my friend c jane is doing a giveaway for an annual pass to thanksgiving point. it would be worth it to win just to see the tulips. check it out! (but please let me win.)

First Five Gimme Gimme (From Queen Scarlett & La Yen)

The first five people to respond to this post will get something made by me!

my choice. for you. this offer does have some restrictions and limitations:
1. I make no guarantees that you will like what I make!
2. what I create will be just for you.
3. it’ll be done this year. {translation: you may be waiting a little while}
4. you have no clue what it’s going to be … it may be cards, a poem, a bookmark, something yummy or a complete surprise to you (and me!) … who knows? not you, that’s for sure!
5. i reserve the right to do something extremely strange.
6. most importantly, you must offer the same deal on your blog – the first 5 people to comment on your blog (or if you do not have a blog, facebook) get something made by YOU! the first 5 people to do so and leave a comment telling me they did win a FAB-U-LOUS homemade gift by me …

Those were the rules as copied exactly from the Greek Goddess‘ blog. She added an idea. If you’re not the kind of person that wants to make something tangible for others, how about some kind of service for them, any type, any size?

photo courtesy of Zappos

They’re ba-ack.

I don’t know who or how. I just know I’m happy about it. The sun is shining. The shoes are back on my daughter’s feet where they belong. For one tiny moment I’m going to let myself believe that all is well with the world. (Notice the peace signs and unicorns on the shoes…now all I need is a rainbow.)

p.s. Cari–when I called to complain to the counselor this morning I mentioned your son’s coat as well. In this case we got lucky, but it’s a real problem and they need to address it.

You have until midnight (tonight). Go!

So in case you didn’t hear, after three years of merely placing, I finally took home the grand prize at the local marching band chili cook-off. I had to laugh at one of the judges who secretly admitted to me that she votes for my entry every year and felt vindicated that I’d finally won first place. She must recognize my fire-red Le Crueset because I’ve used a different recipe every year. This year I made my favorite white bean chili.

White Bean Chili
this is a kid friendly soup–even my kids who won’t eat beans love this soup

4 chicken breasts, cooked and shredded (methods vary for getting this far; take your pick)

1 TBSP. oil
2 medium onions, chopped
4 cloves garlic, minced

2 4-oz cans chopped green chilis (I used the fire-roasted this time, maybe that’s what gave me an edge)
1 tsp. cumin
1 tsp. oregano
1/4 tsp. cayenne pepper

4 16-oz cans white beans
3 c. chicken broth (I just use three cans)

1 c. sour cream
3 c. grated Monterey Jack cheese

Heat oil in a very large skillet or stockpot. Lightly saute onions and garlic. Stir in chicken.

Add chopped green chilis, cumin, oregano and cayenne pepper (I toss in some Penzeys chili powder, too)

Pour in white beans and chicken broth. Heat through thoroughly, bringing almost to a boil but not boiling.

Stir in sour cream and Monterey Jack cheese. (Don’t panic if the Jack cheese is a little rubbery at first, it will melt and make a nice broth.) If soup is too chunky you can add a little more chicken broth or even a little water as desired.

Serve with another dollop of sour cream or more grated cheese or however else you like. (You put enough cheese on it the phone book would taste good.)

If you have a favorite soup or chili recipe why don’t you post it in the comments?

And there’s a new blog in town. It’s called Mormons Going Veggie. I’m just a Jack Veggie (which I guess is a step above being a Jack Mormon), but I’ll admit they’ve got some tasty recipes. You should check them out.

Finally, we’re dishing about dinner over at Segullah. What say you?

The Nie Auction is now closed.

Congratulations to Erin for winning the soap and to Sue-D for claiming the pie. Corrie–if you want to match her bid ($47) I will be happy to make two pies (no pressure–just an offer) If Corrie declines I’ll make a second pie for the first person to match Sue’s bid.

To claim your prize, e-mail me at henfeatherzATgmailDOTcom. I’ll send you my contact information and as soon as I receive your donation receipt I’ll deliver the goods.

Thanks for participating everyone!

Yesterday–after two weeks of trying–I finally heard back from the carpet retailer and I now have a date on the calendar for them to measure my house for new carpet. Wahoo!

It’s not a lot of new carpet. We have some pretty beat up wood flooring in the upstairs bedrooms, tile in the kitchen and we are putting wood in the dining room (to be installed Friday–Yay!) And we are leaving the bright red but practically invincible carpet downstairs alone. But having new carpet in on the split-entry stairs and in the living room and hallway will make a big difference in the look and feel of our upstairs as well as in my desire to vacuum (like there will actually be a point to vacuuming now).

So it’s time to move on from my completely depressing paint failures and talk about the new carpet. Here is why I’m hopeful this new carpet will the best ever:

1. I’ve discovered the absolutely genius and beauty of a product called Folex.

2. Because I bought my wood flooring during a big promotion I’m also getting a brand new Hoover absolutely free. I’m really more of a commercial Eureka girl, but hey, if the price is right… (And just think how nice it will be to have a vacuum on each floor of the house and have attachments to use on the stairs.)

3. It’s Stainmaster.

4. It’s the color of dirt (twelve different kinds of dirt).

5. Three of my four children will have moved out before the stain warranty expires.

Enough said.