Boots McBlog

Each Friday for nearly a year now,  I’ve sat down to write to you of my favorite things.   You have seen dresses and jewelry.   You may have seen a shoe or two…maybe?  However, one of my most favorite things of all is working with other women and organizations  who are changing lives for the better.   During the holidays,   it is easy to get lost in the lists of what everyone in  the  family is wishing from Santa.   Perhaps,  you,  like me,  have spied some fabulous gift giving guides and you’ve earmarked a few things you hope to find under your tree.  A great thing about this time of year,  is that so many people take time away from the lists and choose to give to others who are in greater need.    As we’ve celebrated this gracious holiday we’ve looked at beautiful gift wrap (G),  a yummy recipe (R), we looked around my house ( A),  and now we are up to the C of our  GRACE filled season.  C is for Charity.

When it comes to charities and non profit organizations, there are millions from which to choose.   The sea of good causes is endless.   How does one know where to give?   I’ve taken notes from some of the corporations I’ve solicited for donations over the years on behalf of  various charitable projects.    What I’ve found is that  several companies and families find a focus area.   Some choose children,   or a disease.  Some choose to shelter animals,   promote and sustain the arts.  Some value  education or the environment.   They find one or two causes  they support and then they  know they are making the biggest impact with their treasures.  It   also warms their hearts.  As I have honed my personal mission statement to creatively inspire women to  live strong, beautiful, gracious lives in Christ, I have begun  to use this to build the parameters around which charities I give my time, my talent,  and my treasure.   My personal choice is to work with organizations empowering women.   I have been blessed this year to work with several local charities that are making a BIG impact in our small state.   If you are looking for a place to share your time, talent, or treasure  I pray you will consider the following organizations:

Junior League of Little Rock - It is no secret that the Junior League of LIttle Rock is very near and dear to my heart.   As a past President of the organization,  I know first hand the training and empowerment they provide to young women.   It amazes me to know the perception that the Junior League is an organization of women who drink tea and play tennis.   Some of us do that.  But in addition to those activities – we learn how to organize budgets, fundraisers,  and community projects.   During the time in the League a member is sure to work with the elderly through the Night Owls program  or mentor a teen mom through Families and Children Together, serve meals and encouragement to a family in need at Arkansas Children’s hospital.  Spend a week at summer camp with children with disabilities,  or make sure that all children get their immunizations.   The Junior League of Little Rock has a legacy of service to this community – through the numerous community projects.   More than this, the League has developed and is developing some of the top civic leaders in our state.  These women sit on various non profit boards.  They organize and help other charities succeeed in fund raising efforts.  They are all a force for change in their work places, their churches, in this city and this state.   They are more than pumps and pearls,  they are a force for good.   www.jllr.org 501.375-5557

Our House - Our House provides the working homeless – individuals and families – with shelter, housing, job training, education, free childcare and summer youth programs, in order to equip them with the skills to be successful in the workforce, the community and their own families.   I have had the privilege to meet their Exeutive Director Georgia Mjartan on several occaisions and know  her heart and the heart of all their employees are first and foremost to see the families succeed and break the cycle of homelessness and joblessness.  www.ourhouseshelter.org

Simone’s Home: Last Spring I was completely blessed to meet Stephanie Johnson the founder of  Simone’s Home.   Here was this smart, sharp, young woman who had given up her professional career to create a shelter and haven for  girls 12-18 living in foster care.   Stephanie’s testimony is amazing to hear how God moved her heart to help this population.   Each year she houses 6 – 10 young women who need a home.  Who need basic shelter.  Who need a friend.  Who need mentors.   I was struck by the story that several of these girls have never had a birthday cake.   They don’t know what it’s like to have a Christmas present.  New clothes are rare.  I think back to what I was like as a teenager.  My life has been so richly blessed.   If you only have a small amount to give this year,  consider giving here because it will make a huge impact to their small budget.    The mission of Simone’s HOme is to work with female youths to influence the at-risk youths to gain a sense of value. SH seeks to prevent problem behaviors by preparing young leaders to meet the challenges of adolescence through a series of structured, progressive activities and experiences that help them obtain social, emotional, ethical, physical and cognitive competencies. Youths who build on their strengths can use their abilities to influence the attitudes and behaviors of their peers.  www.simoneshome.com 501-772-4987

Women and Children First – May I say what an honor and privilege it has been this year to be one of their newest board members.   One of the reasons I jumped at the chance to be part of this team is because (as the ones listed above), it is one of the best run organizations in the city that is making a huge impact in the lives of women.    Women and Children First empowers women and their children to live independently and free from domestic violence by providing crisis intervention, safe shelter, social and legal advocacy and support services.   Not only does this organization equip women to live stronger lives – they are working to support and push legislation to offer the most protection to victims of domestic and family violence.   The success stories of women and families who have found safe footing and have been able to begin again is inspiring.    If you can donate tolietries or housewares to set up new living quarters in transitional housing,  the organization would greatly appreciate it.   Email them to get on their top ten list of needs each month.  Their needs are as simple as diapers, toilet paper and cleaning supplies.   If you want to donate big,  there is a kitchen -dining renovation in the works that will make dinner time a more meaningful interaction for families.  And  If a party is more your style,   we’d love to have you join us for the Woman of they Year Gala on January 15, 2011.     Tickets or donation info can be found at www.wcfarkansas.org 501. 376-3219

I realize this season,  some of us have a smaller holiday budget than usual.  If so,   I pray you will think of ways throughout the year you can lend your time and talent to these wonderful organizations.   We all have learned it is better to give than to receive.  May we put it  into practice to reach beyond ourselves.   We will indeed find that our joy in giving of our personal gifts is better than anything that can be put in a gift bag and wrapped with a bow – no matter how perfectly tied.  I read a quote from President and Founder of Restore Interanational  Bob Goff today that best sums up the need for charity:

