking HERE and leave a comment for Jeff and Zoe, with your own personal "bread" experience. They will choose two names at random to win! Besides this, they have a FABULOUS recipe for BAGELS using the Master Recipe ... need I say more?

Good Friends!
credits: KimB's Lloryn Kit (slightly recolored)

I just wanted to share a layout I made of Betty's beautiful daughter. I saw this photo on her BLOG and could not resist making it into a full layout. Doesn't she have the most incredible eyes?

Betty always has such interesting blog posts - she's in Paraguay and has educated me on her corner of the world. Just click HERE to visit her today!

CHRISTMAS IS COMING!

I'm hardly breaking new news to you - for all of the stores have already begun. But I'd not thought about the SHOPPING and MAKING THAT LIST end of things until my sister mentioned the other day (being the organized side of the family tree) that she was 'making her list' and actually buying things.

So, I thought that I should put a bug in your ear. I posted a few days ago about the fact that the Sophia Sarducci shop is closing - the doors will shut forever on November 17th. Until then, we are hosting a blow-out sale of ALL products.

The following are some of my (OLIVIA DORAZIO) Christmas products you can scoop at 1/2 price off (and there are many more Christmas and other themed products including all sorts of Commercial use Vectors!)

Just click HERE to be transported the Sophia Sarducci Shop!

Festive Glitters kit

$3.00
Sale: $1.50
Save: 50% off

Festive Glitters is the perfect finishing touch to add some pizzazz to any holiday layout! In this set you'll find a dozen richly detailed and fabulously sparkly elements that'll make your holiday pages pop!

Includes:

12 fun, high-quality elements in png format

(includes 4 color variations on the light!)

PERSONAL USE

Framemania

$2.00
Sale: $1.00
Save: 50% off

These frames are high quality and glamorous! Frame your most special projects with a luxurious metallic frame in rich colors. Some frames come embellished with lifelike beads and stars. A have to have this Christmas!

Set Includes:

12 High quality holiday-themed frames

Christmas Windows

$2.00
Sale: $1.00
Save: 50% off

Christmas Windows - What will we see when we peek in through the frosted panes? What wonder awaits inside on a snowy Christmas morning? This set of 3 Christmas Window Frames are the perfect way to capture the splendor of unwrapping presents, the sweetness of a kiss under the mistletoe or a gathering of friends and family to celebrate the holiday.

Set Includes:

three windows, featuring one, two or six frosty panes.

1 soft and blurry background layer

Personal Use

Winter Festival (combo set)

$10.00
Sale: $5.00
Save: 50% off

Winter Festival (combo pack) - As the temperature drops and the snow falls on the ground, winter fun abounds! Here in the Winter Festival collection you'll find products perfect for capturing the the splendor and adventure of wintertime holidays and fun!

Why make yourself choose from just a few of Olivia's Snowflake Sets – treat yourself this Christmas, early, by purchasing the entire set at a discounted price. You'll be glad you did!

Set Includes:

Christmas Windows

Snowflake Swirlies

Snowflake Frames

Snowflake Set

Snowflake Overlays

Christmas Frostyballs

Personal Use

Ah - its another rain, rain day here in our supposedly "Sunny Okanagan" - but no worries, we have friends coming for dinner, nice day to tuck up inside, go a little extravagant with the menu. I've decided to share my Pink Lady and Cranberry Pie recipe, which I created last week. Seems like a good thing to do. You can view and drool first, download the recipe in PDF format after!

I used Pink Lady Apples - we live in orchard country here. Pink Ladies are nice, crisp - and long keepers. To me, they taste like fizzy ginger ale on my tongue. Pink Lady apples are the first to blossom, the last to pick. If you would like to learn more about these apples you can visit the Pink Lady website in the UK by clicking HERE.

Shredded apples and cranberries.

I decided to shred the apples - try something new. It works well, makes for a nice, dense pie.

Golden sprinkles

I chose to roll in some of the nice big demerara sugar crystals
in my top crust.

I always seem to choose the muffins
that have big sugar crystals when I go to Tim Hortons.

Strip It!

I used the crinkly edge on my pastry wheel
to make an interesting edge on my lattice.

Butter it!

Can't resist the thought of
fresh, creamery butter
melting down inside the apples.

No skimping!

Once there's plenty of butter
'dotting the landscape'
then, its time to bring the pastry edges in.
then you won't get an apple 'river'
flowing over the pie's edge.

