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In case you read this in Google Reader or email I made some changes to the blog tonight and would love for you to check them out. Still trying to decide on the layout, but I do like my new header. Working on a new header for my Pink Owl Blog and for my Etsy site.

7 on Sunday

1. Getting very excited for Black Friday. Working on my lists. My mom and I go every year and I not only love the deals, but getting to spend that time with her.

2. It is unseasonably warm here. In fact as I type this at 9:32pm we have the window in the living room open. I'm starting to get a bit chilly, but it's that good chilly. I know come Friday when my mom and I are shopping we will be freezing, it's gonna happen.

3. Had to buy Dart dress pants for Tuesday. They have awards assemblies at their school and he has a speaking role in the assembly as 3rd grade is playing the leadership role. At their school they are part of "The Leader in Me" program, based on "The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People". Each grade plays a role in the assemblies. They started last year and it is amazing the transformation in the kids. Because he has a speaking role he has to dress like a leader as well. He does NOT wear dress pants or even jeans. I cannot believe the price for kids pants, got his on sale for $12.00 reg price was $32.00 for a pair of pants for a 9 year old boy. There is no way I would pay $32.00 for a pair of pants for him. Audrey is also receiving an award, but getting a nice dress for her to wear is not a problem, she has a ton in the closet.

4. Spent the weekend working on a couple of banners, a card order, and another good size order. Will show pictures when I'm done.

5. I have an addiction to photoshop elements. I LOVE editing pictures and just playing with digital stuff. In the new year I plan to do a lot more digital stuff.

6. Was a good sports weekend. Got to watch my Chiefs not only play, but win. Mizzou won and Nebraska lost(and I'm pretty sure Bo is on the naughty list after his actions). And not sports related, but a win for Columbia, Shakespeare's Pizza was voted as the Best College Hangout in Best Bites on Good Morning America. If you are ever in Columbia, Shakespeare's is a MUST!

7. Starting to work on my 34 before 35 list. Thinking of making a mini book to track it this year. I think my goals and ideas for the year are going to be so different than ever before in my life. Also starting to think about my one little word for the year, inspired by Ali Edwards

+1. Working on my December Daily book, also inspired by Ali Edwards. This will be the first year I've done it, but I'm excited about it. Mapped it out last night and this morning.

Day 21 of 25 Handmade Gifts to Give

Today's gift ideas are jewelry. I'm not a big jewelry wearer, I do love funky rings though. As for earrings and necklaces, but when it comes to bracelets I'm really picky. I don't like really chunky ones, too hard to work with them. I have a few bracelets that are more charm type that I love and wear.

I found this necklace on etsy in Chain Link's shop and love it.

This is totally a ring I would wear! Although I think first I'd have to keep Audrey away from it. From McKinley Designs

Love this pendant. Would love one for each kid with their initial. From E. Ria Designs

If you have a jewelry lover on your list check etsy out. There are tons of amazing designs for every jewelry lover.

Soup on Sunday

Our weather is not suitable for soup today though. I want some of that winter weather other parts of the country are experiencing. Yes, I'm crazy, but I love winter and snow.

Today's soup is one I made a couple weeks ago and it was so good.

Tomato Corn Chowder
4 bacon strips, diced
1 large onion, chopped
2 cans(15 1/4oz each) whole kernel corn, undrained
2 cans(14 1/2oz each) diced tomatoes, undrained
4 medium potatoes, peeled and diced



In a large saucepan, cook bacon over medium heat until crisp. Remove to paper towels; drain, reserving 1tbs drippings. In the drippings saute onion until tender.

Add the corn, tomatoes, and potatoes. Cook over medium heat for 25-30 minutes or until potatoes are tender. Sprinkle with bacon.

I was able to find family size cans of corn and bought 2 of those and used both so ours was a little thinner, would probably drain some off next time. I also added some shredded cheese and sour cream to my bowl the next day. Super easy, especially since you cook the potatoes right in with the rest of the stuff. One pot to make it all in is my kind of cleaning.

Serves 9

Random Info about Me

Just some random tidbits about me.

• I love and am highly addicted to Twitter I have a hard time not checking it 100 times a day. 
• I'm starting to work on my 34 before 35 list. I need to review my 33 before 34 list and see what I actually accomplished, what can be added to my new list and what I have no interest in anymore.
• I recently discovered Mind Mapping and feel like it is changing my life. I will be doing a post about this later on. 
• I am getting very excited for Black Friday. My mom and I spend the day together shopping and it is one of my favorite days of the year. 
• I got new fleece pj pants the other day and Dart is extremely jealous of me. He keeps reaching over and petting my pants. Guess what's on my list for him for Christmas. 
• I've discovered lately that while I love chocolate, I am a salty kind of girl. 
• I am hoping Shakespeare's Pizza wins the Best College Hangout on GMA. Love Shake's.
• I am so excited that Nebraska lost tonight. Holy cow was Bo just a wee bit upset tonight? Wow, his actions prompted Audrey to say "He would be in Red by now and going to see the principal." I can't wait to tell her teacher.

Got lots done on my to do list today. Lots to get done before we head out of town next week. Lots of orders I have to get done. Will show you what I'm working on. Lots of mind mapping to get them figured out. Seriously changing how I work. Can't wait to have lots more info on it to share with you. 

Day 20 of Handmade Gifts to Give

After day 19's post about cookies I figure in order to do all that amazing baking that happens at the Holidays, one must have a cute apron to go with it, so that's the ideas for today.

I love the oven mitt pockets. From Delaney's Closet.

How cute is that?!! From Pig and Company
She has an adorable owl apron.

How cute would that be for a little baker in your life? From GranmaShirley


Back tomorrow with more gift ideas.

Day 19 of 25 Handmade Gifts to Give

So for the last few days of the gifts to give posts I'm going to feature things I find that I love.

I don't know how I came across this shop, but OMG! her stuff is AMAZING. Yes I know that's a lot of caps in one sentence, but look at her stuff. Batches is the name of the shop.

I love that she has pink owl cookies.

More cute cookies. This time from KindredSpiritSweets

How cute are those doggies?

I love these cookies from TSCookies

There are some really cute school bus ones in the same shop.

Being a former tennis player I would have loved these when I was playing(well I'd still love them). From Ruthie's Cookies

She has some that I know my brother would love to have. She has some running shoes and running jersey's.

Didn't mean for this idea list to be all about cookies, but once I found one they just kept appearing.