“We did nothing to earn this life:  all we can do in exchange is to give it away”

Just as each one has received a gift, use it to serve one another as good stewards of the varied grace of God.  1 Peter 4:10

Merry Christmas, Y’all!

boots

xxoo

There’s a little basket I keep on my back gate.   I refer to it as the “happy” basket.    It’s the place where my sweet friends and I exchange notes or treats or whatever it is that we are trying to swap.    I always know the holidays are here when I find in my basket a jar of Mauri’s Sherried Cranberries.    For the past ten years, my family has come to expect I will share them as our pre-Thanksgiving meal appetizer.   I  must admit they are so yummy,  I want to keep them to myself.    Thanks to her gracious heart,  Mauri shared her special holiday recipe with me this year.   The recipe was originally printed in The Cotton Country Collection Cookbook published by Junior League of Monroe, LA.

Sherried Cranberries

1 C sugar

1 c dry sherry

2 c fresh cranberries

1/2 c. chopped walnuts

Dissolve sugar in sherry over low heat, stirring frequently.  Bring to a boil.  Add cranberries; cook until berries pop, about 8 minutes.

Cool and add walnuts.  Place in jars and refrigerate.

Serve these berries over cream cheese with triskets or your favorite cracker.    These are also delicious served over warm brie.   And if you can manage to save a smidge, we’ve discovered they are  the perfect topping for those day after Christmas ham or turkey sandwiches/ paninis.

For gifts,  I’ve  wrapped or topped each of the  jars in ivory burlap tied with silver ribbons.  I picked up several different prisms and pendants in my local craft store to add a little special sparkle to the presentation for each friend.     If you are looking for the perfect delicious , EASY, and different recipe to share with friends this season,  this makes for a berry special treat.

Merry Christmas, Y’all.

boots

xxoo

One of the centerpieces in any home during the wintery months is the fireplace. Nothing is better than snuggling up to a warm fire with a cup of hot chocolate or a rich Pinot Noir , listening to Bing croon some classic holiday tunes. For years, I embellished my holiday mantle with boxwood, lemons, and green apples. With the dining room taking a departure this year with more sparkle – my mantle did the same. Without the fresh produce this should last well into the new year. I love how it turned out.

I started with two large clear vases I picked up at Target. The hearty snow covered branches I found at Pottery Barn. I loved these sparkling initials that were designed to be stocking tags. How fun to purchase several and create a holiday garland! Found them – at WAL MART for a dollar each! LOVE!

I filled the two vases with glittery snowflakes and several of the ornaments to carry the gold down to eye-level.

Between the two urns, I used this rustic bread tray filled with mercury glass votives. The tray is sentimental to me because it was the last Christmas gift I received from one of my dearest friends. I try to incorporate it every holiday. When something has sentimental value, it always fits.

I found these precious silver glittered birds that echoed the birds that are nestled among the branches.

Among the branches, I scattered a collection of gold and silver ornaments I found at Target and Wal- Mart. The collection includes glass bells, birds, gilded leaves, sunbursts, stars. I also added antique chandelier prisms to scatter light. New prisms can be purchased in the lighting department of any home supply store.

During the day the sparkle in this catches the sunlight. At night, by candlelight and the glow of the christmas tree, this simple arrangement makes for one enchanted evening. Now, let it snow!

Merry Christmas, Y’all.

boots

xxoo

The past few holidays my hustle and bustle kept me from decking the halls to the full extent I enjoy.   This year,  I’m getting a little more in the swing of things.   It feels great to walk past each room and be reminded of the joy of the season.     Here’s a peek at my dining room.

My inspiration this year came from my Great Aunt’s china.   When I called mom to inquire about the “tacky starburst” china.  She was more than happy to pass it along to me.   Don’t you just love this design?    I’ve layered it with a silver charger.    I will be mixing this with casual glassware and my crystal.    I’m in search of mini silver revere bowls to use in the center of each place setting to place a special “firecracker” for my guests.

If you think you spy ice below my charger,  you are kind of correct.    When setting the table this year,  I opted to move a smaller round table and skirt it into my dining room for more intimate dinners.   Over the table skirt,  I placed a piece of glass.  Atop the glass I poured two boxes of Rock salt and smoothed it evenly across the surface.    I placed a starburst engraved mirror I found locally at Clement in Hillcrest  in the center of the table.  On top of this I chose a cluster of mercury glass and clear class votives.   For  a more formal meal,  I will do a small arrangement of  white or green spider mums to echo the starburst effect of the china.   I scattered  gold and silver starburst ornaments across the tabletop.  At night with candles lit,  the light bounces off the minerals on the table giving an ethereal icey glow.

I carried the starbursts over to my buffet.   Aren’t these little ornaments divine?   Would you ever believe I found them at the ever so not glamourous WalMart!!   I wired clusters into a fresh mixed garland.

I mixed in some gold and silver glass ornaments in my favorite creamware terrine.   This is one of my favorite design tricks in the holidays.  Fill any open bowl or urn with these classic, inexpensive balls for a touch of holiday flair for any room.

Put it all together and what do you got?   Voilá!  My simple Christmas buffet garland.

One of the things I love most about this starburst, silver and gold motif is that it will move nicely into the new year.  I will have even longer to enjoy it.    Check back tomorrow for a peek at my mantle as we celebrate a gracious holiday around the house.

Merry Christmas, Ya’ll.

boots

xxoo