Black Friday

This hip chick will not be joining the masses buying Christmas presents today. I don't care how much money I'd save and I'm all for saving money, as anyone who knows me can attest. I will be crafting instead, getting ready for the Christmas Boutique next Sunday from 12-5 at Colorz Hair in Walnut Creek. I'm making wreaths, and tags, ornaments etc...all in the vintage hip chick style. FUN!! My camera is still in the shop (annoying) so I can't take any shots of this stuff but as soon as I can I shall post it. Hope you all are safe at home and not out getting trampled by the mobs of crazy bargain hunters on a mission.............

Thanksgiving and gratitute

Happy Thanksgiving to you! I have always loved Thanksgiving, it's the most genuine holiday we Americans have. People get together with loved ones and give thanks with a delicious meal. I adore turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, gravy and cranberry sauce all in one bite. It's a perfect 10. I spent the day today (wednesday) decorating at the shop for Christmas. This weekend my sweet sister Holly is coming to help me paint the walls in Bob's old space and get it looking pretty and polished for Hip Chick's grand opening. (date to be determined after the holidays....) This hip chick has much to be grateful for. For starters I will brainstorm the first things that come to mind......my health, sobriety, my family including my husband and children, my loving and fantastic friends, my studio, my creativity that constantly keeps me moving forward and focused, my connection with God, miracles, laughter, smiles, ice cream and the smell of roses, artist's, women, water, antiques, learning, mannequins, living in a beautiful and safe town, having enough money to eat nice food, pay our bills and afford treats. And the list goes on.....one thing I am most grateful for is the ability to choose to live the life I want, to realize now that I am a grown up (in age only) I have the freedom to create the life I choose. When I was young all I wanted was to be free to make my own choices and that is something I never take for granted. So I wish you the best of holidays and if you are living the life of your dreams I congratulate you, if you aren't sure what your dreams are then read the Artist Way. This book changed my life and I promise it can change yours too. Happy Thanksgiving to all you sweet people who support this hip chick, I love you!!!!

Old Fashioned Sweet Potato Pie

I saw this recipe in the Food and Wine section of the paper and thought it sounded good. Well let me tell you it was!! DELICIOUS! I will make it again and again and it's light, easy and oh so tasty. I still have one piece left and I think I'll go eat it right now........
Old Fashioned Sweet Potato Pie

• 2 cups peeled cooked sweet potatoes
• 1 ¼ cups sugar divided
• ½ stick butter
• 2 eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon each ground ginger and ground cinnamon
• 1 cup milk
• 9 inch pie crust
• 3 egg whites
• 1. Preheat the oven to 350
• 2. Using electric mixer, mix potatoes and 1 cup sugar, butter, eggs, vanilla, salt and spices. Add milk and continue to mix.
• 3. Pour filling into pie crust and bake for 35 to 45 mins. Or until a knife inserted in center comes out clean. Cool to room temperature before covering with meringue.
• Meringue
• Beat 3 egg whites until soft peaks form and add remaining ¼ cup sugar 1 teaspoon at a time. When mixture is glossy and stiff spoon meringue onto pie and bake additional 10 mins. or until topping is browned.