Art by Claire Hollywell

I went to Mission School with this lovely lady. I love her work. It makes me cry. It moves me. Empowers me. Humbles me. Ignites me. Grieves me.

http://www.chollywell.zenfolio.com/

Originals and Prints for Sale

Tumi Sale

New without Tags- All Original Wrapping Inside/Brand New Tumi Sample

Style: Similar to the Ashley Collection City Satchel made of Napa Leather, but this one is a silky nylon, Leather Trim

Color: Carnelian (Orange) with Gold Buckles and Zippers

Retail: $349

For you: $99

It is a lovely bag. Pictures don't do it justice. I picked up two on my way down to Fernandina. One for you and one for me. jgracedavis@hotmail.com

If you are an out of town friend, residing in the United States of America, I will ship it to you.

Traveling with Pomegranates

I visited the Ponce de Leon Branch once again, to return the Half Broke Horses book and got sucked back in to the big shelves in the middle with all the brand new books. I was going to just return my book and leave. I don't like being obligated to return something by a certain date and don't want the words "Library" on my already overwhelming, growing To Do List. But the word is there. On Wednesday. I found this Sue Monk Kidd book there on the shelf, begging me to take it home. Pomegranates. Sue. Due back next Wednesday. Impending fines. Stress. Obligations. But new and hardback and co-written with her daughter, Ann.

Mama used to read to me from The Guidepost, most nights honestly. I think she herself liked to read the inspirational stories and used it as just a filler to get me to go to bed. I know I would do the same. Just read to the kid till she falls asleep and you may as well read something you enjoy instead of having to do all the B'rer Fox and B'rer Bear and B'rer Rabbit voices. Exhausting. So I got Guidepost. Sue Monk Kidd was a regular contributor and her tiny square picture showed a woman that looked a little like my mother and a little like Kathy Oliver, but you don't know her. Sue lived in Anderson and her biography told us that and she had two children, Bob and Ann, her daughter just a little older than me. She wrote about being a nurse, and wife and mother. Her husband's name is Sandy and I thought about Sandy Moore every time she would mentioned him, but you probably don't know him either, but he is sweet. So I imagined her Sandy to be sweet as well and loyal like orphan Annie's dog of the same name. Evidently, I did have a vivid imagination growing up, or perhaps I was just very bored because my mother read to me from a magazine. But, growing up I felt like I kind of knew this woman, who lived in the nearby town. Mom saw her a few times in the mall. She recalls one time in particular where Sue was angry and was walking far ahead of her husband and daughter at a fast pace and it was clear that she was mad. So, after the mall spotting I just imagined Kathy Oliver walking ahead of Sandy Moore all in a huff while little orphan Annie just sat there in her red dress with that shaggy dog. Wow. That is such a tangent. But pretty true.

So I got the book. It is good! I am enjoying it. Almost finished. I read her others as well. In this one, she and her daughter visit Rocamadour in France which I find so incredibly ironic because Mother and I have been there too!! It is about their travels and their finding themselves and their relationship. I can't say Mother and I found ourselves on our journey to Rocamadour. We didn't pray to the Black Virgin. I just prayed to Jesus to get us home because we flew over on buddy passes. But the book is good. Nice. Well written. Contemplative. Sweet. The fight in the mall musta blown over, because they now live in Charleston and she writes a little about that too. The marsh, the birds, the beauty. I like those parts. I think you will too.