Bake it!

Ah, how I wish I could embed
the HEAVENLY smells going on.

Top it!

Why not make some homemade
CARAMEL
while your pie bakes?

Its as easy - AS PIE!

I found out about this recipe once
through my friend Gina.

BTW - I make it the MICROWAVE method,
faster - safer.

Microwave Method: Pour 1 can condensed milk into 2 quart glass measure. cook on 50 % power (medium) for 4 minutes, stirring briskly every 2 minutes until smooth. cook on 30% power (medium-low) 12-18 minutes ot until very thick and caramel colored, stirring briskly every 2 minutes until smooth.

PS - I added a tad of molasses to darken the color a bit,
after it was done.
And, I had to thin it a bit with milk,
when I topped the whip cream for the pie.

Success!
(click to drool - MUCH LARGER!)

download PDF recipe sheet
by clicking the little button, left-top below:

Barbs Cranberry Pink Lady Pie

Get your own at Scribd or explore others:

*****

Oh, if you make this, I'd LOVE to see!

Another note - if your spices are sitting for a long time, you might try what I do to 'revive' the flavor a bit. I keep a coffee grinder specially for grinding spices, herbs. So, I take the spices called for in the recipe and give them a whirl for a few moments together in the grinder. It seems to release the flavors all over again. Could be my imagination...

*****

Just a few thoughts to help your Monday along:

"Though the winds are wild,
And the gale unleashed,
My trusting heart still sings:
I know that they mean
No harm, to me,
HE rideth on their wings."

Fear not, little flock;
for it is your Father's good pleasure
to give you the kingdom.

~ Luke 12:32

The limitlesss resources of God are able
to meet our deepest needs.

"And my God will meet all your needs
according to his glorious riches
in Christ Jesus."

Phillipians 4:19

*****

Won't you please pray today for:

For poverty around the globe
For our troops - and Veterans, as we ponder their sacrifices.
Gina - for a new job for her husband
For Dave, a brother of our friend - who's had cancer related surgery
Our Dad -who's recovering from knee replacement surgery

Kelli is the host of Friday Show and Tell - won't you join us? Just visit her blog to sign up with the online form, leaving your name and blog address! Just click HERE to be taken to her blog! (if you RIGHT CLICK on the word HERE and choose "open in another tab" you won't be taken away from this page!)

For my show and tell today, I've decided to share my last visit (yesterday) to our local thrift store. Until a few weeks ago, our town had only one thrift, a second one opened recently. I've been to it once, but I'm resisting change. The first one feels like a second home to me. Ha - its most likely because my home has been largely decorated by the items I find.

Dogwood on Teapot

Once in a while I'll get the urge to do a photo safari in the thrift store. The ladies who work there are always taken aback when I ask. I'm sure the idea of someone just taking photos of things is a very foreign idea. They are so sweet, and though I don't know their names, except for one, we've developed a sort of friendship over the years. When I come in I'm often greeted with a "There's our thursday girl!" or "There's our good shopper!" and it feels like I'm entering into a special experience.

*note: Dogwood is our Province's official flower - I wonder if the teapot may be a centennial piece?

Whooo are you taking a photo of?

Once every so often I'll bake something for my ladies - as they are so kind to allow me to take photos. They tell me they would love to see my photos, but I've not printed any out because I have to buy ink for my printer. I'll take them a baked sweet, or a sample of jam, that sort of thing and they always ooh and ahh.

Waves of plates on the shore of a sea of china

And these sweet ladies have even been known to bring me items from their home. For example, if I'm working on a project with buttons, they say "Why, I have many very pretty buttons at home, perhaps I'll bring some." And the next thursday, she will spy me and come out with some and I'll get to pick. Then she won't accept any money.

They are super generous - if you buy more than a few items they will sometimes just 'round out' the price.

However, that said, once in a while one of them will get it in her head that a certain item is worth 'a lot' - which truly, it is not, and will insist on putting a ridiculous and exorbitant price on said item. I think that stems from perhaps its something that at one time was 'state of the art' and this person's mind is stuck back there, or its something that personally meant a lot to them. Its funny when that happens.

Once in a while someone will outright challenge them on it and you will hear their little voice go shrill and defend their pricing. The customer usually tries to reason with them but these ladies, as generous as they are, won't be moved if its one of these items they think is worth more.

