HALLOWEEN AGAIN

Here we go again with dress up not only costumes but our homes. Yes, it's Halloween again and here are some fun ideas to be festive as we walk down the calendar to the New Year.

BISHOP ARTS DISTRICT DALLAS, TEXAS

     Went for a lunch date to the Bishop's Art District in Oak Cliff just a few miles outside of downtown Dallas. What a treat we had in store for us. First off we ate at Enos for some wonderful pizza, salad and refreshing drink. The restaurant's Cape Cod and Colorado flare was fabulous. Located at 407 N. Bishop Ave. it was a great start to a fun afternoon.



     After much catching up we walked down the street to an absolutely precious boutique, Cozy Cottage, a children's store, at 336 W. 8th and Bishop Ave. My dear friend purchased fun clothing and Halloween items for her grandson, Nash. I'm sure he will be the most handsome little grandson on the block and the decor will surely add to his fun Halloween celebration.

     I was in for some artistic shopping and stopped off at this wonderful shop that houses 135 local artists. You won't miss a beat as you discover the interesting jewelry and art that is housed for purchased at Artisans Collection at 410 N. Bishop Ave.

You know when you have a fabulous lunch you still need that little kick for a treat. Well, a treat we got when we drove down to Davis Ave for what turned out to be the most fun chocolate shop around. Owned and operated by Andrea Pedraza , CocoAndrè specializes in European style Truffles and custom chocolate molds. Owner and her daughter were delightful as they showed the newest chocolate flavors and molds. Yes, I did purchase the cute cute cute coffin and skeleton molded chocolate w/ opening door. My exquisitely detailed chocolate witch now sits upon my tablescape as if she owns the place. Loved this place and will surely return for many visits.

   

I have always been a sucker for helping others.

To my delight we continued our walk just two or three stops down, before we arrived

at The Rose Garden an upscale consignment shop, located at 841 W. Davis Ave.

Magazine article: Kelly Wiley spends her days endlessly running around, smiling and laughing with customers at her Davis Street resale store, The Rose Garden. The store opened to fund 2000 Roses Foundation, a non-profit agency. The Rose Garden offers everyday items such as clothing and home décor, but it’s not your typical neighborhood thrift store. Wiley’s employees are formerly incarcerated women who are trying to make their way back into society by gaining business experience and skills they need to hold a job, open a bank account or go back to school. Wiley recently expanded her shop to include a sewing shop, where Rose Garden workers learn to make pillows or remake a pair of jeans. “We’ll take clothing from the store and repurpose it into purses and throws,” she say’s. The Rose Garden Training School recently received a $5,000 grant to help with the purchase of sewing machines, computers and lighting and electrical work for the new shop. The clothing made in the shop will be sold at the Rose Garden, as well as other stores and our upcoming online business. All monies received from the sales benefits 2000 Roses Foundation, Inc. Kelley motto: "Helping to empower and educate women to impact the world".

The shop not only has clothing, but home accessories pottery, jewelry and candles
which are also made by the women who benefit from the foundation.
 I loved loved loved that this helped our community. I had the pleasure
of meeting one of the women who created some of the jewelry and other items.
It was wonderful seeing her reaction as I begin to pick items for purchase.
My friend purchased a gorgeous silver coral piece for her daughter's new condo.
I walked  away with some wonderful jewelry items. I now have some of my first
Christmas gifts for the upcoming holiday. And, yes a little something something

for myself which I wore out of the store on my finger. I am awaiting the call

 for my beautiful personalized crystal and silver necklace.

Can I say FABULOUS!!!

Some "GOOD" Old Vandy Soup

I love me some warm soup during the cooler weather. I've got a great recipe just for those days. "Vandy's Soup" given to me by a sweet neighbor one day when I was sick. Yum, you are going to love it!!!

1 lb. hamburger / or turkey meat browned
1 yellow onion and 1 bell pepper saute' together w/ the meat

In a large pot add:

3 cans Ranch Style Pinto Beans
2 small cans chopped green chilies
2 small cans chopped black olives
1 can Rotel tomatoes
1 can Regular chopped tomatoes
1 can corn
1 can water or more if you'd like
Simmer all together for about 30 mins

add:
1 pkg taco seasonings
1 pkg ranch dressing powdered mix
Simmer 20 more mins

Serve with:  Fritos, sour cream, cilantro, grated cheese

Yummmmm, you will love it!!! I made myself hungry now going to make this soup!

Neiman Marcus COOKIE Recipe

Oh my, the holidays are approaching and I am pulling out some recipes to help get through some of the days ahead. Who can resists NM chocolate chip cookies. I know I can't so when you feel like baking why not try the cookie that melts in the mouths of many, even Santa, I bet!

“Neiman Marcus” Cookies


2 cups butter

4 cups flour

2 tsp soda

2 cups sugar

5 cups blended oatmeal

24 oz. chocolate cips

2 cups brown sugar

1 tsp salt

1 8oz. dark chocolate bar, grated

4 eggs

2 tsp baking powder

2 tsp vanilla

3 cups chopped nuts (walnuts or pecans)

Measure oatmeal and then blend in a blender or food processor to a fine powder. Cream the butter and both sugars. Add eggs and vanilla. Mix together with flour, oatmeal, salt, baking powder and soda. Add chocolate chips, shaved chocolate nuts and stir until combined. Roll into balls and place two inches apart on an ungreased cookie sheet or parchment paper lined cookie sheet. Bake for 10 minutes at 375 degrees. Makes between 50-80 cookies.