Half Broke Horses

As my life is settling back down a little, I am falling back into my glorious routine of book reading. I think I have shared before, my love to read and snuggle up with a good book, far surpasses my love of the remote and reality TV. Despite a pretty steady love affair with the DVR and Housewives drama, I love to check out 4 or 5 books and read a chapter in each, decide on one, read until I feel like I can take a break, then choose a second to open and read until I need a break from the drama unfolding and then open a third and so on, taking breaks to nourish myself with meals in between.
Not long ago, I was in the library, the Ponce de Leon branch and a total stranger lady in a cardigan with glasses on a chain around her neck came up to me and said, "What is a really good book that you just LOVED that you have read lately"? At first I was a little surprised to have a stranger just come up and talk to me and then I just stood there with my mouth open as if she had asked me what is my favorite flavor of ice cream. Where do I begin? Then I started to blush a little as the last book I read was that kinda brainless one I bought in Publix- "Happens Every Day". If you want a morning of brainless, reality book reading, get it. But I could not tell the lady in the cardigan that I like brainless grocery store books. I tried to recall the last piece of true literary genius I had read, but by then she was handing me a stack of stuff off the New Books area and telling me what was good and how she didn't like smut. Oh well. So I withheld my suggestion of the new Emily Giffin book, which I have yet to read, and told her about Kaye Gibbons. But I felt so inept that I could not even think of a single book or title or anything good, and I wanted to ask if she had seen Bethenny Getting Married! or Top Chef, Washington, D.C., but I refrained.
I left her standing in front of the Fiction "G" and I left with her recommendation, Half Broke Horses. There is a second book by the author, Jeanette Walls, which is on my list The Glass Castle: A Memoir. But she insisted I read this one first. The book is a memoir of sorts. Written by Walls, but in first person, from her grandmother's perspective, based on stories her grandmother and mother verbally passed down. It is an interesting view into the world, about 100 years ago, set in the West. It reminded me a little of Granny Davis and her stories of riding bareback and life in the early 1900's and poverty and The Depression that came later on. It is all quite fascinating as it is all true and set in a day and place that I never knew. It makes me want to go out West and saddle up a horse and eat biscuits and jerky, even though I hate jerky. Walls grandmother is a fascinating, wild and crazy character, set in her ways and stubborn and a product of her upbringing. It is a very good read. Makes me want to write a similar "true-life novel", but not about me. That would be boring. Any volunteers?

Body Butter

My friend Jen in Seattle sent me this. I love it. I have this Coconut & Lime one. It is made with real coconut and lime extract, as well as Shea Butter and Cocoa Butter and Safflower Seed Oil. "Shea Butter can naturally improve skin tone, re-hydrate skin, promote cell rejuvenation, improve skin elasticity and lessen the appearance of wrinkles and stretch marks". And it smells good. In addition to the body butter Tree Hut also has scrubs, lotions and washes. Distributors include Kroger and Publix. I am all for good beauty products available at the grocery store. Two errands in one. www.treehutshea.com

Cloudland Canyon State Park

I went here last weekend with the family. Dad rented a cabin for us all. Carla brought the Publix Deli and a small produce stand and a good time was had by all. Mom & Dad brought a puzzle and I brought Skip-Bo and everyone was entertained. Mapquest says it is a little over two hours from Atlanta, but it took me much longer than that for some reason. It is up 75N, but then really an hour off the Exit. So prepare for that if you go. But the cabins are fine. Two Double Beds in each bedroom. Clean. Linens provided. And then there is The Canyon. The views are quite amazing and the 4.5 mile hike around the rim of the Canyon is one of the best hikes I have ever been on. But then again, I have not been on many hikes now that I think about it. Except in Europe and you know those are way better. But you hike through lots of wooded areas that are shaded and breezy with expansive views over the Canyon, it is very secluded and sometimes with the huge roots and large tree cover, it feels a bit like Narnia.



The Park Guides state that the hiking trails are strenuous, but I think that word might be a little harsh. It is a nice little work out. With fun trails. Nature. Scenery. Green. Lush. 2,000 miles above sea level. It would be worth a trip. Rent a cabin with friends and hike both the East and West Rim Loops. Take a board or card game. Eat peaches on the backporch. They have a coffee maker. What else could you need? Don't forget your iPod. All Canyons need a Soundtrack.

Byki Language Instruction

This site, www.byki.com offers excellent, free, fun language instruction. You can download their version in the language of your choice and it comes with several free lessons. After you have completed those, you can go to free word lists on their site, like the one above. Not only do you hear the words, but you are required to write them as well. Eu gosto d muito.

Parfum

I love these Frazer Parfums. These come in Nine different "Chapters", each Chapter inspired from the creators travels around the world. Chapter 1 is nutmeg and jasmin, inspired by India and Chapter 3, coffee and orange blossom inspired by travels in Australia. They are made from handgathered organic beeswax as done in the 18th century. They are housed in these African Blackwood

compacts. The fragrances are strong and unique, but organic and subtle. They travel well too. Retail $45 http://www.anthropologie.com/
www.frazerparfum.com

What do you think?