Stacks

For about 1/2 hour I just get lost in the geometrics of the shop. The muted lighting. The angles and undersides. The textures. The arrangement. Navigating through the lens of my camera takes me into a whole new world. Even if all I come away with is photos - I feel the richer.

Froths of lace

One game I like to play in my head is to imagine the stories these items must carry with them. Wouldn't it be interesting if we could know? I'm sure some would be wonderful, some terribly sad. I think it would be so cool to write a novel about the items in the store and to create a story behind how each one came to be there. Don't you?

Glitter fruits

And I SEE all these things and I respond to them - but I'm not entirely sure how to put them together. I look at blogs like Kelli's and hope I can learn to make it all 'gel' I keep surrounding myself with books and magazines and clips of things I LIKE - and I am sure that one day its going to 'happen'. I do know that I'm getting braver to try new things.

Do you know any inspiring blogs I could visit along the lines of decorating with the unique and 'used' and unusual?

Stately Silver

I see so many things I'd like to have that I now follow a general rule. If I have the will power and I really like something - and I feel its not something that will 'move' out of the store quickly, I'll leave it for a week. If its there the next week and I feel just as passionately then I'll buy it, but if its gone - its gone!

I have another rule, one item home, two come back.

Thrift store beauty

Whats HER story?

Her paint (pancake makeup hay?) is chipped in some places and its kind of a nasty little wig she's got happening.



She's sort of shabby, retro cool. A retired 'model' finds herself in the basement thrift store showing of tacky, outdated weekender wear suits and cheap pearls. I'm sure she once graced a really fine store and had her own huge display window. Her arm probably held nothing less than a chic, expensive designer handbag.

She'd simply die if her mannequin friends could see her now.

Shoes - focus forefront

Its very hard to find a good pair of basic black shoes. I've been waiting for over a year. Its not a 'have to have' so there's no panic. Its the heel, you know. Shoes never make it to the thrift store till the heel is outdated.

Shoes - focus on back set

There are some pretty crazy shoes out there. But sometimes they make for good pictures. There must be a neat art display done of just shoes. Hmmmm.....

Pinecone hooties!

Someone had an afternoon to kill - and some imagination. I wonder if they found the idea from a book or dreamed it up out of their head!

Elegant dancing shoe

This shoe made a beautiful photo, even if it didn't quite fit.

Button, button...

This about buttons up my show and tell for today. Thank you for stopping by.

Note: I actually DID buy some items yesterday.

I decided to create a free scrapbooking element out of the lovely silver bouquet in one of my photos. I'd love to see how you use it! I did not add any drop shadows or beveling to it, other than in the preview.

download

fine for Personal, Commercial and Scrap For Hire
(please just credit me)

HAPPY BIRTHDAY NINA!
(click to view larger)

Card Credits:
Paper - LLW - Fall Splendour
Elements - LLW - Fall Splendour and Chance of Rain

Card reads:

Even though you're 'getting on'
You're still pretty 'spunky'
And no matter how the years pass by,
You're still a 'little monkey'!

My sister shares a part of me,
That no one else shall ever see,
And when the days and miles divide us...
The bond we have will live inside us,
Together, sharing dreams, love and laughter...
My SISTER for always,
My FRIEND, forever!

YAY! It's my sister's birthday today. Nina is my only sister, and my 'little' sister. Its funny this phrase for she's not really 'smaller' than me, we are about the same build, but I suppose its because her years are smaller than mine. Thinking in this way, she is a lot 'littler' than me.

Sometimes when I look at this beautiful, self assured, witty, talented lady - my mind morphs back to a little girl with a smile from ear to ear and impossibly long blonde braids in a little brown polyester jumpsuit... you were always such a cute little imp, Sis!

Now, I think you've outgrown the word 'cute', but you are sweet and kind and downright FUNNY at the most unexpected times. You brighten up my days with our conversations and I'm constantly in wonder that my sister has become such a dear, dear friend to me over the years.

Mr. Miles and I are thinking of YOU today and hope you are being lavished, wherever you read this from! We love you!

*****

You may notice, I've added new permanent link to my blog for the website for Artisan Bread in 5 Minutes A Day. Since I've become addicted to working (or shall I say BAKING) my way through this amazing book I thought it would be of value for you to be able to just click to find out about this book yourself. The Authors - Jeff and Zoe are very helpful and prompt should you have any questions about their recipes. Be sure to check back often, and send your friends as there are new ideas and recipes being 'cooked up' every so often.

