Happy Thanksgiving!

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When I count my many blessings tomorrow, I will

include all of you - I appreciate the time you take

to come here and read my nonsense and seek

my design advice.  This blog has given

me so many opportunities to indulge

in all my design dreams! YOU are helping

to make that happen.  I am so 

grateful for the support I find here

and in blogland.

I hope each of you is able to pause

and count your blessings in the 

company of those you love.

I will be back Monday with my usual

sporadic posting......

Christmas Ideas 2013 - What momma wants........

1/2/3/4/5/6/7/8

I learned long ago that it's best if I give my family
suggestions for what to give me for Christmas - makes
life easier and happier!  This year, as in past years,
I put together a collection of suggested gift items.
Obviously, I like monogrammed and cozy/warm items.
Oh, and I could use a new wallet.
Have you seen the Kontex towels
made in Japan? They had me at 'gingham'.
And I might want to show my love for my
beloved Oregon.

And lest you think I am spoiled - this collection is
sort of like the list my 11 year old creates to send to 'Santa' -
10 pages of items created as
the holiday catalogs arrive in the mail......
It's become her holiday tradition despite not really getting anything
off the list.  However, she is happy with anything she is given
and is one of the most generous and
enthusiastic gift givers.

A girl can dream, right?

Do you have an Ellen connection? Can ya help get this family to Sochi?

Ok, some facts about yours truly:

* I was born in Wisconsin

* I am half Swedish, half Norwegian

{with some other stuff thrown in for good measure}
{and yes, I know that makes me more than 100% a person}

* Curling is a legit sport among my 'people'

* Some of my 'people' may even be

Olympic curling athletes -

true story.

Actually, my cousin's sister-in-law has been a member

of the USA Women's Curling team the last three

Olympics.  AND, she just qualified

to go to Sochi and represent the United

States in her FOURTH Olympics!

{Michael Phelps has nothing on US Women's

Curler Debbie McCormick!}

My cousin is a school teacher and her husband has

his own lawn care business.  They would love to be able

to go to Sochi and cheer on Aunt Deb! However, flying to
Russia and staying there for two weeks for a family of
four is quite expensive. Soooo......they are
getting creative and humbly asking for help.

My cousin

has some cute kids and they made a video

trying to get the attention

of Ellen DeGeneres, cause she nice, and funny,

and generous, and nice, and funny, did I mention funny?

(did I mention generous?)

Well here is the cute video.........

So readers, if any of you happen to know Ellen, or Portia, or 

their gardner, housekeeper, chef, mailman etc....could you

pass this cute video on?  This family would love her help!

And wouldn't Carter make the cutest correspondent?

And this is Aunt Debbie, doing what she does best.

And just because I am Scandinavian, don't think, for one
second I know a thing about

curling....

And finally, dear readers, if you are so inclined and would
like to donate to get this sweet family to Sochi,
they have set up a site to accept donations.......

Here is the link! Just click on the image below:

I realize this is the time year we are all asked to
contribute to worthy causes, if you find it in your
heart to help this wonderful family fulfill a dream,
please accept my sincerest gratitude!

Go Team USA!!!!!

Tomato Basil Soup.....

We are heading into the holiday season which means lots

of rich foods and sweet treats.  And while I love to indulge as 

much as the next person, I also like to weave in some 

healthy, lighter dinners for my family during the season.

This tomato-basil soup recipe is a favorite!

I serve it with cheese toasts and a caesar salad.

Tomato-Basil Soup

{adapted from Portland's Palate - Junior League cookbook}

1/4 cup butter, plus 2 tablespoons, divided

5 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped and divided 

1 large yellow onion, coarsely chopped

6 garlic cloves, minced and divided

3 {28 ounce} cans Italian plum tomatoes

Salt and Pepper

1 1/2 teaspoons Italian seasoning

2 cups chicken broth

In large saucepan over medium heat, melt 1/4 cup butter.  Add 3 

tablespoons basil, chopped onion and 4 cloves garlic.  Cook until tender,

about 15 minutes.  pour in tomatoes and their liquid.  Simmer

uncovered for 30 minutes.  Season with salt and pepper.

* Now - use either an immersion blender {THE best kitchen gadget}

or food processor to puree tomato mixture.  Return mixture

to saucepan {if you used a food processor}.

In small saucepan over medium heat, melt remaining 2 tablespoons

butter.  Add remaining 2 tablespoons basil, garlic and Italian seasonings

and saute for 5 minutes.  Combine sauteed herbs with chicken broth

and tomato mixture.  Simmer until heated through.

I am having a hard time getting my head around the fact

that next week is Thanksgiving! It really is my

favorite holiday.  I love the pause, the time

with family, the food........but geez, isn't it still September?

Happy Thursday!