These are made by Kristin Haner, a friend of a friend and North Georgia College student. She is a talent artist and decorator. She is one of those people who can see something and then create it. She is a painter, graphic and interior designer. Her Etsy Handmade Shop is Foulard Threads.

Lunch- The Porter

As Cafe' on the Corner is a tiny bit of France, this place is a big slice of Amsterdam. In the heart of Little Five Points, it already has the look and feel of Europe, with the eclectic passers-by, tattoo parlor and bizarre shops close by. (Make time to go in Stefan's to check out the vintage clothing). If the streets were just cobblestone, you could not tell the difference. The Porter serves Belgian Fries. That means French Fries with Mayo and you may say, "yuck", but I say "yum". No shame in my game, I love those things. I ate them last on my 31st birthday in The Netherlands...with my eyes closed. They also have shrimp and grits made with truffle oil,the best bean burger in the city (and I know bean burgers) and everything on the menu is paired with...beer, including their sauerkraut and organic Fuji apples. They serve breakfast on weekends and use local Georgia products, like pecans and Sweet Grass Dairy and Flat Creek Lodge cheeses. I am dying to go to Sweet Grass and have been to Flat Creek. That's where I gagged at the Bison Buffalo Steak something or another they served for dinner and got scared going up the fire tower and crawled back down like a wimp. But you should go there too. But the fire tower sways as you get about half way up and your knees turn to jello.

The Porter owners have studied under the best in the business, Seeger's and Bacchanalia's Anne Quatrano to name a few. They know their stuff and the food is great. The atmosphere is a little rough on the inside, a little worn and a smells a little funky, but all that fades when you put your nose in a Schneider Weisse. Proost! Cheers :)

Lunch- Cafe' at the Corner

I had a doctor's appointment in Hapeville. There were needles involved. That means I get a reward. Grape suckers and animal shaped erasers don't cut it anymore. I wanted chocolate. I asked the doctor where was the best place for lunch and he told me, "Cafe' at the Corner". He said it as if there were no other choices. Trusting no one's palate but my own, I actually drove past it first, but I was starving. The band-aid across the vein in my arm brought back memories of pain and light headed-ness and the only way to erase the trauma, was something warm and delicious, followed by something chocolate. So I turned around. I mainly turned around because I had to go to the bathroom. All that water I drank on the way to the doctor's office in anticipation of giving a urine sample was all for naught. They didn't want one. But you never know. Plus I didn't want the nurses to judge me and my coffee addiction. You can tell a lot by one's urine. I pulled in the back of the restaurant, as parking was scarce. The back door was propped open and kinda dirty and there was a stray cat in the parking lot, but by this point I was starving and dancing, so I went inside. I came in through the back and when I got up to the counter, found a long line of people waiting to place their order. Daily specials were on a chalkboard and huge glass dessert counter displayed a grand selection of mouth watering massive cakes and pies. I jumped in line behind a group of men in khakis and short sleeved dress shirts with badges attached to their belts. "Salmon Steak - 4 oz. portion of pan-grilled, Wild Caught Salmon, our lemon-infused linguine, fresh spinach & roasted Roma tomato garnish, with a cup of soupe or salade- $8.99, Quiche Lorraine - All vegetarian savory quiche chock full of spinach, mushrooms, leeks, onions and herbs, served with a Cup of Soup and French Bread & Butter.- $8.49". They even have crepes! I chose the Quiche Lorraine and the White Bean Soup with Truffle Oil. Oh my! The Quiche was drizzled with this Guyere Beurre sauce that took me right back to Cahors. So good. You order everything at the counter and it is all there waiting for you by the time you get to the cashier. There is a large room in the back with rickety bistro tables and chairs. I sat in the back corner with my Quiche and Soup and French Bread and sopped it all up the way Nathalie taught me. Actually, I have been doing that my whole life. It's rude to do that here I 've been told, but you can do it in France all day long. The meal has very distinct French flavors, which probably just means a whole lot of heavy cream, but I don't care. For under $10 I got whisked away to Southern France for just a moment. If I had had a glass of Malbec and a West Highland Terrier tied to my chair, I would not have known the difference. I swung by the dessert counter on my way out and chose two pieces of cake. Don't judge. I couldn't decide! (Band-aid across puncture wound in left arm vein).They wrapped them up neatly and included forks, just in case I couldn't wait until I got home. How'd they know? www.cafeatthecorner.com