*****

If you are sitting in the cold and wet today, like me, you might want to cuddle up with a big mug of hot coffee and take a 'virtual vacation' to Guatamala where my new blog friend Betty is Oh, so patiently answering my questions I keep peppering her with about the beautiful place she is living. She's gone and written a good, long, interesting article about the fruits native to the area she lives. A GOOD read! Just click HERE to visit.

I LOVE to ask, Betty, for you actually answer. Warning though, one answer is leading to more questions, we could be at this for quite a while LOL! Thank you for taking the time to do this!

Couronne - My Way!
(click to view bigger!)

I can't get out of the kitchen.

Ever since I found out about the Artisan Bread in 5 Minutes A Day recipe - I'm hopelessly hooked. What used to hold me back was the thought of the time, the kneading etc. With this AMAZING technique there's nothing to hold me back from experimenting every which way. And I am.

I was so inspired by the basic recipe that I jumped to buy the book - and you can too! Its an INVESTMENT in yourself. What a concept, what a great addition to your own cookbook shelf! I'm thinking Christmas Gifts?

Order YOURS today - just visit the official 5 Min website and you will find all the links, and even new ideas too. Just click HERE to be transported.

You can also search YouTube for Artisan Bread in 5 Minutes a day for a video clip of Jeff and Zoe making the basic batch.

This recipe I made was based loosely on the couronne recipe included in the book. I'd INTENDED on making some rosemary foccacia but this recipe screamed at me from the pages. I've still got 2/3 of a pail of fresh dough to try some more recipes, this only made a small dent in my batch.

But don't just take MY word - Eliajean tried her FIRST batch, and success - just click HERE to read and see for yourself. And my friend Cicero - why she tried a week back and hers turned out too - in fact she ordered the book herself (a little bird emailed me) Just click HERE to see Cis's bread - October 23rd blog post!

I'm warning you. Its ADDICTIVE.

Please, send me a link if you bake it for the first time, I'd love to see and show you off!

I just want to say a HUGE thank you to Shirley - you sweet thing, for including me in her award. I am hogging it all to myself. Muah! I'm bad. You may want to visit Shirley to check out her incredible rock collection, along with her descriptions of each stone. Very informative! Just click HERE.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY - DEAR FRIEND!

I feel so unable to TRULY express my best wishes for Kim - we ALL know Kim - according to her blog counter, over two MILLION times have people come to say hi to this wonderful lady -and its not a far fetch of the imagination to guess why.

Yes, Kim does give, give, GIVE 'stuffies' away, almost on a daily basis, but she gives of so much more. There's not many places I visit where Kim has not been there before me when there's a need in the digi-scrapping community and beyond. Whether its a bit of encouragement, a kind word, a fund-raiser or the need of a good belly laugh, Kims almost always there before me!

My being a Christian should be expected to be so many of the qualities that come natural to Kim. Sometimes I take a page out of someone elses book - and Kim is one of these people who inspires me to be better!

Thank you Kim for being your very special self - you truly are a light in the community. I hope you have a super wonderful celebration today!

My SMALL gesture (besides what we discussed, girl) is this template. I struggle to design at the moment but this is what whipped up in my mind to give away in honour of you today!

Please, no need to comment here, just visit KIM and leave good wishes at her blog by clicking HERE.

CUPCAKE FOR KIM
TEMPLATE
(BIG - hand is aprox 8 inches long!)


download

Hope you all had a wonderful weekend.

Mr. Miles and I drove up to Kelowna, a city 2 hours (usually 2 hours) north of here, only right now its a three hour trip due to a highway closure about 2/3 of the way up from here on highway 97. In a spot undergoing road upgrading a whole section of mountain has developed a fissure and is threatening to collapse. Glad they are taking care of it.

I'm sure not used to the city. I can't seem to focus in all the busy-ness. At any rate, we had some wonderful visit time with our daughter. We had breakfast together and then afterward shopped at a store next door. When we were leaving, something caught my eye ...

An Old Friend!

If you follow my blog you would know that we have a new van - my 50th birthday present. Our old van was sold to a lady in a small community north of us. Actually, its located on THIS side of the highway repairs, so to see our old van in Kelowna was quite a surprise! What are the chances too, of in a city of 109, 000 we would be RIGHT there to see it? I'm still laughing!

