May 28, 2013

Printable Fundraiser Update

Hey guys! I just wanted to pop in and give you an update on how much you all have raised by purchasing my "there will come a time" printable. If you remember, I made it as a way to raise money for those people impacted by the tornadoes in the Oklahoma City area last week.

100% profits to OK tornado victims

In one week you guys raised $350!!! Thank you from the bottom of my heart! I am so humbled and blessed that you chose my print as a way to give back and I hope you have enjoyed your little printable.

I am also humbled by the countless stories you all have shared with me. Stories of people that were in the lines of the tornado that made it through, those of you that have seen first hand, the tragedy the storms caused, stories of how special those lyrics are to you and so many more. It's been an honor to be part of this story for many of you. Thank you for your words and taking the time to contact me. Those stories have made me cry, made me smile and just feel closer to you all. So thank you.

If you're wanting to give, you can still get the printable here for $10 and all proceeds will be donated to the Oklahoma City chapter of the American Red Cross.

And just so you know, the $350 was given today! Here's the proof.


Thanks again!

May 22, 2013

Helping Oklahoma tornado victims one printable at a time

I have no words for the tragedy that happened in here in my state, Oklahoma on Monday. I am heart broken, confused and feel a bit of anxiousness at the whole thing.

Instead of trying to put into words what I'm feeling, my sweet friend, Amy, who is far better with words than I shared her heart on her blog and it pretty much echoes all my thoughts and feelings. You can read it here.

I am also completely taken back at how many people, organizations and stores, both locally and nation-wide, have opened their talents to benefit the relief efforts.

I posted a picture to instagram yesterday with a link to ways you can help, here's that link for so many non-profits ready to help.

Others not mentioned there
Samaritan's Purse
Red Cross - Disaster Relief

There's also some incredible artists in the handmade community giving back. Here are links to their sites to see how you can donate and get something in return, like a necklace, bow or printable.



joyshope - such a great printable for you with 100% proceeds to Red Cross
bloomieshandmade - Use coupon code "HELPOK" at checkout to purchase our Strawberry Dream felt bow for $5. ALL $5 will be donated to the Red Cross in Oklahoma.
wifeysinger - giving back part of the proceeds of this necklace
lovelylittlewimsy - printable with 100% proceeds to Catholic Charities in Moore, OK



There's also theokaysee - currently sold out, but check back next week for a sweet t-shirt with 100% proceeds going to the Regional Food Bank.

And then there's my shop, I'm giving 100% proceeds of each sale of this print to the Oklahoma Red Cross.

100% profits to OK tornado victims

It's $10 bucks y'all. Get and Give.

Here's another Okie giving back.


Bree from SuttleCrafts is giving 100% proceeds of this print to Feed the Children.

I was going to post another awesome company but they have already sold out 2x of their cute OK hello tanks. The first round went fast and I'm thankful I was quick to get one.



Why am I posting, well because when a company raises about $70,000 in less than 2 hours, that's worth mentioning! So thank you hello apparel!

Okay, that's all I have for today. If you're a handmade shop owner and would like to be included in the list or if you're local and giving back somehow, drop me a note in comments and I'll add you.

Thank you everyone, from the bottom of this Okie's heart. And if you can't give, pray. Always pray.

May 20, 2013

i heart art

Happy Monday!

Today I get to celebrate 7 years of being married to the love of my life and best friend! Maybe more on that later but for now I wanted to let you know I'm being featured over at Pen and Paint blog as part of Lindsay's "i heart art" series!!



Lindsay is a great artist and I am honored to be part of her series! So go say hi, get a coupon code for 20% off anything in my shop AND enter the giveaway to win a print of your choice from my shop!


May 14, 2013

We went fishing

This outing happened a little while back but I'm finally getting around to having some time to post the pictures.

The key to any good fishing trip has always been and will always be snacks - the kind of snacks you don't get everyday.

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The weather was perfect!

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fishing5

fishing6 

I still don't understand him trying to teach her to "lip" a tiny perch but it sure was cute to watch.

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And little sister's hair just cracks me up here. A nice combo of sunscreen, sweat and wind.

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Little outings like these make me appreciate a slower pace and get me excited about the day we're just relaxing on our land by the pond. In time.

Be Courageous

Hey friends. I wanted to share a opportunity to help my friend, Kate. Kate is adopting, you can read more about it in her post here.

To help raise funds for their adoption - the process isn't cheap you know - she's selling printables designed by myself and some of my favorite people!

source


Check out her post to get your own printable, learn more about specific prayer needs or just leave her a note of encouragement!

Thanks!

May 7, 2013

Spring Rolls

Spring rolls by recipeforcrazy

People have asked what how I make mine and what I use to fill them but it's hard for me to answer because I do it differently every time.

It really just depends on what I have on hand but there is a general structure to my rolls.

So for those of you that have asked and are interested in making your own here's what I like: I always start with a fresh herb, some kind of green - bibb lettuce, spinach, bok choy, or romaine have all worked well, carrot sticks because I like a little crunch, green onion and cucumber. Sometimes I'll add thin rice noodles, sometimes bean sprouts. I used avocado in these and loved it. I've also added shrimp and those were amazing.

The possibilities and combinations are endless! Just keep it fresh and it's bound to be tasty - and healthy!

Oh, and for dipping sauces, I like to mix sweet chili sauce with Thai peanut sauce. The Thai peanut sauce gives it a little kick. I bought both at an Asian market and they last forever.

spring roll step-by-step

Here are a few tips I've learned along the way that makes things easier:
  • have everything ready before you get rolling - chop the veggies, make the rice noodles (if you decide to use them) and get everything organized
  • just dip the rice paper in warm water to get it wet - don't soak it. The paper absorbs the water and softens as you fill it 
  • start with your herb (i like cilantro and Thai basil) then top it with the green of your choice, this creates a little pocket to put the remaining filling into which makes it easier to roll in the end 
  • mix it up - try a variety of veggies and herbs to see what you like best
  • just keep rolling - my first attempts were kind of sad looking but the more I make them, the better I get at it and really, it doesn't matter how it looks as long as it tastes good
  • have fun!
Oh, and because I've been asked this too - no, my kids don't eat these. They'll eat just about everything in them, just not rolled up. And the leftover veggies are a great addition to smoothies!

Have a great day!

May 6, 2013

And the winner is...

I am so excited to announce the "Kisses from Katie" book giveaway winner today!

Also, I just realized it's Kisses from Katie and not Kisses for Katie, as I have been calling it for ever. So sorry for the confusion.

giveawaywinner

I randomly chose a winner through random number generator and #55 is the winner, Brooke Leigh!

Send me your info to lesleyzellersdesigns(at)gmail.com and I'll get that book to you.

If you didn't win but still want a copy, you can get it here at amazon. You won't regret it.

Also, thank you so much for all the encouraging comments from that post. You guys are the best and I thank you so much for being kind to me.

Thanks also for being so open in your comments and sharing your hearts with me. I feel like we're all a little closer :) I want to reply to each one but I haven't been home for a few days so I haven't been around my computer - be patient with me.

I hope you have an awesome Monday!!