Beer

I discovered this beer when traveling to Colorado. Or perhaps I was travelling somewhere else because it seems like I had this for the first time in the Denver airport and it must have been a layover because I think I was on my way somewhere versus headed home and there is no way that if I had actually arrived in Denver and that was my destination that I would have stayed in one of those stinky bars for a beer. There is no logic to any of my reasoning, but when going somewhere, it is celebratory, deserving of a beer even in those gross airport bars that all remind me of a Shoney's sort of. You know, cheap silverware, paper placemats, stinky bleach smell? But coming home, I just get a People Magazine and a package of M&M's Dark and wait for my plane. But, in Denver, in one of those shady gross airport bars where the food is NEVER good, they were pouring this on draft. I was instantly won over. It tastes like what beer is supposed to taste like, fruity and spicy like Belgian beer. But evidently was brewed by this guy in Colorado. This company, New Belgium, makes a wide variety of all sorts of beers and they all look and sound amazing. I have enough guilty pleasures in my life as it is so I have not pursued tasting the variety of beers they make, but I can only assume them all to be delicious. I have had their "1554" beer and it is good too. It honestly reminds me of the typical cheap beer you get at the grocery store in Holland. But this Fat Tire stuff is delicious. It is deserving of having a meal planned around it. Seriously. A Spinach salad with cranberries and goat cheese and glazed pecans would make this come stuff come alive. A 12 pack of Fat Tire is only a few dollars more than a typical Import and honestly so much better than most anything out there. Trust me. Oh yea, my Master Chef "friend" recommends it too! Seriously. I had forgotten about that. Chef Walker, my acquaitance, called "friend", made the comment once that it was the best beer made and all he drank. And he has a very discerning pallate. So there you have it. I am actually having one now. Nothing compares.

Diggin' these

Was on the phone with Carla last week as she grocery shopped. I blabbed about my day and she told me Kroger had Emerald Almonds buy one get one free. My pescatarian lifestyle has made almonds as staple in my diet. I love them. Typically just raw. She said these didn't sound good to her...cocoa. But she got me a jar at my urging. Not sure if I have just overlooked them or never seen these before, but they are surprisingly, amazingly yum. Roasted almonds, rolled in cocoa powder. Yes, a little bitter. Yes, a little sweet. Aren't most things? I put them in my vanilla ice cream last night. Fit for a queen. The only itty bitty drawback is that they use sucralose. Not sure why they just didn't use sugar. So, even though they are trying to kill me, I still highly recommend them.

Photo courtesy of blisstree.com

music

At first hearing of the fast paced rhythm and modern sound of this CD, I wondered why Anglique had fallen so in love and went to all the trouble to send it. I assumed it was another Contemporary Christian artist, Taylor Swift wanna-be. At first, in the first notes of the first song and the first beats of the drum and strums of the guitar. But then I leaned in and listened and I fell deep. I LOVE this album and this girl. She has a beautiful voice and her lyrics blow me away. The song Liquid Love talks about love being the deepest pain but greatest joy one will ever know. It's that cup of joy and suffering Heidi talks about. This is a beautiful, beautiful album. I am wearing it out, singing outloud and loving how it changes the atmosphere when I do.