We had a bit of excitement on the way home. One block from home, our headlights failed! The switch was stuck on! Praise the Lord it was so close to home - I'd have hated to spend an unplanned night in Westbridge or Rock Creek... or out in the middle of nowhere!

My man is not mechanically inspired, but he stepped up to the plate and got it sorted. We've ordered a new switch and will have to be tricky with getting around the next few days.

*****

BIG NEWS!

The Sophia Sarducci Shop, where I sell my digital scrapbooking kits, is closing its doors. Ah, don't weep for me, Suzanna, it has been SUCH a wonderful place to be. I can't say enough positive about my bosses and co workers. Sophia was the first ever shop I've sold at, and I believe I was directed there through my blog, through the Lord. I'd not went looking, and had prayed to find the perfect place, and Sophia was perfect for me. My boss Saxon was so hugely encouraging to me every step of the way - I hope you will all visit her when you can as she is selling at Scrapbook Elements (click HERE)- I wish her every success!

Now, the GOOD NEWS -

from now to November 15th
EVERYTHING
in the Sophia Sarducci Store
is 50% OFF

EVERYTHING
including COMMERCIAL USE...

so, treat yourself to some early Christmas shopping
by clicking HERE!

Thank you all my faithful customers for your support over this last year. It's been amazing!

Me? I'm thinking on perhaps joining a shop (or two) in January - will keep you posted. In the meantime I'm a bit digi-burned-out and need to regroup. This will be a welcome break for me!

*****

An Award - For Me? Awwwwwwwwww!

Poor Betty, this I send you a big MUAH and a super big BEAR HUG for this award, but gurl, I'm going to be honest with you - the award stops here. Ha ha! I have a very busy week ahead of me so I'm going to (blushingly) accept this award but not forward it at this time, simply don't have time. But I thank you from the very bottom of my heart! It means a lot, specially coming from you - I find your blog a wonderful, informative window into your part of the world.

I've only been visiting Betty for a month or so, but I've learned so much about Paraguay through her good blog posts! The reason I'm so interested is because I have a good friend who comes from, and does missions to, Argentina, which is next door to Paraguay. Though my friend tells me about some things, Betty takes the time to write extensively, answer my MANY questions and even includes photos! Yes, I pester her almost daily!

And today is Betty's two year blog birthday. And like all us strange blog people, we seem to GIVE things away on our birthdays, rather than the opposite! So, if you have a moment and would like to learn something new about a new place, why not stop in and say CONGRATS and hello and even...

WIN ME - at Betty's blog!

Ah, what is it you ask? Well, you will have to go over to Betty's and pester her like I do - she's got an explaination and a CONTEST to win these items on her blog.

Thanks so much Betty - I'll eagerly await to see who wins. To visit Betty's blog just click HERE!

*****

its SOMEBODY'S birthday tomorrow...
check back here tomorrow to find out WHO
(and there may even be a digi download in celebration!)

If you would like to join in the fun of Show and Tell Fridays, just click HERE sign up at Kelli's blog!

An ORIGINAL!

I snuck my little trip in to the thrift store yesterday - between picking up a few last minute items for Mr. Miles birthday. While I was there I checked a rack I normally overlook. Most of the clothes are simply 'dated' and far too big. But yesterday, this dress caught my eye.

I looked the tag up on the internet - only found one other Dress Town dress - I think it was on ebay - a german sales add for a pretty, soft mint green shorter dress. Asking $100 US. From the small amount of information I could glean, this was a company from Manitoba, Canada.

It came with this broach affixed - a perfect match to the pretty pearl accents sewn onto the neclkine and wrists.



I'm not sure if you would call this an 'empire' waist?

The belt ties at the back into a bow.

click to view larger

Hangs to floor length. This dress is 100 polyester - the kind they used to make ladies stretch slacks out of, heavywieght. I'm grateful for this because I get cold easily. I will appreciate this in the winter.

While my hair still had a bit of curl from dressing up for Mr. Miles' birthday celebration last night, I had him snap a photo before leaving for a workout at the gym.

This cost me an entire $2...

Canadian. With our dollar the way it is, this is REALLY inexpensive.

Thank you for all your comments and well wishes for Mr. Miles birthday yesterday. We had a wonderful day, and we have more quiet plans this weekend. So, I will be visiting everyone for Show and Tell - early next week!

Thanks for visiting today!