Shoes

I recently set out to find an extremely comfortable pair of non-slip, non-heel shoes for being on my feet long hours. One of my favorite online shoes sites http://www.6pm.com/ was having a sale on all their Soft Walk shoes. After a little research I learn that this is one of the leading brands among flight attendants and are known to be extremely comfortable. I am a strong believer in that there is no such thing as a comfortable shoe, it is an oxymoron. I prefer bare feet and if society would permit I would follow suit. Don't get me wrong, I love a beautiful shoe and love the look of a high heel, but I certainly feel the pain. I endure it. But I pay a price. I admit that these shoes are pretty hideous and far from feminine or very attractive, but they do make an attempt at being stylish and are worth a try. There are a few styles that could work nicely with jeans or cords in the winter. Mine are these clunky clogs but go perfect with black pants, an apron and a name tag. All Soft Walk shoes were on a one day only sale for $17.95. Their shoes retail for around $100. This discount in price made it well worth the small investment to see if these would live up to their promise of "lasting comfort" and a "massaging footbed". I ordered the shoes on a Thursday and found them on my stoop 5 days later. I have yet to wear them for a full day of standing, but upon trying them on and dancing around the kitchen, I have found them to be the most comfortable shoe I have ever had on my foot. I recommend viewing www.dealnews.com and www.6pm.com periodically for additional Soft Walk sales.

Floor Finish

Carla and I were unpacking groceries at her house the other day. She reached under the sink to show me this product and told me to use it on my hardwood floors. She warned me that it costs more than similiar products but convinced me it would make my floors sparkle. I used it today. Although I can't quite make out my relection, I have found the product to do what it says it will do and to be an excellent floor polish. It can easily be applied with a dry mop. I used my swiffer and a dry Swiffer dust cloth. This is not a cleaner and technically I should have mopped before applying, but I didn't. Retail $7.99

Brunch in the ATL

I love this spot. It really offers little when it comes to ambiance or amazing cuisine. Yet, it has huge, delicious omelets, a seriously diverse menu and easy parking in The Highlands.

They are offering a lunch special this week. Buy One, Get One FREE! Coupon

I recommend the Greek Omelet! You can substitute egg beaters or egg whites and it comes with your choice of TWO of the following: pancakes (regular or multi grain), bagel (plain, whole wheat or cinnamon raisin), toast (whole wheat, sourdough, rye), English muffin, sliced tomatoes, sawmill gravy, grits, fruit, cheese grits, or homefries. I get the multi grain pancakes and oatmeal. It takes two people to eat this entree alone. Abby and I split the massive omelet and pancakes and got a to-go friendly sandwich for lunch at the office the next day.

If breakfast isn't your style, they have salads, sandwiches, and even a Special of the Day Entree' served with "vegetable" sides. You can also order a "real" cherry coke with cherry syrup and the Blue Cheese Chips are incredible and just as good as those at Buckhead Diner.

842 North Highland Avenue. Atlanta, Georgia

Cumberland Island & The Greyfield Inn

Cumberland Island, off the Georgia coast, was cut away from the mainland before the last ice age. About one third of the island is marsh. Thirteen miles of the island are desolate ocean beach. In 1850, the island reached its peak in population at 520 residents, 65 white, 455 black slaves. The abundant live oak were used for ship building. In fact, the timber on the island was once more valued than cotton. As I step onto the island I cannot decide which fascinates me most, the rich, haunting history of slaves and Spaniards or the current symphony of neighing wild horses, scurrying fiddler crab and cries of nearby shorebirds. I am instantly caught up in the feeling that I am in an enchanted far away place. The primitiveness of the island living is evident in the battered pickup trucks, vintage hand pump well and slightly overgrown, but used daily, tennis court.I am no longer in the year 2009, but more like 1954 and certainly not in the United States, but more like Rhodesia before the war and name change. It is a foreign land, with foreign foliage and rusty bicycles.The pace is slow and easy. The ocean air is moist and salve to my soul. I am in another time and another world and 20 years younger. The canopy's of trees become a cathedral and a wild horse, my trusty companion. My veil is blowing in the wind and my sword hangs across my chest. "Cocktails"! Did someone say, "Cocktails?". I am interrupted by a boy in khaki pants informing me of the rules of the house. "Honor bar. Got it."

The Greyfield Inn was built in 1900. My room is rather predictable and more museum-esque than comfortable, but nice and pristine and all a part of the escape to another time. The crisp white bedding and spartan antiques take me back and I find myself day dreaming again. I spend most of my day on the huge pillow strewn swing on the front porch, slipping inside intermittently to freshen my cocktail, scribbling my order in a spiral bound notebook with a dull pencil and take another dusty book from the library shelf. I spend a lot of time in the parlor too, when no one else is there, starring at the picture of Lucy Carnegie Ferguson. You can read her story in "Strong Women, Wild Horses". She bears a striking resemblance to her granddaughter, Gogo who splits her time between the island, Morocco and Martha's Vineyard. You must find her and ask about her jewelry. She makes it in this tiny little white shed near the Inn. If you don't get a chance to see it there, be sure and visit her shop on Sea Island in the Harris Teeter shopping center.

The Inn is the only accommodation on the island. Rates are around $500/night and include breakfast, lunch, cocktail hour hors d'hoeuvres and dinner. The food is good, not excellent. My favorite part is cocktail hour, not because of the cocktails, but the extravagant oyster roast centered around it: shucking oysters, by a fire, on an island, on the lawn of the palatial Carnegie estate. Lunch includes a picnic and a "midday exploration". I had my picnic lunch at the Dungeness Ruins and suddenly found myself dreaming again about what this palatial estate what have once been like and wishing the remaining bricks could talk. Park Rangers provide pick-up truck tours and answers to all your questions.(The book below, Bed & Breakfasts & Country Inns offers a One Night Free coupon and can be purchased for around $15 on http://www.amazon.com/).

One can also camp quite comfortably on the island. Do not go in the slap dab middle of the summer. You will burn slap up and you may die. There is nothing worse than a hot Georgia summer on an island in a tent with mosquitoes. I do not say this in jest. I am quite serious. Do not camp in June or July or August or even September. Consider yourself warned. You really need to make reservations if camping and pack light. Site costs are between $2 and $4 per person per night and are limited to a 7 night stay. About 10 miles from Sea Camp is a place called Brickhill Bluff that is a favorite for spotting dolphin and manatee. If you prefer restrooms and shower facilities, you may pitch your tents at the Sea Camp Campground. There you also have a grill, fire ring, food cage and picnic table.
$80 will cover round trip ferry rides, park admission, campsites and bicycle rentals for one couple for a day.

If you need to say overnight in St. Mary's, try The Spencer House Inn, owned by Mike and Mary Neff. 1-912-882-1872

Strong Women, Wild Horses

Coming soon... A review of Georgia's largest barrier island, Cumberland. This book is an excellent historical review and general juicy good gossip of the island. Read this before or during your stay and the story will come to life.

C-A-N-D-Y

"I don't like candy". That is a big fat lie. Last Christmas I got a package in the mail and inside the box, along with the gift were tons of little chocolate covered things in tiny boxes and individually wrapped and I sat them all aside and said, "I don't eat candy". Three days later they were gone. I do like candy. I love candy. It is good. I think it was the first word I learned to spell. When I was little Mom would spell it when referring to it, thinking I could not understand. Now, I limit sugar to baby kisses as often as possible and don't buy it and don't even go down the candy aisle, but I still breathe and am very much alive and just looking at candy makes my mouth water. I confess that I am truly not a big fan of hard candy or fruit flavors, although I did have some Korean or Asian Candy of somesort that was handed to me while on the back of a covered truck in Mozambique by a non English speaking Korean boy that was pretty amazing. But I attributed the experience to the fact that I was just really hungry. I have a rule that it has to be chocolate to be worth the calories. Plus, chocolate is good for you...right? Well, dark chocolate is...isn't it? This week a coworker left a bag of Hershey's Kisses out for the taking. They were the dark chocolate kind, in purple wrappers, so I took one. I walked back down the hall and grabbed another, but this one was orange. I put it in my desk drawer. I had lunch. I wanted something sweet. I opened the drawer. I pulled out the orange kiss. Its tiny paper flag read Pumpkin Spice. Oh my. It was pretty good. I had no idea Hershey had launched a line. Evidently they have. Years ago. They have peanut butter and candy corn and mint and caramel apple and all sorts. My quick research on the matter tells me they sell them exclusively at Target and only during certain seasons. They all get mixed reviews on their goodness. Not a single one of them are remotely good for you. There is way too much fat content. But I say you can have 1. But just 1. Everything in moderation. I found this site. I could stay on here all day and drool. I have changed my desired occupation. I now want to write exclusively for this blog: http://www.candyblog.net/

Household Products

Laura Steen knows everything. She really does. As a military wife, she has learned resilience and is strong and wise and stunning and funny and wonderful. Poor thing, she has to move a lot and therefore often references things in life by her location. I catch her saying, "Oh yea, I've been doing that since Clarksville" or "I've had this since Hawaii". She recommends Thrift...since Deridder. How, pray tell did we get on the conversation of clogged drains you ask? The answer is simple. We discuss everything. Yes, everything. Bras. Hairloss. Wrinkles. Boys. Girls. Babies. Clothes. Mold. Mildew. Airconditioning units. Jesus. Mothers. Sisters. TJ Maxx. Clogged Drains.

Laura says you simply follow the directions. She uses her tea kettle on the stove and boils water and uses that to flush down the powdered drain cleaner. She says you can hear it working!

Designs for the Home

Aunt Phylis introduced me to Nambe' and I love it. Nambe' was established in 1953 and named for a village near Santa Fe. "Martin Eden, a former metallurgist with Los Alamos National Laboratories, develped an eight-metal alloy that retains hot and cold temperatures for long periods of time". Their unique designs are displayed in art museums all over the world. They now make crystal, dinnerware and flatware. You can find Nambe' at Neiman Marcus and Macy's. There is one tiny, okay, not so tiny drawback with Nambe'. It all used to be made in Northern New Mexico. It is now cast in India or China. They state that it is the same alloy and that the move overseas was a necessity during the current economic times. I am trying not to hold this move against them. Would I rather have overseas Nambe' or no Nambe'? India schmindia.

testimony jars

I made these. I think they turned out great. You know how at work you do a million good things and no one says a word, but you screw up once and you never hear the end of it? Well, sometimes I think that is what we do with God. As long as things are going great, all is well, but something bad happens and we raise our fists at God and blame Him. I created these little jars to fill them up with all the good things God is doing in life, those tiny and some really huge miracles that prove Him alive, in a good mood, a kind Father who is working daily in our lives. Just jot down the testimony and drop them in!

Let me know if I can customize one for you. jgracedavis@hotmail.com Retail: $4.99

Household Cleanser

Linda Kronenthal of Yorktown, Virginia is known for her Out-of-this-World oatmeal and her Shag moves on the dance floor. Linda taught me how to make perfect soft scrambled eggs. Linda can dance her way around a kitchen and recommends this do-it-all cleanser. She claims there is no elbow grease required when using this stuff and it works wonders. They describe themselves here:

If you're looking for a cleanser you can trust to clean your stainless steel, porcelain, ceramic tile, plastic, copper, china, fiberglass, imitation marble, tile, grout, chrome, and composition sinks--trust Bar Keepers Friend. Bar Keepers Friend, the Can Do Cleanser! Our motto is, "Once Tried, Always Used! Bar Keepers Friend will be your "cleaning friend" for life!" Bar Keepers Friend is safe around food areas. Phosphate, bleach, ammonia & fume free. Eliminates fingerprints, dirt, oil, smudges, spots, grease, and more.

Bar Keepers Friend can be found were most cleaning supplies are sold.

Retail Price: $2

Shoes

These are fun, comfortable, eco-friendly and if you can catch the sale, inexpensive shoes. I discovered the website from my favorite websale site, Deal News.

Simple Shoes deeply discounts their clearance items and offers free shipping. I bought this pair for under $10! The same day I wore them for the first time, I found a display of Simple Shoes in Neiman Marcus, a practically identical pair was $90. They are comfortable, well made and made from organic, eco-friendly products, recycled tires and inner tubes! I even got this nifty little sleeve for my laptop for under $5. These retail for around $30.At one time they had these neat, but somewhat ugly, "Sew it Yourself" shoes for $5 (Retail $90). They came with an instructional DVD, needles, thread and thimbles. Who would pay $90 for shoes you have to make? Not me. But I did pay $5. I admit. They looked like fun! And $5!! I got them for Catherine and Gracie. I envisioned us all sitting around the kitchen table one cold rainy day and sipping cider and sewing our shoes and pretending to be Laura and Mary...and as always, I play the spoiled, high-maintenance Nellie Oleson.

These are on sale now for under $15 :